NELSON SECTOR

Located 15km southwest of Collingwood in Golden Bay, the Aorere River holds a special place in New Zealand gold mining history — it was the site of New Zealand's first gold rush in 1856, predating even Gabriel's Gully. The river's distinctive golden sand, pleasant swimming holes, and family-friendly facilities make it a great destination, and there's still fine gold to be found.

The upper reaches of the Aorere River, 30km southwest of Collingwood. More remote than Area A, this section rewards prospectors willing to venture further with less crowded ground, pristine native bush surroundings, and gold that tends to be coarser — closer to its original source.

The site of a once-thriving gold town, now a DOC campsite and historic reserve deep in the Buller Gorge. Lyell offers an atmospheric combination of gold panning, historic exploration, and access to the famous Old Ghost Road track. The cemetery, stamping battery ruins, and mining relics scattered through the bush bring the gold rush vividly to life.

A smaller, less-visited fossicking site 5km northwest of Rotoroa in the Nelson Lakes area. New Creek rewards prospectors willing to explore off the beaten track with solitude and productive ground that has received less pressure than the famous goldfields.

A small fossicking area 4km west of Howard in the Marlborough region, featuring an informative interpretation panel about local gold mining history. Louis Creek is best suited for a few hours' panning rather than a full day, and combines well with other Nelson-Marlborough gold sites.