WORLD GOLD PANNING CHAMPIONSHIP
2026 PROGRAM

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 party. Food trucks, bar, music in marquee at racecourse. Catch up with your fellow competitors.

9am Registration Opens - main office building at Racecourse.

10am Locals and fun day competitions start

Market day.

Food trucks, bar, School Band in marquee at racecourse.

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

10am Competitions start - refer WGPC 2026 Events categories spreadsheet

AGM of the World Goldpanning Association. 6pm at Racecourse main building.
"THEATER 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

Finland Presentation and dinner 6pm

"THEATER PERFORMANCE ‘RUSH’-

10am Competitions start - refer WGPC 2026 Events categories spreadsheet

Wine and Dine Cyde Party night!

"THEATER PERFORMANCE ‘RUSH’-

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

4pm Prize giving and Closing ceremony.

8pm Hoedown - Live music!!