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'I walked past wooden door for 40 years, what I found inside was incredible'

An explorer who walked past a mysterious wooden door in a rocky cliffside for 40 years finally decided to investigate, sharing fascinating images of abandoned mining tunnels

[Old wooden door at an abandoned building]

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The Reddit user said they had been walking past the wooden door for 40 years (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)

There's nothing quite like a walk in the great outdoors, but occasionally while wandering through nature, you'll stumble across something strange. Whether it's the remnants of a derelict structure being slowly consumed by nature, an abandoned vehicle that appears to have been there for decades, or eerie markings etched into a tree, anyone who's sat through enough horror films knows it's best to leave these things alone.

However, one person who had walked past a strange wooden door set into a rocky cliff face for four decades eventually succumbed to intrigue, and shared what they'd found on social media. The adventurer shared a collection of photographs on Reddit, captioned: "For 40 years I've wondered what's behind these doors. Finally stopped to investigate."

The captivating images unveil the region's past. The initial photograph displays a stone cliff scarred with uniform grooves indicating former quarrying activity, with a dilapidated wooden entrance built into the rock face. The skeleton of another doorway is visible several metres away, with only its metal framework surviving.

The second image provides a detailed view of the entrance, revealing it slightly open with surrounded by two narrow rectangular holes either side, and vegetation creeping around its edges, reports the Express.

The third shot offers a remarkable glimpse within, displaying a passageway reinforced with sturdy-looking timber joists and supports across the roof and sides. The ground is grey with dust and dirt, while a corroded pipe stretches along the ceiling, and fragments of discarded machinery lie scattered about.

The next photograph reveals what's left of the second door, heavily corroded and sitting slightly open. A rusted padlock is visible on the concrete wall around the doorframe, likely once securing the entrance.

The final shot provides another glimpse into the tunnel's interior, displaying plain white curved walls now tinged green with mould and vegetation. The ground consists mainly of earth, with wooden planks revealing traces of what was once a timber floor. Bricks appear to seal off the tunnel's far end.

Providing further details in the comments section, the user revealed the photographs were captured near Greymouth, situated on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island. This region previously served as a major centre for gold and coal extraction, as noted by tourism site 100% Pure New Zealand.

The images captivated Reddit users, with one commenting: "These look like dynamite stores, are there train tracks or a mine nearby? The image with the junk looks like it's related to one of the two."

Another speculated: "Demolition storage bunkers. The vent above in the first bunker is interesting though. Possibly repurposed during WW2?"

The original poster responded: "There is a coastal gun bunker on a nearby hill! As well as lots of coal mines."

In a separate reply, they elaborated: "Lots of mining around the area. There was a heavy machinery business there for years, most of the stuff looks like parts."

The wooden beams in the third image also caught the attention of many, with one person commenting: "I think my favourite part is the carefully pieced carpentry lining the store room walls. The arches are beautiful. I wonder what sort of wood it is; I'd guess teak or something similar."

Another viewer saw potential for a unique workspace, suggesting: "Looks like an awesome potential home office for WFH (working from home)." In response, another quipped: "Get me fibre internet run to that shack and I'll live there, sure."

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