The Point Elizabeth Track is an old water race built by 19th-century miners to sluice their gold claims. It’s now one of the most popular walking tracks on the West Coast and it’s suitable for families with children.
There are two starting points, one at Cobden’s North Beach, five minutes from Greymouth and the other at Rapahoe Beach, 10 minutes from Greymouth.
At the northern end of Rapahoe Beach there has been a landslip but it is still accessible. That is the power of mother nature for you.
There is an unusual diverse species of sub-tropical coastal rain forest, one of the last of its kind this far south of New Zealand. Nikau palms, mamaku (black tree ferns), kawakawa and kiekie share this forest with some of New Zealand’s larger native podocarps such as rimu and kahikatea.
Visitors may also be able to view Hector’s dolphins or New Zealand fur seals from the clifftop lookout.
It is an excellent walk track, relatively flat and not too far to walk. The track follows an old water race built by 19th century miners to sluice their gold claims. Much of the track formation also dates from this era, including deep cuttings that would have required considerable effort with pick and shovel.
That reminds me of the Levi’s story. During the Californian Gold Rush, two men wanted to cash in on the action. They invented the riveted-pocket work pants we know as “Levi jeans” today, and also sold picks and shovels.
What they did not do is… pan for gold. When panning for gold, you have a slim chance for a huge payoff. Most miners went home empty handed, with nothing to show for all their hard efforts.
Except for us, the lucky hiker / tourist, who are now the beneficiaries of this beautiful walk track. The views are magnificent, stunning scenary and well...
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