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DURATION: 4 hours (approx.)
TIME: On request
INCLUDES: Accommodation transfers, private helicopter, gourmet lunch, refreshments and private gold mining guide
OPTIONAL: Turn your find into jewellery $POA
AVAILABLE: Year round (depending on snow levels)
Take the opportunity to discover a unique part of New Zealand’s history through the eyes of those who are still living in and amongst our iconic Gold Rush.
Your day will begin at your accomodation where you will be met by Justin Eden, your private guide and owner of Arrowtown’s famed Gold Shop. An experienced gold panner and jewellery maker in his own right, he will collect you in a luxury vehicle and you take you to Queenstown Airport, where you will all depart by private helicopter for an unforgettable flight into the heart of the South Island’s gold country.
The scenic flight will take you over land steeped in history to Skippers Canyon; a place where one of the largest gold rushes in Central Otago began back in 1862. Home to Skippers Creek and a historic 22km long gorge, the creek flows into what’s been called the richest gold-bearing river in the world; the mighty Shotover.
You’ll hear tales of how miners and prospectors flocked to the region in those days and how life was for early those early settlers. Justin will also discuss his own history in the region, having first registered a private claim in 1979 before mining it for several years in the early 1980’s. He lived in a restored 1930s miner’s hut that was built around 1930 at the time of the Great Depression; and he can show you the parts of his claim that still carry remnants of those early days.
It’s one of the more remote mining claims in the area at about 3000 feet above sea level, accessible only by a four-hour hike or a short flight from Queenstown airport. You’ll land right at the river’s edge, or outside the hut, and enjoy a beautiful picnic lunch and a glass of Central Otago wine.
The creek is reasonably shallow and Justin will demonstrate how easy it is for even a novice gold panner to pan for gold in the crystal clear water. This area is still so rich in gold that we can almost guarantee you’ll find a treasure for yourself.
As the ultimate take-home memento, there’s an option to have any gold you find made into jewellery of your choice. And following the conclusion of this experience you’ll be flown back to Queenstown to continue your travels.
While this itinerary takes you on a historic, informative and educational journey into our past, it is absolutely up for grabs. We encourage you to take this day by the horns and let us know if there’s anything missing from making this day one to truly remember. Simply contact us and our local guides will arrange everything for you. It’s what we do best.
Our private, luxury fleet is available during your stay. We can assist with:
• Airport Transfers
• Transfers to your Accommodation
• Transport for Dinner Reservations and Appointments
• Golf or Activity Transfers
Enquire here or add a transfer request to your booking form.
TOUR: Private Gold Panning Heli Experience (exclusive access)
