Gold fossicking
Areas are available for gold panning and fossicking in New Zealand.
Panning for gold
Gold mining normally requires a permit from NZP&M, however 19 areas in historic South Island gold mining regions have been set aside – in Nelson-Marlborough, the West Coast and South and Central Otago - where you can freely enjoy recreational gold mining without the need for a permit.
Alluvial gold (found in soil and sediments, usually around rivers and streams) is present within all the gold fossicking areas, although the concentrations are often low.
Location maps can be obtained from the Department of Conservation or the relevant district council office.
Current Gold Fossicking Area Permits
|
Gold Fossicking Area |
Permit No. |
Location |
Operator |
|
42004 |
West Coast Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
42005 |
West Coast Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
42006 |
West Coast Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
42007 |
West Coast Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
42010 |
West Coast Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
42011 |
West Coast Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
42012 |
Tasman Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
42013 |
Tasman Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
42014 |
Tasman Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
42015 |
Tasman Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
42020 |
Otago Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
42021 |
Otago Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
42022 |
Otago Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
42023 |
Otago Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
42030 |
West Coast Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
42031 |
West Coast Region |
Department of Conservation |
|
|
42033 |
Otago Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
53804 |
West Coast Region |
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals |
|
|
55529 |
Tasman Region |
Tasman District Council |