Hi all,
My name is John and I live over on the east coast of the south island. In the past I have had a couple of adventures over to the west coast, normally using Moana as a base to stay. I have found some nice gold in places like Ross, Nelson creek, Goldsborough and Moonlight creek to name a few places. Had to work bloody hard for it, digging down to bedrock, shifting boulders etc.
I haven’t been over to the coast for about 7/8 years now and have hardly been able to get out much here on the east coast as the nearest place is also a few kms away. I have done some panning up the Marawhenua river in Danseys pass, got the claim owners permission but he only allowed me to go places where he has already dredged before so not much joy there.
This time I am coming to the coast with a workmate who has been out once before but never saw colour so I thought I would take him to some of the spots I have been before. He is 72 so I wouldn’t want to wreck him and throw him in a river all day doing the hard yards I would do, but that’s the only way I know how.
Mick, my mate is tossing up as to whether or not to invest in a detector so may purchase one before our trip over on the 20th of Feb. I thought he may not get the use out of it so it might not be worth the outlay but he tells me his girlfriend owns a farm over in Victoria, Aussie and he will use it there too.
Thats the background story so now back to why I’m posting in the first place. My friend Mick is 72 as I mentioned previously and a real likeable bugger too. I’m wanting to make this trip an enjoyable one for him without wrecking him too much physically so I was hoping someone may be able to help me make this one a memorable trip for him.
Do you know of any areas where we could go detecting/panning that would likely get us some colour? Mick would be good for climbing over a few rocks etc but wouldn’t be able to do it for hours on end sort of thing. We will base ourselves at Lake Brunner this time round so if you know of any creeks in or around the area that may be worth looking at it would be much appreciated. Even if we have to travel 100/150kms to get there it’s no hassle. We are over on the coast for 6 days so have time to travel.
I have only been out a handful of times myself so I’m by no means an expert so if someone out there has some knowledge they are keen to pass on it would be awesome to meet and get a few pointers.
Much appreciated if you are able to help.
Flick me a message on 027 358 3699 if you can help out.
Thanks John