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

Experience two iconic West Coast treasures in just one hour. Your session begins with a gold panning demonstration showing how miners once extracted gold using traditional methods, followed by how it’s done with modern techniques today. You’ll then pan for real West Coast gold yourself — and everything you find is yours to keep. Your gold is professionally set into a Polish & Pan take-home coaster, making it a unique keepsake from your visit.


Next, choose a pre-polished West Coast jade (pounamu) pendant from our display. Watch as your instructor safely drills the hole, attaches the braid or cord, and prepares it for you to wear immediately.


In only one hour, guests walk away with the two treasures the West Coast is famous for: real gold and authentic local jade— a perfect combination of history, hands-on fun, and meaningful souvenirs.