The town of Kumara is located on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, near the Taramakau River. The junction of all the main highways to the coast, Kumara Junction is situated midway between Greymouth and Hokitika.
During 1863 various transient parties prospected for gold in the Greenstone Creek (Big Hohonu) Valley. The existence of payable gold was established in the following year. The road from Arthur's Pass to Hokitika was completed in 1866. It passed through Dillmanstown, where rich gold was found in 1876. A rush followed, and Kumara came into existence as a town. A tram line built through Paroa, south of Greymouth, in the late 1860s was extended to Kumara after the rush of 1876 and provided convenient access to the nearest port. The town developed rapidly as an important goldmining centre and, it is said, the population was 4,220 by October of the rush year. The Government constructed water races to enable gold to be won by hydraulic sluicing methods. By 1926 the goldmining industry had declined and by the late 1930s it had practically ceased.
Taramakau River has now become popular for its whitebait, trout and salmon fishing. Experience West Coast hospitality with dining and panoramic views of the Alps at the Junction Art and Craft Café.