Ross Goldfield

Step back into New Zealand's gold rush era at the Ross Goldfield, a historic site on the West Coast where you can try your hand at gold panning, explore a reconstructed mining town, and walk through native forest to a stunning waterfall. This compact but evocative destination offers a genuine glimpse into the region's pioneering past, with hands-on activities that appeal to families and history buffs alike.

Highlights & What to See

• Gold Panning Experience: Try your luck in the designated panning area – you can rent a pan from the nearby Ross Information Centre, and any gold you find is yours to keep.
• Historic Ross Township: Wander through the faithfully reconstructed buildings, including a hotel, stables, and a blacksmith's shop, which bring the 1860s gold rush to life.
• Jones Flat Water Race: Follow this historic water race on a short walk through tall rimu and kahikatea forest – it's a peaceful stroll that reveals the engineering behind the gold mining.
• Ross Historic Walkway: A well-marked trail that loops past the old cemetery, battery site, and the huge tailings left by hydraulic sluicing, offering great views over the town.
• Nikau & Waterfall Walk: A 40-minute return walk through dense native bush to a beautiful 30-metre waterfall – a perfect leg-stretcher after gold panning.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours exploring the goldfield and historic area. If you plan to gold pan, allow at least an hour for that alone. Combine it with a short bush walk to the waterfall, and you can easily fill a half-day. The site is compact, so it's an easy stop on a drive along State Highway 6 between Hokitika and Franz Josef.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hokitika: 30 minutes north, this lively town is known for its pounamu (greenstone) carving workshops, a quirky museum, and the Hokitika Gorge with its brilliant turquoise water.
• Franz Josef Glacier: An hour south, you can get up close to the glacier via guided walks or heli-hikes, or explore the hot pools and rainforest trails.
• Whataroa: A tiny settlement 40 minutes south, home to the White Heron Sanctuary Tours where you can see kotuku (white herons) breeding in the wild.
• Lake Mahinapua: A serene lake just north of Ross, perfect for a picnic, kayak, or a short walk through the scenic reserve.

Please check official sources for current details.