World Gold Panning Championships NZ 2026 - Hosted by the Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust
Fri, 25 Sept
|Cromwell Racecourse
Dive into an unforgettable week where tradition meets competition, nature meets adrenaline and the world comes to Cromwell. The 49th World Gold Panning Championships will bring together seasoned panners and passionate newcomers from across the globe to this stunning part of the world.
Time & Location
25 Sept 2026, 11:00 am – 03 Oct 2026, 6:00 pm
Cromwell Racecourse, Cromwell 9384, New Zealand
Guests
About the event
Get ready… for the golden moment!
Dive into an unforgettable week where tradition meets competition, nature meets adrenaline and the world comes to Cromwell. The 49th World Gold Panning Championships will bring together seasoned panners and passionate newcomers from across the globe to this stunning New Zealand gold-rush region.
Why Cromwell?
This region has gold heritage – the area has hosted national panning events and has strong links with the sport.
Local organisers are already in action – the event hosts have been out internationally promoting and forging connections.
With the backdrop of the Central Otago landscape and the river heritage, this location promises not just a competition, but an experience.
Tickets
PROFICIENT MEN
One entry gets you two heats.
$60.00
GST included
+$1.50 ticket service fee
PROFICIENT WOMENS
One entry gets you two heats.
$60.00
GST included
+$1.50 ticket service fee
UNDER 16
$50.00
GST included
+$1.25 ticket service fee
UNDER 12
$25.00
GST included
+$0.63 ticket service fee
PICKIES UNDER 5
$0.00
VETERAN
$50.00
GST included
+$1.25 ticket service fee
CLASSIC -
Klondike Eastwing 14" Pan
$60.00
GST included
+$1.50 ticket service fee
TEAM EVENTS
From $60.00 to $150.00
$150.00
GST included
+$3.75 ticket service fee
$60.00
GST included
+$1.50 ticket service fee
$90.00
GST included
+$2.25 ticket service fee
FUN EVENTS
From $30.00 to $50.00
$50.00
GST included
+$1.25 ticket service fee
$50.00
GST included
+$1.25 ticket service fee
$30.00
GST included
+$0.75 ticket service fee
Total
$0.00