COALTOWN MUSEUM Displays the history of the Buller Region

 

The European history and economic strength of the West Coast have been built upon its natural resources: timber, water, beautiful scenery and most importantly, minerals. Coal and gold have etched an indelible legacy based the romantic lure of fortune and the hardships of the pioneers. All who visit the Coast can learn the story at the Coaltown Museum.

Donated to the community in 1971, the museum is housed in a building which first saw use as a brewery. An outpouring of support, contributions and labours of love resulted in the first complete stage of the museum opening in 1977. Two further stages have been added and the collection continues to grow.

Coaltown is a community's safe repository for its historic artifacts, laying open to public view a record of the past lives, work successes and pain of a resillient people in a remarkable landscape.

  • Modernised floodlit, carpeted building. All exhibits under one roof

  • Aviation and transport displays.

  • Equipment from pioneering sawmills and Post Offices.

  • Exhibition of early Brewery equipment.

  • Toilet facilities - ample safe parking

  • Two seperate film viewing areas covering coal, timber, gold and minerals. Also scenic the attractions of the West Coast from Haast to Karamea.

  • A true-to-life coalmine complete with 'sound effects' from actual underground mines - truly exciting!

  • The most advanced audio visual presentations on the West Coast

  • See the spectacular suspended coal wagon & the 20ton Denniston Coalmine incline brakedrum

  • Massive triple expansion dredge engine from the S.S. Mawhera actually operating, with ships bridge equipment.

  • Fantastic photographic display on early sailing & steam ships. Also of wrecks around the Westport Harbour.

  • Outstanding mineral display incorporating ultra violet lighting - one of the best housed in New Zealand museums

  • Amazing photographic display of both the 1929 & 1968 West Coast earthquakes.

  • Photographic display of uranium & mineral exploration using helicopters in the Buller region from the 1950's to the 1990's.

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