Where are the gold fields NZ?
The principal New Zealand goldfields were Coromandel, Nelson/Marlborough, Central Otago and West Coast. The two main types of gold mine were: ‘hard rock’ quartz mines, and. alluvial mining which included panning and cradling, sluicing and dredging.
Where is the most gold found in New Zealand?
On the West Coast and at Golden Bay, gold is found in older Paleozoic greywacke and argillite rocks in faulted areas called shear zones. On the Coromandel Peninsula gold and silver are found in quartz veins within volcanic rocks.
Can I pan for gold in any river?
Every river in the world contains gold. However, some rivers contain so little gold that one could pan and sieve for years and not find even one small flake. The amateur prospector will not be able to determine whether gold is contained within an outcrop of rocks.
Is there still gold in Arrowtown?
Gold panning in Arrowtown is a “short-visit” fun activity for children and adults. The Arrow River is just two minutes from town – simply hire a gold pan, walk down to the river bank and get started. There is gold to be found and there are several places which hire gold pans and show you how to pan for gold.
Can you prospect for gold in NZ?
You can fossick for gold in specific areas in the South Island only. There are 19 areas in the South Island that have been set aside for gold fossicking and gold panning in Nelson-Marlborough, the West Coast and South and Central Otago. These areas are open for recreational gold fossicking without the need for a permit …
Does black sand indicate gold?
Black sands (mostly iron) can be and usually is an indicator of gold, but not always. Rule of thumb is you will generally find black sand with gold, but not always gold with black sand. However if you are finding gold and getting black sands with it, it would be worthwhile to try some and see what happens.
Is there gold in Wanaka?
Old alluvial workings in 20 million year old gravels uplifted about 1000 metres above sea level on the Criffel Range near Wanaka. The old gravels have been mainly eroded away during uplift, leaving small remnants like this. Gold from eroded gravels remains in the soil on surrounding hillsides.
Do most rivers contain gold?
In fact, less than 1% of the rivers in the United States contain large chunky gold like this. Most of the gold that you will find will be tiny specks of gold “dust” and you will need to work hard to get it. Research is important since many rivers simply don’t have a lot of gold (or any at all.)
Where to go gold fossicking in New Zealand?
Well you have come to the right place!! In the South Island of New Zealand there are 17 public GOLD fossicking sites spread throughout the Island and you don’t even need a GOLD claim or permit to use them. Yes you can just grab your GOLD pan and shovel head to the nearest fossicking site and start panning it’s that easy!
What is a recreational gold fossicking area?
Areas set aside for recreational gold fossicking that are administered by the Department of Conservation. Some of these areas are equipped with picnic, barbecue and camping facilities and have good public access.
Do you need a permit to fossick for gold?
These areas are open for recreational gold fossicking without the need for a permit. Alluvial gold, which is found in soil and sediments around rivers and streams, is present in all gold fossicking areas but usually in low concentrations.
Are there any fossicking areas in the North Island?
There are no public fossicking areas in the North Island and no plans to open any because the North Island does not have any large historical alluvial goldfields. Information about the gold fossicking areas can be found in the table below.