Ross Historic Goldfields walks
Track category
Short walk
Walking track
Tramping track
Description
Ross Water Race Walkway
Time: 1 hr loop walk
Starting from the information centre carpark, the track initially follows Mt Greenland Road for about 15 minutes, before reaching the signposted forest track on the right side of the road. The track climbs to an old water race, which it follows 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 exits at the top of St James Street, with a short walk back to the carpark. This is a walk that people of a medium to low level of fitness would enjoy.
Ross Historic Cemetery
Time: 10 min one way
This short walk (part of the Ross Water Race Walkway) starts from the top end of St James Street zig-zagging steeply uphill for a few minutes before entering the Cemetery. Here, you will find many interesting headstones, indicating the harshness of life in the early mining days.
Mount Greenland
Time: 7 hr return
This walk follows a rough unmaintained road to the top of Mount Greenland. The road, which mainly follows an old miner's pack track, passes through tall rimu forest and climbs steadily. Several changes in vegetation type can be seen as altitude is gained. The top of Mount Greenland (905metres) has a cover of sub alpine vegetation and tussock. This walk is best undertaken on a fine clear day to make the most of the amazing 360 degree views. You should carry warm clothing, a raincoat, and a windproof jacket, and take plenty of food and water for the journey. Strong shoes or tramping boots are recommended. This walk will suit those with a medium to good level of fitness.
Please note: The road continues steeply downhill to the site of the old mining village at the back of Mt Greenland. This will add several hours to the journey and is therefore not recommended as a day walk.
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.
Activities
Four wheel driving
Historic sites
Mountain biking and cycling
Specialist activities
Four wheel driving
The road to the top of Mt Greenland is a real challenge.
Historic sites
Ross was settled as a mining town and you can see evidence of this on walks.
Mountain biking and cycling
Challenging, nice view at the top.
Specialist activities: Gold fossicking
There is a site adjacent to Mt Greenland Road where you can fossick for gold. Call in at the Ross Information Centre for further detail.
Plan and prepare
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.