Outwest Tours currently is the exclusive operator of tours through Solid Energy’s Stockton Mine site on the Stockton Plateau. Departing from Westport, this tour passes through Waimangeroa, Birchfield, Granity and the ghost town of Stockton before ascending to the Plateau, delivering an off-road adventure along the way. Stockton Mine is the largest coal producing mine in New Zealand averaging, 8,000 tons per 24-hour shift.

Here, visitors will first visit the miners’ bathhouse and learn about the life of a miner. Next, they get the chance to view some of the loading and blending processes that Stockton coal undergoes prior to its journey to international markets.

Mining techniques such as removal of topsoil, blasting, removal of overburden and, very importantly, rehabilitation can be viewed and are explained.

Visitors then enjoy a picnic on the ridgeline, with stunning views of the coastline and the Tasman Sea to the west and the Southern Alps to the east, before descending from the Plateau and visiting the aerial ropeway which takes the coal down to the holding facilities at Ngakawau.

The tour returns to Westport about 3:30pm – 4:00pm. For optimal safety, it is weather dependant and visitors should always make alternate plans in case of cancellation.

Safety gear is supplied. Visitors should bring:

• Picnic lunch (no alcohol)
• Sturdy footwear (no sandals, jandals or exposed feet)

When you visit Stockton Mine you must:

• Tell us if you have a medical condition that may require attention. As this tour covers rough off-road terrain we reserve the right to refuse bookings if you have certain medical conditions.
• You will be refused entry to the site if you are impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• You must wear the protective clothing provided at all times when outside the bus: high visibility safety vest, safety glasses, and a hard hat. You must wear long sleeved garments and trousers when outside the bus (or alternatively, a long skirt preventing skin exposure is acceptable for Outwest Tour visitors). This also minimises the risk of cuts and grazes.
• Dress for the weather which can be very variable - from hot and sunny to cold and wet with poor visibility within a very short time.

Cost:

• Adults $10
• Children $5
• School groups Free

School trips to Stockton Mine are FREE!
Solid Energy is proud to support Outwest Tours and help New Zealand school children to experience a modern mine in action. The Stockton Tour takes pupils through one of New Zealand’s largest opencast mines and delivers an educational experience in a region with a rich primary industry heritage. The tour is run by experienced tour operators who are former miners, and delivers sound information on historic and modern mining, rehabilitation and environmental practices. It’s an ideal educational field trip for pupils aged about nine years or more, and their teachers.

Outwest Tours’ special vehicles can carry up to 37 passengers. Bookings are essential. Please keep in mind that the changeable weather on the Stockton Plateau may have an impact on tour times and cancellations are possible. It is always advisable to have alternative activities arranged for the group, as a back-up.

To learn more about Outwest Tours and other West Coast adventures, freephone 0800 OUTWEST (0800 688 9378)

To learn more about Solid Energy, coal and mining, visit www.coalnz.com

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