Ross Goldfield

Ross Goldfield, once a thriving gold-mining settlement, now offers a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand's gold rush era. Located on the rugged West Coast, this historic site invites you to pan for gold, explore preserved relics, and soak in the wild, rainforested landscape that surrounds it. It's a must-visit for history buffs and anyone intrigued by the stories of fortune seekers.

Highlights & What to See

• Gold Panning: Try your luck at gold panning in the Jones Creek or the nearby Ross Goldfields — you can rent a pan from the local information centre.
• Historic Township Walk: Wander the streets of Ross, where historic buildings like the Empire Hotel and the Miners' Hall stand as reminders of the 1860s gold rush.
• Water Race Walkway: A scenic 3km loop trail that follows an old water race used to sluice gold, offering views of the town and forest.
• Beach & Lagoon: Ross Beach and the serene Lake Mahinapua are perfect for a quiet afternoon picnic or birdwatching.
• Heritage Museum: The Ross Goldfields Information & Heritage Centre houses mining artifacts and a giant gold nugget replica.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is ample to explore Ross Goldfield: spend an hour at the heritage centre, an hour or two gold panning, and the rest wandering the historic walkways. If you're keen on hiking or beach time, allocate a full day. The site is easily combined with a stopover on your way to or from Franz Josef Glacier.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Franz Josef Glacier: Just a 40-minute drive south, this iconic glacier offers heli-hikes and valley walks.
• Okarito Lagoon: A 30-minute drive north, this is a prime spot for kayaking and birdwatching, including the rare white heron.
• Hokitika: 30 minutes north, known for its wild beaches, pounamu (greenstone) galleries, and the Hokitika Gorge.
• Whataroa: A small town near the White Heron Sanctuary, where you can take a boat tour to see the kotuku nesting colony.

Please check official sources for current details.