Waihi, the gold mining town

The town of Waihi (about 10 km's from Waihi Beach) was put on the map when gold was discovered in 1878.  Mining is still going on at Martha Mine there today, although it is winding down, and Waihi is getting ready to transition to other industries.

I think if you expand this picture, you will see Waihi's plans for the future

Martha Mine!!  It was named after the favorite niece of the mine owner.  Bryan's father worked at the mine as a young man.  It's truly a vast area - the trucks there look like Matchbox toys - not even Tonkas!

Outside Martha Mine

John

This is the Cornish Pumphouse, which was used to wash the ore and uncover the gold.  It was built in 1904, and moved to the present site in 2006.  This is a HUGE concrete structure and I can't imagine it being moved!

The Cornish pumphouse

As you know, roundabouts are common in New Zealand.  While I don't find them as scary as I once did, they are still daunting!  This roundabout is covered with the steel balls used in the Martha Mine

Roundabout!

John took this shot of Lee, emptying rocks out of his shoes!  He loves his Keen's, and they are very comfortable, but they always pick up small rocks!

Bronze children!  Not sure what they are doing, but I joined in!