Ross combines gold-mining history with outdoor activities. The alluvial goldfields of Ross were New Zealand’s most productive between 1865 and 1914. Ross is on State Highway 6, 30 kilometres south of Hokitika, and is the starting and finishing point of the West Coast Wilderness Trail. In town, the museum, Historic Area and paths recalling former mining sites bring the area’s mining history to life.
Gold history in town
The Ross Goldfields Information & Heritage Centre at the southern end of Aylmer Street is a key place to find information about mining history and the region. The small museum displays models, artefacts, photographs and old newspaper articles. It also features a replica of New Zealand’s largest gold nugget, The Hon Roddy, which was found in Ross in 1909.
The Ross Historic Area is the centrepiece of the visitor experience. There, information panels explain the mining machinery with the help of historical photographs. The Ross Bell Tower is a historic landmark in Ross: the tower has been restored and rebuilt, and its bell is rung on special occasions. The current brass bell was cast at a foundry in Glasgow in 1868 and donated to the Ross community by the Hokitika Fire Brigade in 1874.
The museum explores the subject through collection items and historical media; on the Water Race Walkway, the focus shifts to the forest and traces of former structures. The Ross Historic Area offers another focus, with machinery and historical photo panels.
Get involved and explore the trails
At the Ross Goldfields Information & Heritage Centre, visitors can try gold panning indoors and take home some gold flakes and a little jade. The Centre also offers a quiz about the Ross Goldfields Heritage Trail. Check local operating conditions and whether the quiz is available before your visit.
The Ross Goldfield Water Race Walkway passes through regenerating native forest, by tunnels, several dam sites and a replica miner’s hut. It is considered a particularly suitable option for children. The walk combines forest with visible traces of gold mining and offers a different way to explore the subject than the museum rooms.
Ross is the starting and finishing point of the West Coast Wilderness Trail. Between Greymouth and Ross, the route is divided into four sections of about 30 kilometres each. If cycling the trail, check current track conditions beforehand.
In the surrounding area, the tussock-covered heights of Mount Greenland offer views in all directions on a clear day. The Mount Greenland Track is a challenging bike ride; the track is very boggy in places and extremely slippery when wet. The site of the former mining village beyond the summit is several additional hours away and is not recommended as a day hike.
Discover more destinations: Bruce Bay, Otira, Haast, Okarito, Whataroa, Kokatahi, Hokitika, Fox Glacier.
For the broader travel overview: Westland District.
