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Story: West Coast region

Modern gold fossicking

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Modern gold fossicking

It is still possible to find gold in many West Coast streams – although it can be cold, wet work. These prospectors are using a small petrol-driven pump and suction hose to try to extract gold from crevices on the stream bed.

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Private collection

by Simon Nathan

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How to cite this page

Simon Nathan, West Coast region – Tourism and outdoor recreation, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/21158/modern-gold-fossicking (accessed 13 June 2026).

Story by Simon Nathan, published 3 March 2009, updated 1 September 2016.