Gold panning as part of tourism has remained unexplored, but therein lies its charm. Who’d want a Mackenna's Gold kind of frenzy on their holiday? But from being a leisure activity of niche tourists, it is becoming a part of tourists’ itinerary now.
Queenstown in New Zealand draws a steady stream of visitors to its vibrant gold-mining legacy. At the heart of Southern Lakes district and 20 kilometres from Queenstown, Arrowtown, a historic town has barely a few streets, but is lined with charming picturesque buildings, quaint museums, boutiques, eateries and galleries.
A visit to the Arrow river for gold panning will give a sense of completeness to your travel agenda. An exciting four-wheel drive led by professional guides takes you to the spot where you are handed over the paraphernalia needed to sift through the gravel and water for gold. Finding that gold is as probable as the tiger you hope will cross your path on your first visit to a wildlife sanctuary!
- Jack Tewa was the first to discover gold in 1862 and was followed by William Fox. Arrowtown was also known as Fox’s Town briefly. A total of 12,000 ounces (340 kg) was carried out of Arrowtown in 1863, indicating the impending gold rush.
You scoop a bit of gravel with water and gently shake it. As the water flows out, there are the thoroughly washed pebbles and small stones. if you are lucky, you may spot a speck of shining metal, which your guide may confirm is gold. If it is indeed gold, you get a tiny container for you toput it in and take back with you! How is that for Golden memories of a holiday?
