Waiuta was, by far, the most unique and original stop on our 2-week RV trip. We were approaching the end of our adventure and had seen nonstop mountains, lakes, coastal views, and farmland, so I thought it would be fun to mix it up and stay overnight in a ghost town!

Waiuta was an old mining town, established in 1906 after the discovery of a gold-bearing quartz reef. Due to its isolated location, a very tight-knit community was established, its population reaching a peak of 600 people at its heyday. There were social and sporting events, a school, and a pub, helping its residents to create a strong identity. Unfortunately, the main mining shaft collapsed in the 1950s and within a couple of months, most people had left Waiuta, leaving it abandoned.

The road to Waiuta is a bit sketchy but definitely doable. It turns into a dirt road, and gets pretty narrow, but luckily, we didn’t run into any cars traveling in the opposite direction. I suggest getting there a bit early, so you have time to explore the town’s remnants and old relics.

We parked our RV under a big tree, next to one of the old mining shafts and close to the public restrooms. We were the only 2 people there, so it presented a perfect opportunity to pop on a scary movie late at night before attempting to fall asleep in this previously vibrant but now deserted town.