NiTi alloys belongs to the Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) group which are functional materials exhibiting shape memory and superelastic properties. They are used in electronics, machinery, energy, aerospace, civil engineering, automotive and medical applications. Their mechanical and electrical properties are worsen in critical conditions such as high temperature and severe environments. Gold thin coatings are commonly employed in electrical contact components where wear mechanisms in sliding contact, at both low and high frequencies, become crucial aspects .In this work, the deposition of Au-based coatings on NiTi components is proposed for innovative SMA-based products for electrical applications in vibrating and tribologically severe conditions . The influence of three different Au-based coatings deposited by magnetron sputtering on NiTi tribological and mechanical behaviour was investigated. The macroscopic properties of the underlying NiTi were not affected by the deposition process. Moreover, the film adhesion and integrity were maintained also after severe deformations and exposure to liquid nitrogen inducing the martensitic transition. A detailed surface characterization, through nanoindentation, tribocorrosion, and scratch and wear tests, was performed. The obtained results evidenced the ductile behaviour of the Au-based films and their good adhesion on NiTi substrates. The coatings exhibited a good wear resistance, both in dry conditions and in saline solution, which proved to be suitable also for severe environments. All samples maintained unaltered their functionality, improving the surface properties of the NiTi alloy and therefore can be considered suitable and interesting for suggested applications.