In miners' footsteps

Craig and Sandy McKay, of Dunedin, and Sue Kirwan, of Loburn, (pictured at left) were among about 60 people who retraced the steps of Maniototo's early miners yesterday as part of a week-long celebration to mark the 150th anniversary of the discovery of gold in the area.

Gold was discovered in Naseby in 1863 but by early 1864 much of the town's infrastructure had moved to Hamiltons, between Waipiata and Patearoa.

The 19km Going for Gold walk started between 8am and 9am at the curling rink in Naseby and ended around midday in Waipiata.

For Mrs McKay, the walk was about experiencing what her ancestors would have experienced.

''My great-grandmother's father was the baker during the gold rush.''

At 19 marked stops along the way people could learn about the gold-mining history of the area.

The first was a harrowing demonstration by Pete Robson, of Winton, and his team of Morgan horses (pictured above).

Other stops included sights of sluicing cliffs, lift holes, the Waipiata sanitorium, used for the treatment of tuberculosis, and the Garibaldi workings.

The celebrations continue today.