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Iona Mine Path

Walking time 15 mins

Walking steps 520 steps

Distance 400 m

Starts at 231-303 Blind Bay Road, Great Barrier Island

Get directions on Google Maps

About the path

A short track to an old mine shaft from the gold and silver mining days.

This will be 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 and the southern end of Blind Bay Recreation Reserve.

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 Beach (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.

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