Sams Creek (New Zealand)

Sams Creek is a small locality and valley located on the western slopes of the Southern Alps in the South Island of New Zealand, within the Tasman District. It is known primarily for its gold mining history and potential for future gold extraction.

The area experienced a gold rush in the late 19th century. Alluvial gold was initially discovered, and later, hard rock mining focused on quartz reefs containing gold. Remnants of old mining settlements and infrastructure, such as water races and mine shafts, can still be found in the area.

Today, Sams Creek is of interest to mining companies due to the presence of a large, low-grade gold deposit. Various companies have explored the feasibility of developing an open-pit gold mine at Sams Creek. These proposals have often been met with environmental concerns related to the potential impact on the surrounding natural environment, including water quality and biodiversity. The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages significant parts of the surrounding land, which are of high conservation value.

The area is relatively remote and sparsely populated. Access is typically via forestry roads. The surrounding landscape is characterized by steep hills, dense forests, and streams.