A historic, octagonal red brick building with a pointed green roof sitting in a park

Coalgate has an interesting history, first as a reputed resting place for Māori on eeling expeditions or travelling to the West Coast, and then as the 'gate' to the coalfields in the Malvern Hills.

The 1950s saw the advent of commercial processing of bentonite - a very fine clay used in oil drilling sites as a lubricant, and in boot polish, toothpaste and cosmetics.

Today many of the residents, while enjoying the country life, commute to Christchurch, Rolleston and other parts of SElwyn each day.

Nearby Glentunnel township has a close historical association with local coalmines, potteries and brickworks of the Glentunnel/South Malvern area. This association, which continued until the 1980s, can still be seen in the brick community buildings, including the library and stable. Many of the miners’ cottages are still lived in today.

The  Glentunnel campgrounds, beside the Selwyn River, are a popular destination for campers from all over the country and internationally

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