Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

Explore the wonders of the old mining town that once was a home to over 4,000 people, now only holding apPROXIMATELY 300.

Written by LOCAL RESIDENT, STELLA RAIN (13 years old)

From a girl who has lived her whole life in Kumara I have heard most of the tails and although some people might call it deserted…

IT IS STILL A town buzzing with curiosity and excitement.

Kumara is hidden between the southern alps and our beautiful rain forest. It isn’t just another old town, its a piece of gold itself which holds more secrets and wonders then anyone could imagine. Look below and find more about where you can explore our native wildlife, and who knows maybe you’ll come back with a story or two about our old “ghost town!”

Bush walks:

taylors Hill (15-20mins)

If you want to feel like you’ve accomplished something or just want some peace to clear your mind, Taylors Hill is just the place for you. After gradually making your way up a mini track you start seeing Kumara from a birds eye view. It’s an easy one for beginners and perfect if you have kids. The track loops around and has stunning views from either side with Kumara on one and our Taramakau River on the other. I recommend doing this track on a bluebirds day or at sunset, either way I seriously recommend it!

Londonderry Rock (6-10mins one way)

A small and easy track that leads to a ginormous rock that younger children will absolutely adore. The rock was found back in the goldrush days and continues to stand proudly for visitors to see. This track is more isolated, and might be a bit harder to find but if you just follow the kanel it will lead you to your destination. Its a well covered up one way walk you’ll have to check out, its very short and easy but I recommend doing it before sunset because the underbush can get dark very quickly.

Glowworms caves (2mins)

This secretive little track is located behind the Theatre Royal Hotel, although it isn’t very long and looks pretty ordinary in the daylight, these abandoned mine shafts are filled with twinkly little stars the take alight in the night. But although the glowworms may take the spotlight, they also share the cave with our big native weta, and bush spider, so you might want to take a torch when exploring these caves at dusk.

Payns track (20mins)

Payns track is an old, what used to be a tramway. It’s a beautiful walkway full of native trees and greenery. This little route makes you feel far away from State Highway 73, and absorbs you into our gorgeous native forest. It’s a simple quick one way in, one way out track that I think you’ll enjoy. I recommend going when it’s sunny, unless you’re a fan of the mud…but in that case I suggest you wait out the storm.

historic baths (5mins)

These historic baths were built back in the 1930s and where actually quite the jaw dropper, for the pool was olympic dimensions and was (at the time) the biggest outdoor pool in New Zealand! It was constructed by abandoned tailings left back in the gold mining days, and although it is now drained from its water and continues to be unused it still stands proudly for visitors to come and admire.

Biking:

West coast wilderness cycle trail

We’re pretty lucky cause here in Kumara we are linked in the cycle trail which either leads north towards Greymouth, or south towards to Cowboys Paradise. Its a smooth up and down well maintained track that a good quantity of people use on a weekly basis. If you have younger kids and just want a change of scenery, then a short trip to the Kumara Chasm Bridge and back is just for you. It’s an all round favourite whether you’re a 5 year old and just came out with your family because apparently there was a big bridge, a 35 year old and training for your next marathon, or a retiree trying to get your steps up for the day. If you feel like more of a challenge go down towards the dam (Kapitea Reservoir), the signs should be pretty clear from then on. These trails are awesome escape routes and I 100% recommend them.