Set off to the old gold mining town of Cromwell and learn about New Zealand’s 19th-century gold rush on this half-day tour. Leave Queenstown for the township of Arrowtown, where gold was first found in 1862. Discover the history, follow the Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell, and learn to pan for gold.
Meet your guide in central Queenstown before heading to Cromwell. Drive through historic Arrowtown and into the Kawarau Gorge, following the old gold miner’s route along the river. Listen to your guide explain the area's history while you admire the views along the way.
Coming into Central Otago, drive along rugged farm tracks until you reach a plateau with stunning views of Cromwell and Lake Dunstan. Hear about how farming and mining evolved and shaped the region and admire the quaint old buildings in Cromwell town.
Disembark here and pause for a morning tea of hot drinks and scones before your gold panning session by the river. You’ll be provided with a pan and taught the proper technique. Then, it’s time to test your luck and put your skills to the test.
Make the return drive to Queenstown along the roaring Kawarau river and enjoy more mining tales from your guide to end the tour.