Reefton
Reefton | |
|---|---|
Broadway | |
| Coordinates: 42°6′55″S 171°51′47″E / 42.11528°S 171.86306°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | West Coast |
| District | Buller District |
| Ward | Inangahua Ward |
| Community | Inangahua Community |
| Electorates | |
| Government | |
| • Territorial authority | Buller District Council |
| • Regional council | West Coast Regional Council |
| • Mayor of Buller | Jamie Cleine |
| • West Coast-Tasman MP | Maureen Pugh |
| • Te Tai Tonga MP | Tākuta Ferris |
| Area | |
• Total | 2.63 km2 (1.02 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2024) | |
• Total | 980 |
| • Density | 370/km2 (970/sq mi) |
Reefton is a small town in the West Coast region of New Zealand, approximately 80 km (50 mi) northeast of Greymouth, in the Inangahua River valley. Ahaura is 44 km (27 mi) south-west of Reefton, Inangahua Junction is 34 km (21 mi) to the north, Maruia is 63 km (39 mi) to the east, and the Lewis Pass is 66 km (41 mi) to the south-east.
In 1888, it was the first town in New Zealand to be lit by electricity, generated by the Reefton Power Station. Reefton was a thriving gold mining town in the late 19th century, and gold mining lasted from the 1870s to the 1950s. Its economy is based on tourism, forestry, coal mining, and farming.
Reefton is home to the Inangahua County Library.