Ross is located in the West Coast Region of New Zealand’s South Island. This charming former Gold Rush town makes an excellent base for exploring the historical sights and natural attractions of the South Island’s west coast. Begin at the Ross Goldfields Visitor Information Centre, where you can view an old miner’s cottage and try your hand at gold panning. Here you can also pick up maps and brochures to help plan some highly-recommended day excursions from Ross, such as to the Franz Josef Glacier, Pancake Rocks (Punakaiki), Lake Brunner and Arthurs Pass. Finally, Ross is the end-point of the West Coast Wilderness Trail, a 139-kilometre cycle route that tracks all the way up to Greymouth, passing through the area’s spectacular scenery as you go.