Tracey is a woman with a plan. Well, a map at least. And brochures - of Lawrence, the Catlins and the many other amazing things on offer in Clutha.

Tracey looks after the Lawrence Information Centre and Tuapeka Goldfields Museum.

Ex-Aucklanders, Tracey and her husband bought the old BNZ building in Lawrence and are doing it up in a labour of love.

“We saw it on the internet, jumped on a plane and flew down for a look,” says Tracey.

“As soon as we drove in, we saw the town was quaint and beautiful and we thought ‘we’ve got to do this, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.’ So we did and six weeks later we moved here.”

Many of the people Tracey meets are coming through on their way to Queenstown and Dunedin. People who’ve never stopped in the town before are now taking the time to stop and appreciate all the region has to offer.

“They just can’t get over how beautiful it is,” says Tracey.

As an-ex tourist and the official source of truth in Lawrence on what’s worth a visit, Tracey puts the town at the top of the Clutha must do list.

“Obviously Lawrence! It’s the first choice. The Catlins is beautiful, Jack’s Bay, Surat Bay and all the bays around there. Cathedral Caves is fantastic, really awesome. 

“A really popular spot is Gabriel’s Gully. There’s a lake, they call it a dam, but it’s actually a little lake, and it’s beautiful. You can sit there with a picnic and really enjoy your surroundings. The walks are good too.”

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