By Outdoor Next Editorial standards
On this page
Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -42.90487, 170.81056. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- 2.5 km loop
- Walking time
- 1 hr
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Ross area
- Dog access
- Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Discover old gold mining relics or enjoy 360 degrees on this walk with interesting options suitable for children.
This DOC directory entry covers Ross Goldfield Water Race Walkway in West Coast, within Ross area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: 2.5 km loop
- Walking time: 1 hr
- DOC grade: Easiest
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
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 Ross Goldfield Water Race Walkway follows Mt Greenland Road for about 15 minutes before turning onto a sign posted 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 follows the same track as the Ross Cemetery Walk and 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 low level of fitness can enjoy.
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.
Know before you go
Gold fossicking
Ross has an extensive gold mining history. Relics of the gold rush are apparent throughout the Historic Goldfields area.
Jones Creek, next to the Mount Greenland Road, is where you can fossick for gold. Signs on site show the area and the fossicking rules that apply
Call in and ask at the Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre for further information.
You can only fossick for gold in designated areas. Only hand-held tools are allowed. More on gold fossicking areas and rules.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
