The Millerton Incline
The Westport Coal Company built the Millerton Incline in 1891 and the Millerton Mine began production in 1896. Mining at Millerton ended in the late 1960s.
The Millerton Incline was a narrow gauge (2 ft) incline consisting of two parallel tracks on which the coal tubs ran, being hauled by rope. Remnants of tracks, trucks, bath house and other installations are still visible.
The Millerton Incline was in its day quite a feat of engineering and the remains of this incline and its infrastructure are more accessible then those of the more famous Denniston incline. It was used to convey tubs of coal from the mines around the Millerton area to the Bins at Granity, which in their day were the largest coal loading bins of wooden construction in NZ. The Bins are long Gone, but the incline remains and is well worth a look.
Rusty Water Pipe along Millerton Incline
The approach to the bottom of the Incline is past the cokes ovens, local info center and museum. Coming from Westport follow the signs "museum" just before crossing the railway tracks at Granity. Due to lack of volunteers it now only opens on request.
Over time earth quakes and rain have done a lot of damage and a small notice at the start of the track notes bridge damage and using the track at your own risk. Although not suitable for small children the terrain rating reflects what to expect. Initially the track follows the same path as water does after heavy rain and gives a rocky, stable footing. A section of perfect concrete steps is followed by a narrow muddy track which then meets up with the Incline. The sleepers still in evidence almost make it a corduroyed track from here. Shortly after negotiating a fallen tree a section of block work becomes evident. The Cornish masons sure knew their trade! Orange safety netting indicating the closed bridge is visible now a short distance uphill but you don't need to go that far. A 10 to 15min walk to the cache.
UPDATE
For 6 years this cache just had the occasional finds and there was no need for maintenance.
With 3x DNF it was time to check the cache.
What has been in the making for years is finally taking shape.
New Track Access
No more looking for the track start, water rushing down the path, bits taped off and danger signs.
Although it removed some of the charm both the access track and the Incline now have water tables, a good walking surface and have been widened enough to allow two people walking side by side.
New Access Track
The block work retaining wall has now been fully exposed and makes for an easier find of the cache.
the Incline