Pike River families are today marking the fourth anniversary of the mine disaster

This afternoon buses will take family members past the White Knight bridge and to the mine portal.

Some families haven't visited there before.

The disaster claimed 29 lives.

Families were only told two weeks ago that the mine's owner Solid Energy won't be re-entering the mine's drift.

It's hoped the site will be turned into a memorial.

Solid Energy has surrendered its Pike River Mining Permit, effectively abandoning the mine.