Kumara was founded and became one of the country’s chief gold mining centres following the discovery of gold at Dillmanstown, about 3kms to the south-east in 1876.
The tramline from Greymouth to Paroa was extended to Kumara the following year. The town became a borough in 1877 with a population of about 4,220. Kumara Hospital was operating by 1881 and continued into the twentieth century. In 1882, the Kumara volunteer fire brigade was formed.
Kumara was the home town of prominent politician Richard Seddon, who was elected mayor of the town in 1877, and served as Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1893 until his death in 1906. Although the town once had 50 pubs it now has just one and a population of about 300.
Visit or stay at the Theatre Royal hotel. Meet the locals and learn about a town filled with history.
For more information, visit www.kumarawestcoast.org.
Kumara Activities
Here are some activities for you to do in and around Kumara.
Info to come