The Experience

Take a guided bus trip from Westport, winding your way up the hill to the Denniston Plateau, 600 metres above sea level.Enjoy a guided walk of the 'engineering marvel' of the Denniston Incline brake head. Make your way by train along the remote Banbury rope road and backwards into the swirling mists of time. Soon you`ll be plunged into the darkness of the Banbury historic mine where the only light will be from your head lamp. Exploring the passages of this 1880s mine, your guide will recount the tales of hardship and achievement of the early miners who worked there. Turn your torches off and listen to the mine talking... you may even meet the Banbury Ghost! Relax while you cook your barbecue dinner overlooking the spectacular Waimangaroa Gorge. Watch the sun set from the Denniston Plateau as you are returned to your accommodation.

A barbecue is provided for your use.

Booking/Departure Details

• Duration: 4.5 hours 

• Departs: Summer Time Only. This tour is not available at present.

  Tour times will vary according to sunset.  

  Minimum numbers are required to run a tour. 

• Price: Adult $125   Seniors $100   Child $95. 

• Bring your own food and drinks, or pre-order a food package at extra cost.

• To make a booking phone 0800 881 880.

   Advance bookings are essential for this tour

Physical Ability

Visitors must be able to walk unassisted for 1/2 hour, some of which is graded. Minimum age is 5 years and all children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

What To Bring

The weather at Denniston is sub-alpine and can change quickly, so please bring:

• Sturdy footwear (walking/running shoes are adequate)

• Clothes comfortable for walking in

• An extra layer of warm clothes

• Camera

• Any medication you require

• Food and drink for your barbecue
• Plates and utensils

Clients will be provided with helmet, headlamp and a waterproof jacket.

Book now  or phone 0800 881 880 

Mine Safety

Highlights Include

• Return bus trip to and from Westport

• A guided visit to the Denniston Brake Head

• Views of the Denniston Incline, the "Eighth Wonder of the World"

• A rail journey along the old rope road to the Banbury Mine

• Tagging in and out of the coal mine

• Interactive activities and playing the role of a miner

• Learning of the myths and legends of the early coal mining culture
• Cook your barbecue dinner overlooking the spectacular Waimangaroa Gorge

• Sunset on the high plateau

"Tourism West Coast is very excited with the development that has taken place at the Denniston Mine Site. It is a fantastic opportunity for the visitors to the Buller District to experience what life was like for those who were involved in the coal mining industry at Denniston. The Department of Conservation should be congratulated on their efforts to "bring back to life" this amazing place. This experience will add real value to the tourism sector on the West Coast and will be a major draw card for both international and domestic visitors."