Gold Across the Southern Alps, New Zealand

The field trip covers Phanerozoic orogenic gold mineralisation and alluvial gold of the South Island of New Zealand. The trip takes in the Cretaceous mineralisation at the Macraes mine, New Zealand largest gold producer, and continues to Central Otago, a locus of nineteenth century gold mining activity. Recent drilling has delineated extensive mineralisation at the historic Rise and Shine deposit and drill core will be on display. Stops at the historic Tertiary aged alluvial deposits near Queenstown, representative of the deposits sought during the 19^th century gold rush will be made. The trip continues to Reefton on the West Coast via the Haast Pass. Drill core at the recently re-opened Blackwater Mine and that of other prospects will be investigated. The trip travels along the stunning scenery of the South Island coasts, through Central Otago and the Alps. The complex geology of New Zealand and interplay with of the collision of the Australian and Pacific plates will be on show.