RossGetting Your Bearings in Ross#
Ross is arranged along a short main street and service strip with the lake a short walk away; the convenience store/post agency sits near the town centre, with residential streets and farm country radiating out. Travellers usually base themselves in the town centre or at small lakeside properties and use Ross as a stop between Hokitika and inland sights.
Ross at a Glance#
Costs: Allow for basic meals and modest accommodation - daily costs vary by season and choice of lodging. - Basic meals and a modest B&B or motel are the main expenses; bring extra for excursions or tours.
Safety: Generally safe - Very low crime but watch for natural hazards - river levels, slips and sudden West Coast weather changes.
Best Time: November - March - Warmer, relatively drier months are best for walking and sightseeing, though rain can occur year-round.
Ross sits on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island amid low hills and beech forest, about 27 km southwest of Hokitika. It developed in the 1860s as a busy centre for alluvial and quartz gold mining and at its peak held a few thousand residents.
After the early goldfields were depleted the town shrank; today a few hundred people live in and around Ross and its economy is based on farming, forestry and services for the local community. A large open-cut pit beside the town was later filled to create Ross Lake, which dominates the setting.
Visitors come for the town’s tangible gold-rush history, the Chinese Miners’ Memorial Garden beside Ross Lake, and to use Ross as a quiet base for exploring the forested West Coast and nearby lakes and waterfalls. Amenities are limited - there is a convenience store/post agency and a small petrol supply - so plan ahead.
Why Visit Ross?#
Visit Ross for a compact slice of West Coast history: the Chinese Miners’ Memorial Garden and the lakeside setting are unusually atmospheric for such a small place. The town sits close to forest, walking tracks and scenic rivers, and offers easy access to larger centres such as Hokitika for services and attractions. Ross is best for travelers who enjoy rural charm, heritage sites and quiet country drives.
Best Things to Do in Ross#
Ross Bucket List#
Don't Miss
Chinese Miners’ Memorial Garden - A thoughtfully created garden and pavilion beside Ross Lake that commemorates the 19th-century Chinese miners who worked the area.
Ross Lake - Walk the lake edge and the nearby paths to see the town from the water and learn about the mine pit that became the lake.
Historic goldrush remains - Stroll the town and surrounding gullies for relics of the 1860s goldrush and interpretive signs describing local mining history.
Hidden Gems
Jones Creek area - A small local waterway that has shaped the lake and gardens - good for quiet exploration and birdwatching.
Mount Greenland ridge - The nearby ridge where quartz was occasionally mined; it offers perspectives on historic mining activity and the local landscape.
Day Trips
Hokitika - About 27 km away, Hokitika has galleries, a wider choice of cafes and craft shops and the seaside glowworm walk.
Lake Kaniere - A forest-fringed lake popular for short walks and picnics, reachable by a scenic drive and good for a half-day outing.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Ross#
The West Coast has a temperate, oceanic climate with rain possible any month; summers are the most comfortable for outdoor activities while winters are cool and often wet. Shoulder seasons can be quieter but still changeable.
Summer
Warmest and relatively drier weeks occur in these months, making it the best time for walks, lake visits and open-air photography.
Autumn shoulder
Cooling temperatures and increased rainfall make for dramatic skies and fewer visitors - good for travel when you don’t mind damp weather.
Winter
Cool, often very wet conditions with shorter daylight; outdoor plans should be flexible and river/track conditions checked before setting out.
Ross's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 2°C to 20°C. Heavy rainfall (2481 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 12° - 20° | 16° | 192 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.7h |
| February | Good | 12° - 20° | 16° | 135 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 4.2 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.6h |
| March | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 188 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 4.4 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.2h |
| April | Acceptable | 8° - 17° | 12° | 198 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.8h |
| May | Poor | 5° - 14° | 7° | 201 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 3° - 12° | 5° | 148 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 4.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.9h |
| July | Acceptable | 2° - 12° | 4° | 153 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 4.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| August | Poor | 3° - 13° | 5° | 191 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.3h |
| September | Poor | 6° - 14° | 7° | 292 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.3 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.7h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 15° | 11° | 272 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.1h |
| November | Acceptable | 9° - 16° | 13° | 212 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 14.4h |
| December | Acceptable | 11° - 18° | 14° | 299 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 15.1h |
How to Get to Ross#
Ross is best reached by road; public transport is limited so most visitors arrive by car or as part of a coach route along the West Coast. The town sits between Hokitika and Hari Hari on the scenic coastal corridor.
