Walking time 15 mins
Walking steps 520 steps
Distance 400 m
Iona Mine Path - There is a small parking space at the start of the path
Iona Mine Path - The gravel path meanders down the hill through regenerating forest
Iona Mine Path - The stream crossing near the mine entrance
Iona Mine Path - Stop and enjoy the shaded stream. There is a small swimming hole further upstream as well.
Iona Mine Path - The interpretive sign explains all about the mining history of the area
Iona Mine Path - The first miners of the Okupu area were the Sanderson brothers.
Iona Mine Path - You can enter a little way into the audit (mine shaft)
Iona Mine Path - Make sure you look up and check out the resident cave wētā – but please don’t touch!
Show path map
Starts at 231-303 Blind Bay Road, Great Barrier Island
Get directions on Google Maps
A short track to an old mine shaft from the gold and silver mining days. A great little adventure for the whole family, with beautiful bush littered with great boulders, a gorgeous rocky forest stream and information about the mining history of the Okupu and Te Ahumata area.
Park the car near the entrance of the track along Blind Bay Road. Head down the meandering track, cross the stream and turn right to the interpretive sign, with its ingenious frame made by local craftsman Manuka Davenport. You can’t miss the audit (mine shaft) – walk in, up to the gate, and check the ceiling for cave wētā! They like to hang out there in the damp and darkness, feeling for insects. After your visit, just turn back up to the road. And don’t forget to continue on to Okupu (Blind Bay) – a lovely quiet beach with some of the largest pōhutukawa on the island.
A great short walk on a hot summer’s day.
Walking 30 mins
Cycling 10 mins
Distance 1000 m
Walking 45 mins
Walking 90 mins
Distance 3.8 km
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