Reefton, on the Lewis Pass road and near Victoria Conservation Park (NZ's largest), is well worth a stop and its claim to fame is an illuminating one – in 1888 it was the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric streetlights!










About
The small town of Reefton is a place for everyone to enjoy - be it for a day or two, a week or a place to call home.
Reefton is a small town on New Zealand's West Coast region, some 80 km northeast of Greymouth, in the valley of the Inangahua River.
State Highway 7 passes through the southern part of the town, and State Highway 69 runs north to connect to State Highway 6.
Ahaura is 44 km south-west of Reefton, Inangahua Junction is 34 km to the north, Maruia is 63 km to the east, and the Lewis Pass is 66 km to the south-east.
Mining in Reefton
The mining town of Reefton is sited on river flats where the Īnangahua River leaves its narrow gorge through the Victoria Range.
Originally a gold-mining town, it became a centre for coal mining in the 20th century. In 2008 gold mining is again dominant, with a large opencast pit opened by Oceana Gold.
Reefton's gold rush in the 1860's helped to establish a rich heritage.
As well as being the first to have a public supply of electricity, the town was the first to switch on an electric street lighting system in the Southern Hemisphere.
Many of the heritage buildings have been restored and offer an insight to the past as well as providing a range of accommodation, places to eat and shop.
Teamed with all the charm and character that Reefton has to offer, you will find a range of unique activities and attractions that help to make Reefton an iconic destination.
Reefton is a Tohu Whenua landmark
Weather in Reefton
- Check the weather in Reefton on Metservice.com
Location
Reefton, New ZealandRelated listings
The Broadway Tearooms & Bakery
Call into our historic cafe and bakery, the locals have since 1874 - for great coffee, great food, great service.
Learn moreDawson's Hotel at Reefton
Explore the wonders of Reefton’s surrounds while you stay at Dawson's, the locals’ preferred accommodation.
Learn moreReef Cottage B&B and cafe
Historic Lawyers Offices - circa 1887 transformed into high quality accommodation with ensuite rooms ( Qualmark 4.5 / 5 stars ).
Learn moreDawson's Hotel at Reefton
Explore the wonders of Reefton’s surrounds while you stay at Dawson's, the locals’ preferred accommodation.
Learn moreBellbird Motels
Seven ground floor apartment style self-contained one and two bedroom units. Located in the heart of Reefton.
Learn moreLantern Court Motel
Central location on the banks of the Inangahua River, close to restaurants and shops. A great base to explore fascinating Reefton. Visit Victoria Conservation park, go trout fishing, gold panning or take a bush walk.
Learn moreGo Tracks
Go Tracks is a Mountain Bike shuttle service for West Coast New Zealand tracks based in Reefton. We offer shuttle services for The Old Ghost Road and The Paparoa Track.
Learn more