Kyeburn Diggings: A Gold Rush Legacy
Kyeburn Diggings is at the southern end of Danseys Pass Road, about 16 km from Naseby in Central Otago. Positioned at 600 metres above sea level, it borders the tussock lands of the Kakanui Mountains within the Oteake Conservation Park. This historic location provides an insight into New Zealand's gold rush era, with remnants of its mining past still evident.
A Brief History of Gold and Coal Mining
The gold rush in Kyeburn Diggings began in 1861 when a prospector named Leggat discovered gold in the Kye Burn stream. By 1863, the area around German Creek and Mount Buster, approximately 12 km north, saw a surge of prospectors. The mining town rapidly expanded to accommodate around 2,000 people, including 600 Chinese gold diggers.
As gold resources dwindled, coal mining sustained the town until 1900. However, like many mining towns, it eventually faded away once the resources were exhausted. Today, the historic cemetery, the Danseys Pass Hotel, and mature exotic trees planted by early settlers are among the few remaining traces of the town.
Remnants of the Past
The cemetery, located on the left as Danseys Pass Road enters the foothills of the Kakanui Mountains, serves as a poignant reminder of the hardships faced by early settlers. You can also observe signs of the old diggings along the Kye Burn and nearby German Creek. A decrepit bridge over the Kye Burn near the hotel adds to the historical atmosphere. The most extensive diggings were on Mount Buster, at 1,200 metres, marking the highest gold mining activity in New Zealand.
Exploring the Oteake Conservation Park
The high diggings on Mount Buster are part of the Oteake Conservation Park. They can be accessed via Little Kyeburn Road. From there, follow the 4WD Mount Buster Road and hike nine km, ascending 560 metres to reach Buster Hut and the main diggings. This area offers a fascinating exploration opportunity for those interested in New Zealand's mining history.
How to Get to Kyeburn Diggings
To reach Kyeburn Diggings, take Danseys Pass Road east from Naseby for approximately 16 km.
From Kyeburn Diggings, you can continue on Danseys Pass Road (closed in Winter) over Danseys Pass to the Waitaki region and visit the ancient rock formations at Earthquakes, Island Cliff and Elephant Rocks on the way to Ōamaru or the Mackenzie Country.
Another option is to explore other gold mining features south and west of Naseby, including Macraes and St Bathans.
