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Key facts
- Distance
- 3.4 km return via same track
- Walking time
- 1 hr return
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Denniston area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Explore Denniston’s rich coalmining heritage on this walk along a historic tramway to Coalbrookdale Mine. It’s great for kids and families.
This DOC directory entry covers Coalbrookdale Walk in West Coast, within Denniston area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 3.4 km return via same track
- Walking time: 1 hr return
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
About the walk
West Coast coalmining heritage
Brick fan house and historic structures
Gravel track with a gentle climb
Coalbrookdale Walk starts at the end of Burnetts Face Road, on the Denniston Plateau, and leads to the historic Coalbrookdale Mine.
The track follows part of Denniston’s historic ‘rope road’ – a tramway that carried coal from Coalbrookdale and nearby mines to the top of the famous Denniston Incline. It passes through a short tunnel with a low ceiling – you might want to bring a torch.
Along the way, you’ll see historic coalmining relics including coal tubs, a haulage winch and bath house. Information panels tell stories of this rugged, once-bustling place.
At the end of the walk, you’ll find New Zealand’s best remaining example of a mine fan house. Built in 1912, the brick fan house provided air to coal miners working underground.
Return to the car park the same way you came.
Getting there
Denniston is a former coalmining town high up on the West Coast’s Denniston Plateau. It’s 26 km (30 min by car) from Westport.
Directions
From Westport, follow SH67 to Waimangaroa. Turn right at the junction with McGill Street and follow the signs to Denniston Historic Coalfield Area.
Continue past the sign at the junction of Conns Creek Road indicating the bottom of Denniston Bridle Track. It’s another 8 km from here up a steep and winding sealed road to the top of the Denniston Incline.
At the junction with Boswell Street, turn left for the main Denniston car park, which has wayfinding information and provides access to the incline and Denniston Brakehead Walk.
For Coalbrookdale Walkway, turn right and follow the signs to Coalbrookdale (10 min by car). Soon after you turn left at Burnetts Face Road, the sealed road becomes gravel.
You can park at the main Burnetts Face parking area and walk 400 m to the start of Coalbrookdale Walk, or on the gravel shoulder by the track entrance.
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Know before you go
Safety and hazards
Historic structures: Denniston is a heritage area with historic structures and closed mines. Follow all safety signs, keep children close and watch your step.
When to go
Denniston Plateau is a subalpine environment with rapidly changing weather. It can be cold and wet at any time of year and is often foggy, even when it’s fine on the coast.
Check the weather forecast before you go, and be prepared.
View weather forecast
Be prepared
What to take
Bring a torch to help you navigate the short tunnel.
Short Walks gear list
Care for nature
No rubbish bins are provided. Take your rubbish with you.
Gold fossicking is only permitted in designated areas.
Protecting nature in Aotearoa
Gold fossicking areas and rules
No mountain biking
Mountain bikes are not permitted on Coalbrookdale Walk.
For mountain biking nearby, see Denniston Plateau mountain biking tracks.
History and culture
Denniston coalmining heritage
For many decades, Denniston was New Zealand's largest producing coal mining area. This wild and remote township was once bursting with life and pioneering spirit.
Today, Denniston is a Category 1 Historic Place and Tohu Whenua heritage site. Remains of homes, buildings and industrial structures are an evocative reminder of life on ‘The Hill’.
Denniston’s history
Denniston Mine – Tohu Whenua
Coalbrookdale Mine
The Coalbrookdale mine operated from 1891 to 1944.
The high quality of Coalbrookdale coal made it sought after around the world.
In 1889, the British steam-powered warship HMS Calliope was the only vessel to escape a disastrous hurricane in Sāmoa thanks to its use of Coalbrookdale coal.
As a result, Coalbrookdale coal became even more popular. The Royal Navy used it to supply its vessels around the world.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.
