Coromandel Gold Stamper

The Coromandel Gold Stamper Battery, commissioned by the New Zealand Government in 1897 and opened in 1898, was built to crush and process gold-bearing quartz from over 65 local mines. It was powered by the country’s largest working water wheel. 

The Government-built battery was specifically designed to support small-scale prospectors and the local School of Mines, operating with a five-stamper battery for general crushing and a single stamper for high-grade specimen ore.

Historically, it was notable as one of the first diesel-powered gold processing plants in the country and operated during the height of the Coromandel gold rushes.

You can see New Zealand's largest working water wheel.

There is a 140-step climb to a great viewing site of Coromandel Town as well. 

Located at 410 Buffalo Road in Coromandel Town as a Category 1 Historic Place. Following extensive restoration, it remains operational today as a working museum where visitors can watch the machinery run, try out a mini jaw crusher, and pan for gold. 

Open Saturday and Sunday 10am to 3pm.

Tours go every 45 minutes.