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A new network of Department of Conservation tracks, showcasing recent mining heritage, opened on the West Coast on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in time for the school holidays.
The new public recreation area includes 22 kilometres of tracks within part of the previously closed and rehabilitated OceanaGold Globe Progress mine site, just outside Reefton.
The Globe Hill Track and Globe Progress Mine tracks and visitor facilities — including a shelter, interpretation panels telling the story of the site, and toilets — were developed by OceanaGold after almost 10 years working the area in search of gold. They provide a distinctive experience where people can get into nature and learn about the area’s recent mining heritage, says Department of Conservation Greymouth district operations manager Chris Hickford.
“This area offers a unique look at the mine site rehabilitation following mining activity. It is a great addition to the already popular visitor experiences Reefton offers and will attract people to the area.
“The tracks have been built to deliver great opportunities for walkers and bikers to get naturing. The track to Globe Progress starts on the outskirts of Reefton, benefiting visitors and the local community who can enjoy this new recreation asset right on their doorstep,” says Chris.
OceanaGold senior vice president New Zealand legal and public affairs Alison Paul says the company is pleased with the end result.
“The tracks are the result of extensive work with DOC and iwi. It is a great addition to the local track network, as well as opening up the rehabilitated mine site to the public,” says Alison.
Part of OceanaGold’s agreement with DOC to access the area required the company to restore the site once operations concluded in 2016. As well as removing mine infrastructure and landscaping, the area has been extensively replanted with plants grown from seed taken from the area.
OceanaGold continues to work on mine remediation and water treatment at the site while necessary, including maintaining and using the otherwise closed access road while this work is underway.
Visit DOC’s website to find out more about the Globe Progress Mine tracks.
