WELCOME TO THE 49TH WORLD
GOLD PANNING CHAMPIONSHIPS
PROUDLY HOSTED
BY
THE OTAGO GOLDFIELDS HERITAGE TRUST
Dive into an unforgettable week where tradition meets competition, nature meets adrenaline and the world comes to Cromwell, Central Otago. 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.
About
the World Gold Panning Championships 2026
Cromwell, New Zealand is proud to host the World Gold Panning Championships in 2026 – a premier international competition that brings together the world's finest gold panners to compete for glory.
Our Organisation
The Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust has been at the heart of New Zealand's goldpanning community for over three decades, organizing the New Zealand National Gold Panning Championships for 33+ years. Beyond goldpanning, we're active event organizers and community fundraisers, managing signature events including the Goldfields Cavalcade, Postie Bike Rally, and Spring Kick Starter.
Our paid office staff, Odette and Terry, coordinate these events year-round and project manage heritage restoration initiatives and site reviews throughout the Central Otago goldfields region.
The World Championships Organising Committee
For this special international event, we've assembled an aditional expert team to advise and support Odette and Terry:
David and Amanda Gatward-Ferguson have a long-standing involvement with the New Zealand National Championships and bring valuable experience from attending multiple World Championships events.
Megan and Stu Ide are not only veteran organizers of the National Championships but also Gold Medal winners at the World Championships in Scotland, competing in the 3-person National Teams category.
Kelly Cruickshank, NZ Travel Broker of the Year 2025, brings extensive large-scale event management expertise and serves as a committee member of the Cromwell and Districts Promotion Group.
Polly Clague, Executive Support Manager at Santana Minerals, rounds out our organizing committee with her professional event coordination experience.
Together, we're committed to delivering a world-class championship that showcases Cromwell's rich gold mining heritage and legendary hospitality.
Become a Volunteer!
We’re also looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join us in bringing the World Gold Panning Championships to life here in Cromwell, Central Otago!
It’s going to be a fun-filled week celebrating our gold mining heritage, and there are plenty of ways to get involved — from helping with event setup and welcoming visitors, to supporting competitors and community activities.
Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people, be part of something truly special, and showcase the spirit of our local community. Whether you can give a few hours or a few days, we’d love to have you on board!
