Reefton Historic Power Station
In 1888, the gold mining town of Reefton on the West Coast of the South Island became a world leader in technology. It was the first town in New Zealand, and the entire Southern Hemisphere, to switch on public electricity. You can still explore the Reefton historic power station site today. A riverside walk leads you past foundations, turbine pits, and the birthplace of the country’s electric era.
Demo Lights to a Town Switched On
Reefton’s transformation began in 1886 when local entrepreneur Walter Prince organised a small demonstration using electric lights in several hotels. The community quickly rallied behind the idea and formed the Reefton Electric Light and Power Company. With the fast‑flowing Inangahua River on their doorstep, they designed a hydroelectric scheme, driven by a waterace connected to the Inangahua River, to supply power across the town.
On 4 August 1888, Reefton switched on, powered by a water turbine. At a time when many cities globally still relied on gas or candles, this small mining town stood out as a beacon of modern innovation. Known as “the town of light”, Reefton had streetlights, wired homes, and even a few electric appliances decades ahead of much larger centres.
Upgrades and engineering heritage
The power station was upgraded several times. New turbines and steam generators were added in the early 1900s, and a larger powerhouse was constructed in 1911. By the 1930s, the system could handle both domestic use and local mining and industry. In 1949, when Reefton was connected to the national grid, the power station was shut down.
Restored heritage on the Inangahua River
Although the powerhouse was demolished in 1961, much of the site’s structure remains. Concrete turbine pits, the penstock foundations, and original switchgear mounts can still be seen along a short heritage walk that follows the Inangahua riverbank. Interpretive panels and restored features explain the station’s story. The Reefton Powerhouse Charitable Trust plans to restore the building and a turbine to the site.
How to get there
From Reefton, cross the State Highway 7 bridge over the Inangahua River, then turn immediately east onto Rosstown Road. Drive to the end of the road, then walk about 200 metres to the site. You can also walk there by crossing the swingbridge at the east end of the town, then following the track west along the riverside.
Nearby places to visit include Blacks Point at the entrance to the Victoria Forest Park, the Murray Creek Track and the Energetic Mine site in the park.
