Ross Walks

Ross township is 30 km south of Hokitika on SH6. Start these walks from Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre at the end of Aylmer Street, where you can check for up-to-date track conditions.

Ross has an extensive gold mining history. Relics of the gold rush are apparent throughout the Historic Goldfields area. There is a site next to Mt Greenland Road where you can fossick for gold.

Call in and ask at the Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre for further information.

Ross Water Race Walkway

Time: 1 hour loop walk

This walk is a great option for kids - with tunnels and other gold mining relics there is plenty to keep them interested.

From the car park at the Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre; the Water Race Walkway follows Mt Greenland Road for about 15 minutes before turning onto a sign posted forest track on the right side of the road.

The track climbs to an old water race and then follows this through regenerating native forest, passing numerous old gold workings including tunnels, several dam sites and a replica miner's hut. After passing through the original Ross Cemetery, the walkway exits at the top of St James Street, with a short walk back to the car park.

This is a walk that people of a medium to low level of fitness can enjoy.

Ross Historic Cemetery

Time: 10 minutes one way

Starting from the top end of St James Street; this short walk, which is also part of the Ross Water Race Walkway, zig-zags steeply uphill for a few minutes before entering the historic cemetery. Here you will find many interesting headstones which portray the harshness of life in the early mining days.

Mount Greenland

Time: 7 hour return

Good level of fitness needed

This walk follows a rough and unmaintained road to the top of Mount Greenland. The road is a steady incline and mostly follows an old miner's pack track. It passes through tall rimu forest then several changes in vegetation type can be seen as altitude is gained. On a clear day, the tussock covered top of Mount Greenland has amazing views in every direction.

You should carry warm clothing, a raincoat and take plenty of food and water for the journey. Strong shoes or tramping boots are recommended and the walk is suitable for those with a medium to good level of fitness.

Note: Beyond the summit, the road continues steeply downhill to the site of the old mining village at the back of Mt Greenland. This will add several hours to the journey and is not recommended as a day walk.