Apply for a Tier 3 mining permit
To provide guidance and information on Tier 3 permits, the requirements and how to apply.
We issue permits for small scale gold mining under a Tier 3 permit.
A Tier 3 permit is for:
- mining for alluvial gold contained in riverbeds, or
- mining for gold contained in beach sand.
In some areas of the South Island, you don’t need a permit to fossick for gold.
Tier 3 permit requirements
Work Programme
A Tier 3 permit is only for gold mining.
Permits for Tier 3 mining are limited to the use of small-scale mining equipment:
- unpowered hand tools (e.g. gold pans, shovels, picks)
- riffle boxes and related equipment
- powered equipment not exceeding a combined total of 10 horsepower (or the equivalent of 10 horsepower) at any one time
- other similar equipment that is consistent with small-scale non-commercial gold mining.
If your proposed mining operation does not fit with the work programme above, we will not grant you a Tier 3 permit.
If you want to use large machines such as excavators, you will need to apply for a Tier 2 mining permit.
Apply for a minerals Tier 1 or Tier 2 mining permit
Area
- The permit must be for one unbroken area of less than 50 hectares.
- If mining in a river, your permit it must extend from riverbank to riverbank.
- If mining on a beach, your permit must be limited to an area that can be practically worked.
- You cannot hold two or more Tier 3 permits next to each other.
See an example of allowed areas below:
Duration
A Tier 3 mining permit lasts for a maximum of 10 years. However, you can apply for an extension of duration.
APP 02 Application to change a permit [PDF 393KB]
Fees & royalties
- Application fee: $2,783 including GST. You need to pay the full amount when you submit your application.
- An annual fee: $1,150 including GST will be payable each year.
- Royalties: must be paid only where enough gold is mined to meet the royalty threshold set out in regulations.
Obligations & conditions
If you are granted a Tier 3 mining permit, there are also obligations you must meet in relation to matters such as rehabilitation, reporting and land access.
Failure to comply with your obligations could result in your permit being revoked.
For an example of a Tier 3 permit certificate, and the conditions and obligations a Tier 3 permit holder must meet, see here:
Example Tier 3 permit certificate [PDF 389KB]
How to apply
From 25 September 2025 you can either:
- Apply online using the online permitting system. You will need a RealMe login to use the system and you can save your application as you go and come back to it at any time.
- Complete the application form and email it to us at nzpam@mbie.govt.nz
The application form, and guidance on how to complete it will be available shortly.
Moving to a Tier 3 permit
Information on how to move from a Tier 2 to a Tier 3 permit will be available shortly.