New Zealand Gold Fossicking Forums

A while bak there was a gold claim for sale on the maruia river unless there is more than one then potentiallly ther could be gold in there. Its not far to the coast from there il have a look at a geological map let ya know.

Hi Gav.

After looking at the map,
it is my conclusion that the name, "Sluice Box", refers to the restricted area thats between the two spurs that seem to be squeezing in upon the "Maruia" river at this point,forming a possible "Gorge" there,which is also forming a large natural sluice.
That statement doesn`t mean to say that,thats the correct interpretation!

Cheers---Colin.

Yeah, the Sluice Box is at the start of the Lake Daniels track near Springs Junction. Not sure about the gold prospects, but the name comes from the way that the river runs through a straight sided slot in the rock - its' well worth a look. Easy walk into the Lake Daniels hut too. Great spot - used to be two dinghys there that you could row around the lake - 1 person rowing & the other bailing with a billy!

have panned a few flakes from the mouth of the sluice box, also have dived it with scuba gear while anchored to a tree by a 60ft rope (not something id recommend, it is about 3m deep and flows so fast as to constantly purge your regulator down your throat, while attempting to rip your mask from your face). P.S it was fun though