Save on service fees by booking direct on Houfy.

These directions are for planning purposes only. You may find that construction projects, traffic, weather, or other events may cause conditions to differ from the map results, and you should plan your route accordingly. You must obey all signs or notices regarding your route.

As a security deposit alternative, houfyProtect, an upfront nonrefundable low cost property damage protection policy for just $5 per night, is taken at time of booking.

This host has not verified their email and or phone number on Houfy.

This host has verified their email and or phone number on Houfy.

This host verified their email and phone number on Houfy.

Houfy lets you contact and book direct with hosts. The host has provided the following links to give you more information.

This host responds to {response_rate}% of inquiries {response_time}.

A professional captain will navigate the boat for you.

Wonderful Houfy hosts are recognized as the best hosts in hospitality. The wonderful Houfy program rewards Houfy's top-rated and most experienced hosts.

 Ross is a 25min drive south of Hokitika.

Ross was settled in 1865, proving to be gold-rich. It is the sources of a fist-sized nugget weighing about 3.1kg. This was a celebrated find, and the nugget was christened  'the Honourable Roddy Nugget', after the Minister of Mines Roderick McKenzie.

A visit to the town wouldn't be complete without a beer at The Empire Ross Hotel

The town popped up following the discovery of gold in the mid-1860s and was named after George Ross, provincial treasurer of Canterbury.

 Today there are 297 people in Ross, quite a drop from the 2500 who lived here during the height of the gold rush.

 New Zealand's largest gold nugget was unearthed in Ross in 1909; weighing 3.1kg or 99.9oz, it was dubbed the "Honourable Roddy Nugget" after Roderick Mackenzie, Minister for Mines at the time. Although don't expect to clap eyes on it, because in 1911 the nugget was given to King George V as a coronation gift and was melted down and gilded on to a tea set. Prior to that it was used as a doorstep at the local hotel before being raffled off to raise funds to build the local hospital. 

Floating Golf Challenge, Ross West Coast New Zealand. 300 likes. Floating Golf Challenge in Ross south of Hokitika, a fun activity to hit floating golf balls out on to the lake to a pontoon to win...

Floating Golf Challenge

LOCATION : 5mins before you reach the townships northern end

 Walk starts from the top of St James Street near Visitor Centre.


 Part of the Ross Water Race Walkway. Short zig zags uphill before entering the Cemetery. Interesting headstones and great views.

 Follows Mt Greenland Rd up Jones Ck & loops back following water race. Replica miner's hut, several dam sites and tunnels. Passes through old Ross cemetery with views overlooking Ross and the Tasman Sea. Goldmining area relics to be seen on walk and at visitor centre.

Ross is popular for bush walks, bird watching, fishing, whitebaiting and hunting.

Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre

and try your luck right outside the centre or down at Jones Creek - or, if you're feeling lucky, ask a local for a secret spot.

 There are lots of reserves dotted about the town, from the rugby grounds to 

 by the swimming pool. The area beside the information centre is pretty popular, look out over Birchfield's Hole (is it a little lake or a large pond?) where you'll find barbecues, bathrooms and facilities for campervans.

 Right next door to the school, there are slides, swings, see-saws and a jungle gym.

 Ross Waterway Walk is an easy one hour loop. Starting at the visitor centre, it passes by a miner's hut, dams and tunnels and along the way you'll be rewarded with views across Ross and the Tasman Sea. For an easy 20-minute trot, zig zag up to the cemetery and read the headstones.

 If you fancy a hearty hike, trek up Mt Greenland, at 18km the walk takes about seven hours there and back. Fab bush and bird life and, on a clear day, the views are outstanding.

 Take a picnic to the beach at sunset, the sculptural driftwood is epic.

 If you swim in the sea, be sure to respect it - on a good day it's fine but in rough weather it can be a big angry monster. Swim in the local pool during summer for a modest entry fee or dip in the 

 if you'd rather. Or paddle in Birchfield's Hole.

Ross Goldfields Information & Heritage Centre

 is a mine of information (ha!). Run by locals, you can learn all about local history which was pretty wild back in the day.

 The museum has a neat shop where you can purchase local art, crafts, souvenirs and gifts. Or stop in at 

 (next to the dairy) where you can buy the works of local artists including impressive pottery.

 serves a super brew. Alternatively grab a cuppa at The Empire or the local grocery store.

 bakes amazing pies and their whitebait fritters are delish - you'll never find fresher than on the West Coast. The marinated pork strips are rated highly, while their seafood chowder flies out the door. Or head to the Empire Hotel for a roast on Sunday night and live music.

 Time the tide right and pick a feed of mussels off the rocks - happily the kai moana on the West Coast is unlikely to be overfished because Mother Nature only allows humans to fish about 10 per cent of the year.

 is a welcoming historic hotel. The open fire is the pub's heart and soul, although the real warmth comes from the people. Be sure to stop in for a jam session on the last Friday of each month. Because many West Coast homes only got power in the 1960s, musical traditions are strong around here because, for generations, people had to make their own entertainment.

 is a little beauty. At 139km long it connects Ross to Greymouth and bursts with nature, history and beauty. Or go to Totara Valley, an easy half-day mountain bike ride (40km, grade 1).

