New businesses and fresh energy in the town of light

A hotel reborn

Husband and wife team Carol and Adrian Hunting took over the historic Wilson’s Hotel in Reefton last year, moving from Christchurch in search of a project and a place with heart.

“I was looking for a project, a place that needed a bit of work, where I could bring out the character of an old building, modernise it, and make it a thriving business,” Carol said.

They have since rebranded it as Nourish Reefton, a name that reflects their vision of creating a place that feeds both body and spirit.

“We want people to come in here and have a good time and go away feeling replenished.”

Originally from Glasgow, she says Reefton feels more like home than anywhere else she has lived in New Zealand.

“It’s the people. It's the nicest, friendliest, warmest place that you could live.”

That warmth and openness are what have stood out most. Locals are quick to help, she says: “You can ask a stranger a question in the pub, and they’ll happily help. We’ve seen visitors join tables with locals and end up having an amazing night together.”

She recalls a recent evening when a couple from Twizel met one of our locals from Black’s Point, who’s lived a fascinating life: “They said it was better entertainment than you could have arranged, and he loved sharing his stories. That’s what makes this place special: the kindness of the people, the sense of community, and the richness of the characters who live here.”

The supportive business community has been another surprise. “We don't have a bank here, so if somebody is going to the bank, they'll put a notice on the change group saying I'm going to the bank. Does anyone need change? It might be a small thing, but you feel really helped and supported,” Carol said.

Carol Hunting, Nourish Reefton and Wilson's Hotel

A space for wellbeing

That spirit of collaboration has helped newcomers like Rachel Price, who moved from Kaikoura and opened the West Coast Wellness Centre six months ago.

“I created the space as a safe, sanctuary spa environment for people to come and let go,” she said. Her services range from massage and detox therapies to Reiki, and energy.

“As a new business owner, everyone wants to see you succeed, that support has meant so much to me.”

Rachel says the surrounding landscape has been a constant source of inspiration.

“I’ve always loved nature. The hiking, the bike trails, the fishing and hunting (even though I’m not a hunter), all of it is right here on your back doorstep. And of course, the beautiful bush and swimming holes. I spend most of my time in summer diving into deep, deep rivers and waterholes and exploring new spots. Within a week, you’ll find a new place you haven’t seen before. It’s perfect for exploring.”

For her, the best part of living on the Coast is the sense of belonging, feeling completely at home rather than a stranger in her own country. She says, Reefton feels like “old New Zealand, which is so refreshing.”

“The people here have kept that real Kiwi nurturing, really down-to-earth, number 8 wire mentality which I love so much and grew up with.”

West Coast Wellness Centre, Reefton

Māori art on the main street

That same spirit of connection and creativity is also at the heart of Koa, a Māori art gallery and collective space run by Tessa Hunting and Tony Manuel. The gallery opened in May 2025 bringing a new cultural dimension to Reefton’s main street.

“It’s about sharing our roots and sharing our knowledge that’s been shared with us. It’s about keeping it alive,” said Tessa, who practices raranga (traditional Māori weaving), with her work often inspired by the taiao (natural environment).

Tony, an artist and painter who also does whakairo (carving), is a former teacher. For him, Koa is about showing the breadth and diversity of Māori art: “There aren’t many carvers or weavers around anymore, so we want to create a space where others can try it too, if they want to,” he said.

He adds that too often Māori art is seen as one-dimensional. “There are so many different materials, techniques, and styles Māori artists can use. That’s what we’re trying to show through the gallery.”

For Tessa and Tony, it’s not just about showcasing art, but keeping traditions alive, and creating space for others to be part of it.

Tess Hunting and Tony Manuel

Economic resurgence

Beyond the individual stories, Reefton itself is experiencing a strong resurgence. According to the 2023 Census, Reefton’s population has also risen to 1,026 people, up from 927 in 2018.

The latest available data from Infometrics shows the town’s economy grew 9.1% in 2024, far outpacing New Zealand as a whole during that period (1.4%). That growth is set to accelerate further with the coming mining boom.

Reefton’s economy has a diverse structure. In March 2024, accommodation, food services, and retail collectively accounted for 35.5% of the town’s GDP, while mining accounted for 29.7%.

With major new projects now underway, those figures are already shifting — and mining’s contribution to the local economy is set to grow significantly in the years ahead. Endura Mining currently employs more than 80 staff and 25 contractors at its Snowy River goldmine near Reefton. The company is now constructing a gold processing plant that will require up to 180 contractors during the build, and its permanent workforce is expected to climb to 250 when the mine’s production phase begins in December 2026.

At the same time, Rua Gold is advancing exploration projects around Reefton, targeting both gold and antimony, a critical mineral in growing global demand. It is estimated that around 5% of the world’s known supply of antimony lies in the Reefton area, highlighting the scale of the untapped potential still beneath the town’s historic goldfields.

Development West Coast chief executive Heath Milne said mining in the region is not only a game changer for Reefton, but also for the wider West Coast and for New Zealand.

“These projects will help boost export receipts for the country, while creating hundreds of well-paid jobs locally. It’s a huge opportunity to strengthen both the regional and national economy,” he said.

He added that the momentum in Reefton goes well beyond mining. “The new wave of small businesses opening up around town is bringing jobs, investment, and fresh confidence about the future.”

Milne also pointed to Reefton Distilling Co. as proof of how local businesses are making their mark internationally. “They’ve taken Reefton’s history and sense of place and built it into a ‘product that’s winning international awards. It shows the town’s strengths aren’t just underground in gold, but also above ground in what our entrepreneurs are creating.”

Heath Milne at Reefton Distilling Co.

Community and creativity

Beyond the numbers, what stands out to Reefton’s new business owners is not just the economic outlook, but the community that makes it all possible.

“Some of the coolest people I’ve met here are diamonds in the rough, true characters, and have so much to share, so much wisdom and support,” Rachel said.

Tony summed it up simply: “The place has a really good buzz on the main street. New people, new energy.”