Polish & Pan

Welcome to the home of gold on the stunning West Coast of New Zealand. Nestled in the heart of Hokitika, Polish & Pan is an immersive, hands-on experience invite you to step into the region’s rich history—where the rivers carried gold.

Whether you’re here for a family activity, a cultural experience, or a true West Coast adventure, you’ll leave with something unforgettable, and something you made yourself.

Your experience begins with a quick briefing on the history of Hokitika’s gold rush, setting the scene for how gold shaped the West Coast. You’ll then enjoy a live demonstration of a working sluice box and gold recovery wheel, showing how miners separated gold from gravel using traditional methods.

Next, head to the panning area, scoop your own locally sourced paydirt, and learn how to swirl, shake, and reveal real West Coast gold. Every visitor is guaranteed to find gold you can take home, set into a custom Polish & Pan wooden coaster as a unique keepsake of your experience.

Step back into Hokitika’s 1860s gold-rush era with Polish & Pan.