WORLD GOLD PANNING CHAMPIONSHIP
2026 PROGRAM.
At the Cromwell Racecourse.

9AM - EVENT REGISTRATION OPENS
Located at the main office building at Cromwell Racecourse.

CAMPERS ARRIVE (tents site and motorhomes)
$15 per site per night non powered. $25/site/night powered.

Opening parade and speeches at Alexandra Blossom Festival.
Meeting in Alexandra pre parade meeting point 11am. parade start 12pm (Busses leave Cromwell Racecourse to drive to Alexandra 10.30am)

Post Parade speeches and welcoming ceremony. Pioneer Park. 3pm.

9am Registration Opens - main office building at Racecourse.

10am Locals and fun day. Free competitions.

Market day. Opening Speeches and Flag Raising.

Food trucks, bar, Band in marquee at the Venue.

10am Competitions start - refer WGPC 2026 Events categories spreadsheet.
OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT!

Large outdoor screen. Food trucks and bar.

10am Competitions start - refer WGPC 2026 Events categories spreadsheet

Maori Culture night - Hangi (Traditional feast), Kapa Haka (Entertainment). Ticketed Event

Free day. No competitions this day. Local tours and fossicking day.

AGM of the World Goldpanning Association. 6pm at Racecourse main building.
"THEATRE PERFORMANCE ‘RUSH’- The Fine Thyme Theatre Company performance of the Musical ‘Rush’. This powerful musical tells the moving story of immigrant gold-diggers and their quest for instant fortune. Click here to buy tickets
https://www.fttc.co.nz/events

10am Competitions start - refer WGPC 2026 Events categories spreadsheet.
Finland Presentation and dinner 6pm

"THEATRE PERFORMANCE ‘RUSH’-

10am Competitions start - refer WGPC 2026 Events categories spreadsheet

"THEATRE PERFORMANCE ‘RUSH’-

10am Finals day start - refer WGPC 2026 Events categories spreadsheet

4pm Prize giving and Closing ceremony.

8pm Hoedown - Live music!!