Runanga: Mining History and Coal Creek Falls

Runanga combines mining history with tracks through forest landscapes leading to Coal Creek Falls. The former Runanga Miners' Hall tells the story of the labour movement; the tracks at Coal Creek offer a natural highlight. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you would like to explore historical connections, take a loop walk to the waterfall, or experience the forest and valley.

Mining history and the labour movement

The former Runanga Miners' Hall is classified as a Category 1 Historic Place. It is one of only two known miners' halls preserved at their original site. Its significance extends beyond its architectural history: the hall is important to the history of the working class, the organised labour movement and the Labour Party in New Zealand. It is also the only hall directly associated with the founding of the Labour Party.

The history also includes the large miners' hall built in Rūnanga in 1908. During the strike, it was the site of numerous meetings. Runanga is therefore notable not only for mining, but also for its meeting culture and organised labour. Those interested in the social and political chapters of New Zealand history will find a tangible connection to these themes here.

Coal Creek: forest, valley and waterfall

The Coal Creek Track descends through mixed beech and podocarp forest into the Coal Creek Valley. The car park is at the end of Ballance Street and is accessible via Seddon Street. The forest and valley give this route a different focus from the Coal Creek Falls Track, which is described as an easy loop walk.

The Coal Creek Falls Track is 3.6 kilometres long, with a walking time of 60 minutes. The approach to the falls passes through lush rainforest. Benches offer views of Coal Creek Falls, and steps lead down to the pool at the base of the waterfall. In the hot summer months, the pool is suitable for swimming. This gives you a sense of how long to allow for the loop, while the waterfall, forest and seasonal swimming experience each shape a different part of the outing.

More experiences in the Grey District

In the wider Grey District destination, Lake Brunner and Moana offer abundant birdlife, wetlands and rainforest ecosystems. From the boat ramp in Moana, you can head out onto Lake Brunner by motorboat, yacht or sightseeing charter. This is a different way to experience the region from visiting the summer pool below Coal Creek Falls.

In the Grey District, Shantytown Heritage Park is in Paroa, 10 kilometres south of Greymouth. Admission includes a ride on one of the three historic passenger trains; check the current admission inclusions before your visit. In the Grey District, the sealed Point Elizabeth Walkway runs along the coast and through bush to a clifftop viewing platform. It is considered suitable for families and children. Check the weather and track conditions before setting out.

Choose a focus for your trip

Shape your search around the experiences you would like to prioritise and the place where you would like to base yourself.

Explore more destinations

Explore more destinations: Atarau, Moana, Rapahoe.

Go to the broader travel overview: Grey District.