Ross Historic Goldfields walks

Ross Water Race Walkway

• Time: 1 hr loop walk

This walk is a great option for kids - with tunnels and other gold mining relics there is plenty to keep them interested.

From the car park at the Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre; the Water Race Walkway follows Mt Greenland Road for about 15 minutes before turning onto a signposted forest track on the right side of the road.

The track climbs to an old water race and then follows this through regenerating native forest, passing numerous old gold workings including tunnels, several dam sites, and a replica miner's hut. After passing through the original Ross Cemetery, the walkway exits at the top of St James Street, with a short walk back to the car park.

This is a walk that people of a medium to a low level of fitness can enjoy.

Ross Historic Cemetery

• Time: 10 min one way

Starting from the top end of St James Street; this short walk, which is also part of the Ross Water Race Walkway, zig-zags steeply uphill for a few minutes before entering the historic cemetery. Here you will find many interesting headstones that portray the harshness of life in the early mining days.

Mount Greenland

• Time: 7 hr return

This walk follows a rough and unmaintained road to the top of Mount Greenland. The road is a steady incline and mostly follows an old miner's pack track. It passes through tall rimu forest then several changes in vegetation type can be seen as altitude is gained. On a clear day, the tussock covered top of Mount Greenland has amazing views in every direction.

You should carry warm clothing, a raincoat, and take plenty of food and water for the journey. Strong shoes or tramping boots are recommended and the walk is suitable for those with a medium to a good level of fitness. 

Note: Beyond the summit, the road continues steeply downhill to the site of the old mining village at the back of Mt Greenland. This will add several hours to the journey and is not recommended as a day walk.

Mountain biking

Mt Greenland is a challenging ride. The track is very boggy in places and some sections can be extremely slippery when wet. 

Getting there

Ross township is 30 km south of Hokitika on SH6. Start these walks from Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre at the end of Aylmer Street, where you can check for up-to-date track conditions.

Four-wheel driving

The road to the top of Mt Greenland is a real challenge and very boggy in places.

History and culture

Ross has an extensive gold mining history. Relics of the gold rush are apparent throughout the Historic Goldfields area.

There is a site next to Mt Greenland Road where you can fossick for gold.  

Call in and ask at the Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre for further information.

Know before you go

Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process (external site) on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.

Mount Greenland walk: You should carry warm clothing, a raincoat, and a windproof jacket, and take plenty of food and water for the journey. Strong shoes or tramping boots are recommended. This walk will suit those with a medium to a good level of fitness.

The road continues steeply downhill to the site of the old mining village at the back of Mt Greenland. This will add several hours to the journey and is therefore not recommended as a day walk.

Source: Department of Conservation