Brunner Mine Site
This is one of New Zealand's earliest coal mines, first discovered by Thomas Brunner in 1848. The first commercial mine opened in 1864, coal production reached a peak in 1901 then declined rapidly and ceased in 1942. Brunner was also the site of New Zealand's worst mining disaster in 1896 when 65 miners were killed. A monument to those miners now stands beside the road on the north bank of the site and their mass grave is located at Stillwater, a few kilometres up the valley on SH7.
Coke and bricks were made here as ancilliary industries to coal extraction. The beehive coke ovens are a rare and impressive sight. Other features are a suspension bridge, mine chimney and mine entrances. The site is extensively interpreted with information panels on both sides of the river.
Contact Details
PO Box 4403, Christchurch
64-9-377 3996
thamesschoolofmines@historic.org.nz
www.historic.org.nz/places2visit/places2visit_coromandel.html
Visitor Information
Grey Valley, near Dobson, 11 km from Greymouth
From 1 March - 18 December open 11am - 3pm 19 December to 26 February 10am to 4pm daily
Free
Facilities
Parking
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