 Kayaking, bush walking, bird watching and, mountain biking. The region is also famous for trout fishing, whitebaiting and surfcasting.

 The Chinese Memorial Gold Miners' Gardens should be up and blooming next year, ditto the Motorcycle Museum.

, just minutes from Ross, is a canopy walkway through mature rimu forest that is 20m high and 450m long and truly astonishing.

 Birds, seals, deer, pigs, trout, salmon and whitebait.


In the South Island's Westland district, 27km southwest of Hokitika.

Vacation Home in Hokitika. In the heart of Hokitika. 1min to the beach and river. 5mins walk to bars, restaurants and shops. An old, historic little cottage full of character and charm. A typical Kiwi bach -...

Crooked Mile Cottage - CUTE & COSY BY THE SEA - Hokitika

Historic Gold Town, Ross - Day Trip From Hokitika

dba5ccb2cb0d2cd9415eee1b31806698.jpg

370c21fa9b64b647579977665bf8c226.jpg

c35521efdeb242dd9e91f99e4ef32714.jpg

a498eef9d19eb1ab6647f5baa148602b.jpg

9b3253188b764610d4657267c2b50db4.jpg

1bb64938ef2b61af2ee2382091076930.jpg

Crooked Mile Cottage – Family-Friendly Historic Holiday House in Hokitika. Across from the beach, sleeps up to 8, walking distance to cafés etc. 

Crooked Mile Cottage - Classic Kiwi Beach Stay

crooked-mile-cottage-classic-kiwi-beach-stay/

4281/7eeb7db75045c83b5d839dc94f39a8d6.jpg

Blue Spur Farmstay Eco-home Hokitika, see animals!

Blue Spur Farmstay Hokitika

blue-spur-farmstay-hokitika/

52bbc8e42df626b11ff8108ad1cc33c4.webp

Stay on a farm!  Blue Spur Eco Farmstay Hokitika. Sustainable eco-friendly farmstay in Hokitika, New Zealand.

Stay on a farm!  Blue Spur Eco Farmstay Hokitika

stay-on-a-farm-blue-spur-eco-farmstay-hokitika/

738acf5ed3622e8f4f0d5feffea22b6d.webp

A private campsite for one group on our farm in Hokitika. A stunningly beautiful property where you can meet our farm animals and have a campfire.

Blue Spur Farmstay - PRIVATE CAMP SITE

blue-spur-farmstay-private-camp-site/

16ac7239a7c772c56a273efcd83a2288.webp

2 PRIVATE BEDROOMS - STAY ON A FARM 10min to town.

2-private-bedrooms-stay-on-a-farm-10min-to-town/

5cae9268aeff4ea8c4c43120e126fdf2.webp

Stay on a farm! Blue Spur Eco Farmstay Hokitika. Sustainable eco-friendly farmstay in Hokitika, New Zealand.

Pounamu Room - Blue Spur Farmstay

pounamu-room-blue-spur-farmstay/

3aa78d48b7bbd09b1d4656882f97fde0.webp

Gold Nugget Hut is a beautiful little upcycled, off-grid (non-powered) cabin perfect for a couple wanting a private glamping experience.

GOLD NUGGET HUT - Blue Spur Farmstay

gold-nugget-hut-blue-spur-farmstay/

5a6dbc3278334c31ae3451e3b8d7a014.webp

We offer a friendly and warm space that is quite different from a hotel experience. We want guests to feel comfortable and at home in the spaces we have set up. Our listings really appeal to folks who love character homes, enjoy art on the walls and vintage/retro furniture.

We have both traveled extensively.

We absolutely love living here in Hokitika. It has a wonderful community - we are a really eclectic bunch. The scenery is wild and stunning and the history is fascinating. 

I'm busy running our farm as well as working. We look forward to meeting our guests and are always happy to help you plan activities here on the West Coast - rain or shine - it is a fantastic place to be.

Historic Gold Town, Ross - Day Trip From Hokitika

Comments (0)

Add Your Place to Houfy

Other posts by Michelle

Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Hokitika

Make Hokitika Your Destination Not Just A Pitstop

Coming To The West Coast Of NZ And Want A Fun Place To Stay?

Listings by Michelle

Crooked Mile Cottage - Classic Kiwi Beach Stay

Blue Spur Farmstay Hokitika

Stay on a farm! Blue Spur Eco Farmstay Hokitika

Blue Spur Farmstay - PRIVATE CAMP SITE

2 PRIVATE BEDROOMS - STAY ON A FARM 10min to town.

Pounamu Room - Blue Spur Farmstay

GOLD NUGGET HUT - Blue Spur Farmstay

Company

Hosting

Resources

Settings