Dozens of gold-panning enthusiasts from around the South and some from the North Island will compete in the 18th annual event, which will be part of the community fair in the Old Cromwell precinct.
The championships will mark the first year under the new organising committee, chaired by David Gatward-Ferguson, of Queenstown, and comprising Amanda Gatward-Ferguson and David Marsh, of Queenstown, Justin Eden, of Arrowtown, Jill Eden, of Cromwell, Margaret May, of Millers Flat, and Artie Lind, of Timaru.
Mr Marsh, who will be defending his men's title, said the event would be run in strict accordance with world gold-panning rules.
The winner will represent New Zealand in the Australasian Gold-panning Championships at Ballarat in March.
