About Us
Our Journey to Discover GoldFather and Son Gold Prospectors from New Zealand
The Sluicers: A Father-and-Son Gold Prospecting Team
At The Sluicers, we’re more than just gold prospectors—we’re treasure hunters who are passionate about New Zealand’s rich gold mining history. Our journey started with a simple metal detector and a fascination with the tales of Charleston’s gold rush. What began as a childhood curiosity quickly turned into a lifelong adventure, filled with thrilling discoveries and a deeper connection to the land and its history.
How It All Began
We’re Dillon and Anthony Thom, a father-and-son team from the South Island of New Zealand. As a kid, I (Dillon) was captivated by the remnants of Charleston’s gold rush days while staying in our family’s bach. After watching countless gold prospecting shows, we decided to try it ourselves. On my 13th birthday, we bought our first metal detector and hit the goldfields. Our first find—a single gold flake—was enough to ignite a passion that has taken us all over New Zealand’s rugged West Coast.
Since then, we’ve unearthed more than 10 ounces of gold and countless historic treasures, exploring the forgotten mines and tunnels that once fueled the dreams of thousands of gold seekers. Along the way, we’ve shared our adventures with the world through YouTube, where thousands of fellow prospectors and treasure hunters follow our journey.
Our Mission
At The Sluicers, our mission is to bring the excitement of gold prospecting to everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned prospector or a first-time treasure hunter, we want to share the skills we’ve learned and the history we’ve uncovered. From teaching you how to pan for gold, use a sluice, or detect with the latest metal detectors, we’re dedicated to making your gold prospecting adventure as exciting and rewarding as ours.
Our Passion:
Gold prospecting for us is more than just finding gold. It’s about connecting with New Zealand’s pioneering past and keeping its history alive. Every tunnel, shaft, and flake of gold tells a story—stories we want to share with others who share our love for adventure. The thrill of finding real gold is something we want everyone to experience, whether through one of our guided tours, purchasing paydirt, or watching our videos.
Join Us On The Adventure:
Today, we continue to explore new goldfields, uncover hidden treasures, and share our knowledge with prospectors of all ages. Whether you’re looking to join us on a tour, learn prospecting techniques, or just follow along with our adventures online, The Sluicers are here to help you discover your own piece of New Zealand’s golden past.
“What began as a childhood fascination has turned into an incredible journey of discovery. We’re not just prospecting for gold—we’re uncovering New Zealand’s history, one nugget at a time.”
— Dillon & Anthony Thom, The Sluicers
We’re here to help!