🇳🇿 NZ-Specific Considerations
- • No motors allowed in public fossicking areas — gravity sluices only
- • NZ rivers are often shallow — compact sluices work better than long ones
- • Fine gold is common — use matting designed for flour gold
Sluice Comparison
Gold Genie Pocket Sluice
$45-65
Pros
- Ultra-portable
- Great for beginners
- Works in shallow water
Cons
- • Low capacity
- • Not for heavy gravel
Backpacker Pro 24" Sluice
$80-120
Pros
- Good balance of size/weight
- Folds flat
- Removable riffles
Cons
- • Needs moderate flow
- • Plastic can crack in cold
Keene A51 Mini Sluice
$150-200
Pros
- Professional quality
- Aluminium construction
- Proven design
Cons
- • Heavier
- • More expensive
DIY Sluice (Build Your Own)
$20-50
Pros
- Custom size
- Cheap
- Satisfaction of building
Cons
- • Requires tools
- • Trial and error
What Size Sluice Do You Need?
For most NZ fossicking areas, a 24-30 inch sluice is ideal. Longer sluices (48"+) are overkill for our shallow creeks and harder to position correctly.
If you're hiking in to remote spots (like Slab Hut Creek or Waiho River), weight matters. A folding plastic sluice or even a gold pan might be more practical than lugging aluminium.
DIY Sluice Tips
Many Kiwi prospectors build their own sluices from:
- Aluminium gutter sections (perfect width, cheap at Bunnings)
- Miners moss or ribbed rubber matting for riffles
- Expanded metal mesh for classifying
There are YouTube tutorials specific to NZ conditions — search "DIY sluice box New Zealand".
Where to Buy in NZ
Skip the international shipping. These NZ-based shops stock quality prospecting gear:
DredgeNZ
Keene sluices, Le Trap, matting, and prospecting supplies. Based in NZ.
Outpost Supplies
Wide range of sluices, pans, and mining gear. NZ-based.
Mine For Gold
Pans, classifiers, and beginner kits. Good for starter gear.
Hunting & Fishing NZ
Minelab kits and outdoor gear. Stores nationwide.
Not Finding Enough Gold?
Even with the best sluice, recreational prospecting rarely pays. Consider trading gold CFDs — profit whether prices rise or fall.
Trade Gold Instead →