- By Air: Hokitika Airport (HKK): The nearest scheduled flights land at Hokitika Airport; from there Ross is roughly a 25-35 minute drive (about 27 km). Car hire at Hokitika or a taxi can complete the trip.
- By Bus: regional coach services from Greymouth/Christchurch: Some West Coast coach services stop at or near Ross; journey times depend on origin (Hokitika about 30 minutes, Christchurch roughly 4 hours by road). Expect regional bus fares in the NZD range for intercity legs.
- By Car: from Christchurch or Greymouth: Driving from Christchurch takes around 4 hours depending on conditions; the route is scenic but can be slow where state highways follow the coastline. A car gives maximum flexibility to explore nearby lakes and tracks.
How to Get Around Ross#
Ross is compact and easy to explore on foot, but a car is useful for reaching nearby sights and for flexibility on the West Coast.
- Walking: The town and lakeshore are easily walked in an hour or two; paths around Ross Lake and the memorial garden are suitable for most visitors.
- Car: Driving is the most practical way to get around the wider area - rental cars are available in larger towns like Hokitika and give access to nearby lakes and ridges.
- Taxi / local transport: Local taxi services are limited; arrange transfers in advance or use a shuttle from Hokitika if you have no car.
Where to Stay in Ross#
Budget
Town centre - Prices vary by property and season - check current rates.
Basic motels, cabins or a small B&B provide simple, clean rooms within easy walking distance of the lake and memorial garden.
Mid-Range
Lakeside and nearby farms - Prices vary by property and season - check current rates.
Comfortable B&Bs and independent guesthouses around Ross Lake offer peaceful settings and slightly more space and amenities than town-centre rooms.
Luxury
No true luxury hotels - Limited / none
There are no large luxury hotels in Ross; travelers seeking upscale accommodation should look to Hokitika or larger West Coast lodges.
Shopping in Ross#
Shopping is limited to a convenience store/post agency and a few local outlets; for crafts, galleries and more extensive shopping visit Hokitika. Bring supplies you need before arriving and plan larger shopping in the regional centers.
Ross FAQs#
When is the best time to visit Ross?
The best time is late spring to early autumn (November-March) for warmer, relatively drier weather and easier walking access; winter is wet and cool so expect variable conditions. Check the Best time to visit Ross for season details.
How do I get to Ross from Hokitika?
Ross is about 27 km southwest of Hokitika and a 25-35 minute drive by car or taxi; some regional coaches also serve the route. See practical options in How to get to Ross.
Can I get to Ross by public transport from Christchurch?
Yes - intercity coaches run along the West Coast and can drop you near Ross, but services are infrequent so check timetables and book in advance; driving is faster and more flexible. See How to get to Ross for details.
What are the must-see attractions in Ross?
Don’t miss the Chinese Miners’ Memorial Garden, Ross Lake and the local goldrush relics - these give a clear sense of the town’s history and setting. More on what to see is in Best things to do in Ross.
Are there good walks around Ross?
Yes - short lakeside walks and local paths around the memorial garden are pleasant and suitable for most visitors; longer backcountry tramps require planning. See walking suggestions in Ross bucket list.
Is Ross a good base for exploring the West Coast?
Ross can be a quiet base for nearby lakes, forest walks and the drive to Hokitika, but it has limited services so many travelers base themselves in Hokitika for more options. Read more in About Ross.
How many days should I spend in Ross?
One full day is enough to see the memorial garden, walk Ross Lake and explore town heritage; two or more days let you take nearby drives or more relaxed walks. See suggested activities in Ross bucket list.
Is Ross safe to visit alone?
Ross is generally safe with low crime, but standard rural precautions apply and you should monitor river and weather warnings due to slips and floods. For visitor amenities and practical tips see Ross at a glance.