Aorere Goldfields Track
Collingwood
Devils Boots Road, Collingwood 7073
The 3-hour loop walk in the Aorere Valley explores some of the area's more accessible gold-mining remnants, including the Slate River Sluicing Company Dam (Druggans Dam) and the Aorere Caves.
The track follows Stantons Creek onto the pathway of the original benched miners' track, water race, and tunnel before reaching Stafford Cave, one of two iconic caves in the Aorere Valley. The other cave (Ballroom Cave) is accessible via a side track and is believed to have been a dance venue for miners back in the day. As you continue on to Druggans Dam, you’ll experience panoramic views of the Wakamarama Ranges, Ruataniwha Inlet, and Farewell Spit.
As the name suggests, Golden Bay was once a gold rush town, and the Aorere Goldfields Track will take you back to those days.
How to get there: A signpost on the side of the main road between Collingwood and Aorere Valley indicates the turn-off to Devils’ Boots and the Aorere Goldfields Track.
Contact details
Address: Devils Boots Road, Collingwood 7073