Introducing Waihi
Waihi isn’t a complete hole, but it’s in danger of becoming one. This isn’t meant in the derogatory sense. Where most towns have hole-in-the-wall ATMs for people to access their riches, Waihi’s main street has a giant open-cast gold mine. They’ve been dragging gold and silver out of Martha Mine, NZ’s richest, since 1878. The town formed quickly and blinged itself up with grand buildings and a show-offy avenue of phoenix palms, now magnificently mature.
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After closing down in 1952, open-cast mining restarted in 1988. The mine is still productive, but only just – it takes a tonne of rock to yield 3g to 6g of gold. It’s expected to run out soon, and when it does, plans are afoot to convert the town’s gaping wound into a major tourist attraction.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Direct flights between China and New Zealand,
by manchurianexile 11 April 2011
I mean that's the way it is spelt on the China Southern/C-trip site. Growing up in Waihi did, at least, teach me how to spell Jafa-land!…
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Just got back for North Island Tour
by meandbobby 05 March 2011
My boyfriend and I just back from a north Island tour of New Zealand. We rented a camper van from Adventure Vans in Auckland. This company…
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RE: New Zealands secret spots
by travelling_mike 22 November 2010
Not sure if you are into horses, but they have an annual raceday along Castlepoint beach which is a good reason to make the effort to…
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