We demonstrate a method of producing nickel-coated gold-core nanorods. First gold nanorods are electrodeposited into thin film alumina on a glass substrate. The alumina is then etched with sodium hydroxide which widens the pores around the gold nanorods. Finally, nickel is electrodeposited into the etched alumina to produce gold-core nickel-coated nanorods. Magnetic measurements confirmed the presence of magnetic material and optical transmission measurements confirmed the presence of gold nanorods after the nickel deposition step. (c) 2007 The Electrochemical Society.