Reefton offers a diverse range of activities for visitors. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Victoria Conservation Park with its scenic bush walks and historic mining sites, or enjoy trout fishing in the famous Inangahua River. Thrill-seekers can take on white-water rafting or kayaking in the surrounding rivers, and 4WD adventurers can tackle the challenging tracks in the hills. For mountain bikers, Reefton is the perfect base for exploring The Old Ghost Road, an 80km trail through rugged landscapes. The town itself boasts heritage buildings, local cafés, and galleries, providing a relaxing way to experience its rich history and culture.
The Old Ghost Road
A long-forgotten gold miners' road has been revived as a mountain biking and tramping trail – connecting the old dray road in the Lyell (Upper Buller Gorge) to the mighty Mokihinui River in the north. The 85km-long Old Ghost Road traverses majestic native forest, open tussock tops, river flats and forgotten valleys.
Victoria Conservation Park
Victoria Conservation Park is New Zealand's largest conservation park. It covers a vast area of 180,000 hectares centred on the Victoria and Brunner Ranges with the Inangahua, Maruia and Grey Rivers making their way through the landscape as they flow to the coast. Diverse and rich beech forest covers most of the landscape.
Trout Fishing
Within a 40 minute drive from Reefton there are twelve different river systems to choose from. The Inangahua River running along the back of town is easily accessable, it is a medium to large flowing river and has a good population of small to medium wild brown trout. North of Reefton the Waitahu is a low to medium flowing shallow river and Larry's Creek is known for its trophy brown trout.
Gold Panning
You have two options if you want to pan for gold in Reefton; the first is self-guided at Slab Hut Creek and the second is to head down to the Bearded Miners where flakes of gold are 'guaranteed' to be found. If you choose the self-guided option pans can be hired at the Reefton Visitor Centre. Pick up a gold panning brochure, some local tips, and then head 10km south to the camping area Slab Hut Creek and try your luck.
Rafting
What better way to experience the Coast in all its glory than down one of our pristine and wild rivers? The Grey River near Reefton is a well-regarded for white water activities. There is a range of trips to suit all ages with enough action to get your white water fix.
Blacks Point Museum
Approximately 2km east from Reefton in the historic settlement of Blacks Point. The Blacks Point Museum holds an extensive and eclectic collection of artifacts and records outlining the people and industries of the area. Their operational quartz stamper battery is a must-see experience.