The Goldmine Experience is a guided tour that takes you through operating 19th-century gold-mining machinery in Thames.

Volunteer enthusiasts run the Goldmine Experience and it leads underground into one of the richest goldmines of its time. You can see the efforts to restore steam and water-powered engines, there is a large photo display of early hotels and mines and you try your luck at gold panning.

The Stamper Battery has been restored and is operating as part of the guided tour.

The first major discovery of gold in the Thames area was documented on August 10, 1867, by a prospector, William Hunt. He discovered this in a waterfall in the bed of the Kuranui Stream. This mine went on to produce over 102,353oz of bullion and was known as the Shotover.

The bonanza years for gold mining in Thames were from 1868 to 1871. Gold production topped one million pounds sterling at its peak and official figures for production of the Thames Mines recorded a yield of 2,327,619oz bullion with a value of $845 million.

There’s plenty of history associated with the gold mining years, and its local discovery had a major impact on the nature and size of Thames – the population ballooned to over 18,000, compared to around 8000 now.

The Goldmine Experience is one way to explore this history – and who knows, maybe your gold panning will be fruitful! Don’t forget to also check out other gold-mining-related attractions like the Thames School of Mines or Bella Street Pumphouse.

Location
Located on the corner of Moanataiari Road and State Highway 25 you will find the Goldmine Experience at the northern end of Thames.

Hours
Summer (daily)
26 Dec – 1 May
10 am to 4 pm
Closed Christmas Day and Easter Sunday

Winter (weekends only)
1 May – 26 Dec, 10 am to 1 pm
Open public holidays
Open school holidays, 10 am – 1 pm