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Waiuta has been singled out as a must-see destination by Lonely Planet Oceania editor Jessica Lockhart.
Speaking with Jesse Mulligan on RNZ Afternoons yesterday, Jessica said she often recommends the historic West Coast ghost town to travellers. She described Waiuta as a community that once thrived until a mining disaster in 1950, after which residents left but many original features remained.
She highlighted remnants such as houses, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and the former hospital – now a Department of Conservation hut with full cooking facilities – as reasons the site is appealing. Jessica said Waiuta offered an affordable and accessible holiday spot at the foot of the Paparoa Ranges, calling it “beautiful” and “a piece of New Zealand history.”
Development West Coast marketing and communications manager Aaron Rees says it was a huge endorsement to have Lonely Planet’s Oceania editor highlight Waiuta as her favourite destination in the country.
“Waiuta is a hidden gem with a fascinating history. Having it highlighted by Lonely Planet shows just how unique our region’s experiences are,” says Aaron.
