Coal Town Museum, Queen Street South (tel./fax 03/789-8204), gives you the chance to walk through a true-to-life coal mine, complete with sound effects from the deep bowels of the earth. Even if you're not lured here by these promises, you'll find an interesting repository of historical artifacts. Check out the new displays of maritime and pioneering history. The museum is open daily 9am to 4:30pm (Jan till 5pm; closed Dec 25). Admission is NZ$10 (US$7.10/£3.60) for adults, NZ$4 (US$2.85/£1.45) for children.
If you want an insight into the rugged history of the Westport area, try the local guides at Outwest Tours (tel. 0800/688-937 in NZ; www.outwest.co.nz), who will take you on personalized tours of old coal mining and off-the-beaten-track areas, like Stockton Mine, New Zealand's largest coal mine, 750m (2,500 ft.) above sea level on the Stockton Plateau. You'll travel in 4x4 Unimog vehicles, traversing rivers and generally taking on everything in your path. It won't always be smooth, but it will be exciting.
