Activity Centres Hokitika

Premium Gold Panning Experience — Most Popular Choice


For visitors wanting the complete West Coast gold rush experience, our Premium option offers the most immersive and hands-on adventure at Polish & Pan.

Start with a brief guided introduction to Hokitika’s legendary 1860s gold rush, including stories from the Robinson family’s own generations of gold mining on the West Coast. Watch a live demonstration of a working sluice box and gold wheel to see how real prospectors recover gold from river gravel.

Then become a gold miner yourself. Dig your own paydirt, learn proven panning techniques, and uncover guaranteed real West Coast gold — typically around $20 worth, depending on your technique.

Your recovered gold is professionally sealed inside a handcrafted wooden display coaster ( Retailed at $50) , creating a unique Hokitika souvenir you’ll keep forever.

⭐ More hands-on activities

⭐ More gold to find
⭐ Deeper gold rush storytelling