Freefall to waterfall in new West Coast mine venture

Adrenaline seekers will be able to freefall into the darkness of a century-old mine shaft in an adventure attraction being set up on the South Island's West Coast.

The Wild West Adventure Company has bought Australasian rights to powerfan brake technology, similar to that used for jumps off Auckland's Sky Tower, where the customer is attached to a cord and brought to a halt before hitting the ground - like a bungy jump without the bounce.

The company saw the technology in action in Europe and is finalising rights to operate it in a disused goldmine shaft built in the late 1870s, about 30km inland from Greymouth.

It is also negotiating to set up an attraction at an un-named Auckland shopping mall using the technology, and is considering other sites.

Company director Paul Schramm said those who experienced the 13m mine shaft drop would end up shin-deep in water surrounded by glow worms.

"As fair as I'm aware, there is nothing underground with this type of experience anywhere in the world," he said.

A floor at the top of the mine shaft is designed to drop away, and the person is in freefall for two-thirds of the distance, before the speed is reduced for a soft landing "as if you were to step off two Auckland telephone books stacked on top of each other".

"Everything happens so fast that you won't really see anything during the drop. The shaft you are dropping down also has a waterfall running down it. So you get to the bottom and you are standing in a waterfall."

The Grey District Council has given approval in principle to use the mine shaft site.

Mr Schramm said it would not be open until about October.

The mine shaft drop would initially be part of a river and cave tubing trip, at no extra charge. But it would eventually be offered as a standalone activity, costing about $45.