Recoveries

Recovered & Returned

Real finds and recovered items shared by detectorists across the directory — lost rings, jewellery, heirlooms and treasures brought back to the surface.

Showing finds by Juan Botha · see all recoveries

Lost Nana's Ring in tall grass

Lost Nana's Ring in tall grass

Papamoa Beach · 25 Oct 2025

Late Friday afternoon, I received a phone call about a woman who had lost a ring. She had lost her late nana’s ring, the one piece that held her most precious memories. It wasn’t just a piece of jewellery; it was a reminder of love, laughter, and all the moments they’d shared. After speaking with them, I gathered as much information as I could about where it might have been lost. The only challenge was that the area was thick with bushes and uneven ground, not the easiest spot to search. But with the right equipment and a bit of determination, I got to work. Within just ten minutes, and on the third target, my detector gave that unmistakable sound and there it was, a beautiful ring glinting softly beneath the leaves. Although I didn’t get to hand the ring back to her personally, as she had already left for work, her friend arrived soon after to collect it. I can only imagine the moment she saw it again, that smile must’ve stretched from ear to ear. A small act, but one that meant the world. And that’s why I love what I do.

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My Most Difficult Recovery Yet

My Most Difficult Recovery Yet

Mount Maunganui · 11 Jan 2026

I headed out for another lost ring recovery… only to find out this one wasn’t sitting nicely under the sand — it had been lost in the surf! After nearly two hours of searching, waist-deep in the water and getting knocked around by wave after wave, I finally got the signal I’d been hoping for. There it was! Definitely one of the toughest recoveries I’ve done yet, but seeing that ring come out of the water made every wave worth it. Another precious ring back where it belongs! "THANK YOU SO MUCH TO YOUR TEAM & especially Juan who came down to the beach this evening and found our ring! Words can’t express how grateful my partner Tori and I are to have our ring back! Thank you again and God Bless!!"

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Well, That Was Quick!

Well, That Was Quick!

Mount Maunganui · 12 Jan 2026

Thank you so much Juan to come down and find my grandmother’s ring! He was amazing and so fast! Juan said it took longer for him to find a park than to find the ring. What a relief! I’m so grateful 🫶

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A Pandora Rescue

A Pandora Rescue

Mount Maunganui · 15 Jan 2026

I was contacted by Salina, whose daughter had sadly lost her Pandora bracelet while at the beach. Luckily, she had the exact location of where it might be. My son and I decided to head over for a quick look and to our surprise, we actually found it! Seeing how happy they were made the whole search worth it. Sometimes it’s the small wins that mean the most.

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Striking Gold Under the Kiwifruit Vines 🥝💍

Striking Gold Under the Kiwifruit Vines 🥝💍

Tauranga · 19 Jan 2026

Varinder sadly lost his sentimental gold ring in a kiwi fruit orchard when it slipped from his pocket while pulling out his phone. It disappeared into long grass but luckily, he managed to narrow the search area down. About 10 minutes into the search, I heard that unmistakable sound on my detector. Still couldn’t see the ring, but out came the pinpointer… and there it was. Moments like this are exactly why I love what I do helping people like Varinder and his family recover something truly special. Until the next one… it’s never lost, just misplaced.

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The Ring That Nearly Got Away 💍

The Ring That Nearly Got Away 💍

Mount Maunganui Beach · 20 March 2026

Juan has been amazing and so very helpful. He was able to find my ring which I had honestly thought was gone forever! I can’t begin to explain how grateful I am to you both for helping me in my search!! I am currently in discussions with Juan about getting the ring back to me as I’m not actually in the Mount anymore. Thank you again, I can’t tell you how refreshing it is to come across such generosity of spirit and genuine care for peoples well being. It doesn’t often happen these days that people are just willing to help out the kindness of their hearts!! What you and your team of kind souls are doing for people is very special, thank you very much!! Heather

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Lost in the Sand, Found in a Flash

Lost in the Sand, Found in a Flash

Papamoa Beach · 3 May 2026

Juan came and found my engagement ring this evening at the beach. I lost it just as we were leaving the beach when I shook my blanket and it came off. I searched for 20 minutes with other people who were kind enough to help me when they saw me looking for something. It was very upsetting having to leave the beach without it. Thank you so much Juan for finding it so quickly and being prompt at meeting my partner at the beach to search for it. It was found in less than 30 seconds, amazing! Eve Marie #amazing!! #minelabexterraPro

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The Search for the Silver Necklace

The Search for the Silver Necklace

Blake Park, Taurnaga · 17 Feb 2026

I saw a post on our local community page about a woman who had lost her silver necklace while practicing nearby. Since I was already in the area, I thought… why not play detective for a bit? So there I was, searching like I’d dropped my own paycheck. A little hope, a little luck and there it was! Here is a photo of her smiling with her recovered necklace… but one of me smiling with the thoughtful gift she gave me. Thank you so much, Jazmin. It was such a pleasure meeting you. #blackfernssevens #felix-Hotham13 #xterrapro

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