Gem of the Boom in Broken Hills was the site of an old mining settlement, and relics of the past can still be seen.
You can see what appears to be a jail cut into solid rock. It is an easy 400m loop walk that will take you 20 mins return. Take a touch and look for the long legged weta, they are amazing in here. There are two bridged crossings over a small creek.
Quick Facts about this walk
- Location: Broken Hills, North Island NZ
- Distance: 1.30 kms
- Time needed: 1 Hour
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Wheelchair Access: No
- Route: Double back
- Elevation: 40m
- Wet Feet: No
- Toilets: Yes
- Dogs: No
- Mobile Coverage: No
- Last Updated: November, 2019
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Summary points about this walk
Walk Highlights
Track Quality
Hazards
Transport
Water
Driving Instructions
Shops & Restaurants Nearby
Area & Trail History
Map Location
Points of interest along the walk
Point 1: Turn Off To Gem Of The Boom Creek
6.5Km down the Puketui Valley Road you need to stop at the bridge. To your left is the start of the Golden Hills and broken Hills Battery walks. If you have some time up your sleeve head off to the Broken Hills Battery walk then continue on to the Gem of the Boom creek walk.
Point 2: Gem Of The Boom Creek
You start off walking along a very flat and straight track, then you drop down to what is left of the Broken Hills Battery. Then it is a short walk to the Gem of the Boom creek which is in a cold wet valley. You can walk in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, it is your choice. We then walked out on to the Puketui Valley Road and walked back to the car in the SUN. Make sure you walk into the jail cell that is cut out into the rock, you will need a torch and a hat to keep the creepy big things with long legs off your head.