Activities and Hospitality!
An action packed week!!
Saturday 26th September
PARADE OF NATIONS and WELCOMING CEREMONY
Starting at 12pm in Alexandra (25min car ride, busses will be put on also from Cromwell) - get dressed up and join the 1km walk down the main street of Alexandra as part of their annual Blossom Festival. THOUSENDS of people lining the streets, colourful floats, big trucks, performers … and us, the competitors of the 2026 World Gold Panning Champs!
Then have a look around the hundreds of stalls, activities and food vendors in Pioneer Park before the official welcome from local dignitaries. Stay on for the band and bar…
Sunday 27th September
The NEW ZEALAND OPEN and LOCALS DAY.
Starting at 9am at the Competition Grounds (Cromwell Race Course) try out the gravel, gold, tubs and timing system we will be using for the World’s in the coming week. categories for Men, Women and Veterans. (One heat entry per person per category).
Markets, food stalls, entertainment on site. Click here to REGISTER
Monday 28th September
AOTEAROA CULTURAL EVENING
Hāngi (traditional Māori feast), Kapa Haka (traditional Māori song and dance),
Click here to secure your tickets.
Tuesday 29th September
OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT!
Large outdoor screen. BYO camp chairs… some chairs and tables provided, food trucks and bar. Movie - ‘Hunters Gold’.
Click here to buy your movie tickets!
Wednesday 30th September
THEATER PERFORMANCE ‘RUSH’.
The Fine Thyme Theatre Company performance of the Musical ‘Rush’. This powerful musical tells the moving story of immigrant gold-diggers and their quest for instant fortune.
Click here for more background about the show.
Click here to buy your movie tickets!
