Outwest Tours currently is the exclusive operator of tours through Solid Energy’s Stockton Opencast Mine site on the Stockton Plateau. Departing from Westport, this tour passes through several small towns and climbs 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.

Visitors learn about the life of a miner and some of the mining processes such as removal of topsoil, blasting, removal of overburden and, very importantly, site rehabilitation after mining is completed.

You then enjoy your picnic lunch on a ridgeline with stunning views of 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 rail loading facility at Ngakawau. The tour returns to Westport at about 3:30pm - 4pm.

Visitors must have:

• Clothing which covers arms and legs, and sturdy footwear (no sandals, jandals or exposed feet). Safety gear, including hard hats and high-visibility vests are provided and must be worn.

Visitors must bring:

• Picnic lunch (please note that alcohol is not allowed on the Stockton Mine site)

Duration: 5-6 hours, starting at 10am

Cost: Adults $15, Children $5.

Children must be at least three years old and under-14s must be accompanied by an adult

School groups: FREE

The proceeds of these tours are donated to Buller groups and projects.

Information centres may charge a booking fee

Please note:

• Stockton’s Stockton Opencast Mine site on the Stockton Plateau. Departing from Westport, this tour passes througs weather is variable. It can move from hot and sunny to cold and wet with poor visibility within a very short time, so please dress for a range of conditions.
• For your safety, these tours are weather-dependant which means they may be cancelled at short notice. It makes sense for visitors to have an alternative plan in mind in case of cancellation.
• Please 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.

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 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

A historic guided tour exploring the coalmining towns on the Denniston Plateau.
It includes a visit to the "Friends of the Hill" Museum, visiting the mining settlements of Burnett's Face and Coalbrookdale, the "Burning Mine' site and reaching out for the clouds at the summit of Mt. Rochfort at 3,600 feet.

The Mackley tour travels up to Denniston, through the Mackley River, to the Upper Buller Gorge and back again. Be prepared for rugged landscapes and a number of river crossings – all in the comfort of one of Out West Tour’s special vehicles. This trip offers spectacular scenery, and rugged terrain featuring fast-flowing rivers, deep gorges and many waterfalls. It’s an exciting, full-day journey into genuine wilderness. Lunch provided.