Heritage
Don’t get too excited about the gold rush. It finished some time ago.
In the 1860s, the Central Otago Goldfields were a frenzy of hard graft and risky business. Pioneers and adventurers flocked from all over the world in hot pursuit of riches. Braving our unforgiving landscapes, fast-flowing rivers and extreme temperatures – danger was way easier to find than gold.
Among our small towns and vast landscapes, you’ll find many different ways to follow in the fortune-seeking footsteps of the hardy gold miners. Discover how these resilient, innovative and humble pioneers shaped our landscapes as well as our values and who we are.
With walks, museums and experiences that tell the story of the different types of gold mining and the innovative technology that evolved among our river flats, shallows, inland terraces and quartz reefs, you’ll get a sense of how two million ounces of Otago gold went from rock to real world in the 1860s.
Explore Central Otago’s gold mining heritage sites and experiences at your own pace – rushing for gold, or anything else for that matter, is so 1861.
Heritage Sites
Explore some of Central Otago’s most prominent heritage sites at Bendigo Historic Reserve, Bannockburn Sluicings or Cromwell’s Heritage Precinct
Heritage Experiences
Pan for gold or take a tour at the Goldfields Mining Centre, cruise down the Clutha and view the legacy left by goldmining from the water.
Central Otago Museums
Central Otago's local museums tell the social, cultural and economic stories of the people, places and events of our rich local heritage.
The Central Otago Gold Story
From the early 1860s the Otago gold rush lured thousands of hopefuls from afar and forever changed this place we now call home.
Heritage Trails
Walk, cycle or drive to over 20 sites featured on the Otago Goldfields Heritage Trail: Mitchell’s Cottage, Earnscleugh Dredge Tailings, Bald Hill Flat and Dead Horse Pinch to name just a few.
9 Heritage Highlights
-
Bendigo Historic Reserve
Amble around one of New Zealand’s most lucrative goldfields at Bendigo Historic Reserve. Marvel at the impressive mines high on the steep faces of a gorge at Aurora Creek and explore the crumbling stone cottages of Logantown an Welshtown.
-
Bannockburn Sluicings
Wander through the sliced hillsides and stark, semi-desert landscape of Bannockburn Sluicings and nearby Stewart Town recongised as a site of national significance through the Tohu Whenua programme.
-
Take a cruise.
Go with the flow – take a cruise down the Clutha River to see some of the best examples of European and Chinese mining sites.
-
Take a tour, or fossick for gold.
Take a tour or fossick for gold – if you’re feeling lucky, at the Goldfields Mining Centre on the banks of the Kawarau River.
Want to know more?
To find out more about our Central Otago activities, experiences and events you can get in touch with one of our knowledgable local experts at the Central Otago i-SITEs.
If your gold bars are stacked and you seek riches of another kind – the kind that relax and recharge you – escape the ever-increasing fast pace of life and enjoy solitude and peace in our small, historic towns, many born of the gold mining era.
Looking at the charming old buildings, you could be forgiven for thinking our towns are stuck in the past. But, they’re actually way ahead of their time. All these historic banks, halls and stables have been repurposed, redesigned, and refurbished to suit the needs of today — yep, they even have WIFI.
OUR REGIONAL VALUES
Make a Difference
Be at the cutting edge, setting directions and accepting challenges.
Respecting Others
Take the time to listen and understand other people’s opinions and cultural differences.
Embracing Diversity
Be open to new ideas, open to exploring the possibilities and appreciate the strengths and talents each person brings.
Adding Value
Always ask ourselves is there a better way – one that achieves a premium status, quality experience or interaction.
Having Integrity
Seek to be open and honest in all our interactions.
Learning from the past
Choose to learn from past experiences with the future generations in mind.
Making a sustainable difference
Make decisions with the community in mind and in harmony with the natural environment so we can help create the kind of place we can be proud of.
Protecting our rich heritage
Protect and celebrate our rich heritage in landscapes, architecture, flora, fauna and cultural heritage.
Meeting our obligations
Do the right thing by our region and check what legal requirements need to be met before you get started.