Ross

Ross combines gold rush history with a distinctive outdoor experience: the town’s alluvial goldfields were New Zealand’s most productive between 1865 and 1914. At the same time, Ross is both the starting and finishing point of the West Coast Wilderness Trail. Those interested in the gold-mining era, or looking to combine their trip with a longer trail section, will find two different reasons to stay here.

Discover the town’s gold history

The Ross Goldfields Information & Heritage Centre is a central point for learning about mining history and finding regional information. It is at the southern end of Aylmer Street. The small museum features models, artefacts, photographs and old newspaper articles, including a replica of The Hon Roddy. The original, New Zealand’s largest gold nugget, was found in Ross in 1909. Visitors can learn about the history of gold mining through a range of exhibits and the story of a specific find.

The Ross Bell Tower also tells of the town’s past. Its 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 historic tower has been restored and rebuilt; the bell is rung on special occasions. In the Ross Historic Area, information panels with historic photographs explain mining machinery. The Historic Area is at the heart of the visitor experience and complements a museum visit with further insights into mining history.

You can also try indoor gold panning at the Ross Goldfields Information & Heritage Centre. Visitors can take home gold flakes and a little jade. A quiz about the Ross Goldfields Heritage Trail offers another way to explore the history of gold mining. If you’re travelling with children, you could also consider the Ross Goldfield Water Race Walkway, which is regarded as a particularly suitable option for children.

Walkway and trail sections

The Ross Goldfield Water Race Walkway passes through regenerating native forest. Along the way, you’ll come across tunnels, several dam sites and a replica miners’ hut. These stops make the walk a chance to explore the former goldfields and their water infrastructure. The museum visit and the walkway offer different perspectives: the former focuses on exhibits and historical documents, while the latter takes in forest, tunnels and dam sites.

For longer trips, the West Coast Wilderness Trail is another option. Between Greymouth and Ross, it is divided into four sections of about 30 kilometres each. The approximate length of each section can help you decide whether to plan your stay around a particular stage. Ross is both the starting and finishing point of the trail.

Scenery and getting your bearings

In the area around Ross, the tussock-covered heights of Mount Greenland offer views in every direction on a clear day. The Mount Greenland Track is a challenging cycle ride; in places, the track is very boggy and extremely slippery when wet. These are important differences to consider when choosing between a cycle ride and a walk through forest and historic goldfields. The site of the former miners’ village beyond the summit is several additional hours away and is not recommended as a day walk.

Ross is on State Highway 6, 30 kilometres south of Hokitika. If you’re considering holiday accommodation in Ross, the town’s gold history, access to the West Coast Wilderness Trail or interest in the surrounding landscape may influence your choice. Ross brings together these different reasons to visit, though they don’t all involve the same kind of outing.

Discover more places

For further orientation around the region: Haast, Kakapotahi, Okarito, Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Bruce Bay, Kokatahi and Hokitika.

For the broader travel overview: Westland District.