Golden Progress Mine
This mine happens to be one of the biggest mines in the Ida valley and also has the only standing Poppet head in Central Otago. -- poppet-head (noun British) : the frame at the top of a mineshaft, supporting pulleys for the ropes used in hoisting. This is a really fun mine to explore as there is a horizontal shaft you can walk into, it's only a short distance, but gives you a feel for the hand rock mining days of the 1860's through 1930's.
Directions
It is located off the Otago Central rail trail in the Ida valley just out of Oturehua (a personal favorite town of mine), by car you want to drive down Reef road and park at the signs for the mine. Head along the short walk on the well marked track, note the sign that says to watch your children as there are open shafts around. On the track you will find some tailings, a small stone hut, and an old wooden hut.