Ross Goldfields Information & Heritage Centre

Located at the southern end of Aylmer Street, Ross, the centre dives into the town’s golden boomtown past. Reflecting on one of the West Coast’s last and most profitable rushes.

Legendary Nuggets of History.

The Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre comprises a gift and artisanal goods shop in the front, with a cozy museum space in the rear.  The museum features intricate dioramas of the Ross Goldfields operations, intriguing artefacts with equally intriguing histories, and archival research material for Ross and surrounding areas.

As a township established in the 1860s, Ross swarmed with 4,000 prospectors seeking their fortune. While the initial frenzy subsided, a massive 3.1kg nugget found in 1909 (the “Honourable Roddy”) reignited gold fever, you can see a recreation of this nugget in the museum space. You can also rent a pan from the team and head to Jones Creek (one of New Zealand’s few public gold-fossicking areas), where gold was initially discovered in 1865, or pan undercover at the centre for your chance at a golden surprise.

Going beyond gold. The Centre staff can help advise you on how to discover and explore the region’s intricate railway network, once used for transporting people, farm goods and timber. Learn about the vibrant Vulcan railcar service that connected Ross to Christchurch.

Gold Panning Prices

Online Bookings – $13.00 (per person)
Groups 4 or more – $13.00 (per person)
Walk ins – $15.00 (per person)
Under 5s – free

Opening Hours

Summer (1 October to 30 April):
9am to 4pm – 7 days a week
Winter (1 May to 30 September):
9:30am to 3pm – 7 days a week
Closed Christmas Day.
NZ public holidays are available by appointment only.

Address

Contact details