Ross

Ross is a tiny, historic gold-mining settlement on the West Coast, midway between Hokitika and Franz Josef Glacier. Its appeal lies in a palpable sense of frontier history, a famous jade (pounamu) carving scene, and easy access to wild coastal and forest walks. The town’s main street feels frozen in the 1860s, with wooden storefronts and a quiet, off-the-beaten-path charm that rewards those who pause here on the Great Coast Road.

Highlights & What to See

• Ross Goldfields Historic Area – Wander the remains of sluicing operations, water races, and the giant ‘Blue Spur’ hydraulic sluicing claim. A short walking track with informative panels brings the gold rush to life.
• Ross Historic Cemetery – A poignant spot with headstones dating to the 1860s, including many Chinese miners’ graves, reflecting the multicultural rush.
• Jones Brothers Jade Factory – Watch master carvers shape local pounamu (greenstone) into jewellery and art. The attached shop offers authentic, handcrafted pieces – far superior to souvenir-shop imports.
• Ross Beach & Water Tower Reserve – A stunning, driftwood-strewn beach with views of the Southern Alps. Climb the restored water tower for a panoramic outlook over the Tasman Sea and forested hills.
• Empress Gold Mine Battery – A preserved stamper battery that once crushed quartz ore; it’s a short walk from the main street.

Suggested Time to Spend

You can comfortably explore Ross in 1–2 hours – enough to walk the historic area, visit the jade factory, and stroll the beach. It’s an ideal 30-minute detour from State Highway 6. If you’re a keen historian or gold-panner, allow half a day; you can try your hand at panning in the nearby streams (a permit from the Department of Conservation is needed).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hokitika – 30 km north, with its vibrant art galleries, pounamu workshops, and the Hokitika Gorge’s turquoise waters.
• Franz Josef Glacier – 50 km south, offering glacier valley walks and heli-hikes.
• Lake Mahinapua – A serene lake just north of Ross, perfect for a paddle or short bushwalk.
• Ōkārito Lagoon – A vast, bird-filled wetland with a beautiful coastal walk and kayaking.

Please check official sources for current details.