Fossicking in Otago
5 mapped spots in Otago, New Zealand. Tap any spot for coordinates and the minerals reported there, then check land access before you head out.
Map showing 5 fossicking spots in Otago
Otago fossicking: what you need
Permits and public areas
New Zealand has designated public gold fossicking areas under the Crown Minerals Act, mainly on the West Coast and in Otago and Marlborough, where recreational gold panning with hand tools is allowed without a permit. Outside those areas, access depends on the land: private land needs the owner's permission, and most conservation land is closed to collecting.
Where to fossick
Public gold fossicking areas on the West Coast (Goldsborough, Kumara, Charleston), the Otago goldfields around Naseby, and beaches such as Gemstone Beach at Orepuki and Birdlings Flat in Canterbury are the classic options. Beaches generally allow casual collecting of loose stones.
Before you dig
Stay inside public fossicking areas for gold panning, use hand tools only, and treat DOC reserves and national parks as closed to collecting. Pounamu (greenstone) in the South Island is owned by Ngai Tahu, and collecting it is prohibited apart from a limited beach find you can carry out by hand in one trip.
Every fossicking spot in Otago
Tap coordinates to open in Google Maps, or open RockHoundR for the full map view with geology and weather.
| Spot | Area | Minerals | Coordinates | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arrow River Gold Fossicking Area | Queenstown-Lakes District | -44.9400, 168.8280 | Public | |
| Five Mile Creek Gold Fossicking AreaGlenorchy-Queenstown Road | Queenstown-Lakes District | -45.0230, 168.5880 | Public | |
| Gabriels Gully Gold Fossicking Area | Clutha District | -45.8817, 169.6843 | Public | |
| Tucker Beach (Shotover River) Gold Fossicking AreaTucker Beach Road | Queenstown-Lakes District | -44.9850, 168.7050 | Public | |
| Twelve Mile Creek Gold Fossicking AreaGlenorchy-Queenstown Road | Queenstown-Lakes District | -45.0305, 168.5011 | Public |
Otago fossicking FAQ
Do you need a permit to go fossicking in Otago?+
What rocks and minerals can you find in Otago?+
How many fossicking sites are in Otago?+
Fossicking near a city
Day-trip guides for cities whose driving range covers Otago spots, sorted by distance with drive times.
Map every Otago spot in the app
Open the RockHoundR app to see Otago on a real map with geology, weather, and your saved finds.
