The Clutha District is home to one of Otago’s most historic towns, Lawrence, with a number of key sites to discover on your next stay with us. 

Spend time soaking up the rich heritage, where Otago’s gold rush began. Take time to explore the Tuapeka Goldfields Museum and Visitor Centre, and learn the story of the first person to discover gold in Gabriel’s Gully.

For a true understanding of the region’s deep history, stop in at the Ōwaka Museum in The Catlins. If multi-million-year-old fossils are your thing, there’s a hidden geological gem at the Milburn Whale and Dolphin Fossils Lookout in Milton.

Clutha District Museums

Ōwaka Museum, The Catlins

Ōwaka Museum is a popular palace of memories, similar to walking through a 3D storybook. Tales of Maori settlements, shipwrecks and pioneer settlers is a true reflection of The Catlins' rich history. The museum is also known as “Wahi Kahuika: The Meeting Place – A Rest on Your Journey”. 

Contact
Phone: 03 415 8323
Website: www.owakamuseum.org.nz
Email: owakamuseum@outlook.com

 

Tuapeka Goldfields Museum and Visitor Centre, Lawrence

Take time to visit the Tuapeka Goldfields Museum and Visitor Centre. This museum provides a great source of the discovery of gold by Gabriel Read in 1861 and fascinating displays depicting the lives of the early settlers to Tuapeka. Genealogy material and Miners' licence names available for researchers. This is one of many historical places to explore on your next visit to Lawrence.

Contact
Address: 17 Ross Place, Lawrence 9532
Phone: 03 485 9222
Email: lawrence.museum@xtra.co.nz

 

South Otago Museum, Balclutha

Just beyond the Balclutha Bridge this museum has extensive collections on display of domestic and industrial heritage reflecting 150 years of pioneer endeavor on the fertile plains and river deltas of South Otago.

Contact
Address: 1 Renfrew St, Balclutha 9230
Phone: 64 3 418 2382
Email: southotagomuseum@xtra.co.nz
Facebook Page: facebook.com/Southotagomuseum/

Admission is free. Donations welcome.

 

West Otago Vintage Club, Tapanui West Otago

The museum has a diverse range of items including vintage tractors, a steam engine, and a display of many household goods and collection of historical information from the district from the West Otago area. Open weekends from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Heritage Sites

Goldmining

Otago's first gold-rush town was Lawrence.  During the height of the goldrush the town's population was around 11,500; which was double that of Dunedin at the time. Here are some of the key sites:

Coalmining

Coal was first mined in Kaitangata back in 1869, coal was then taken through to Dunedin by rail. In 1879 there was a significant explosion at the mine in which it killed 34 miners. The last underground coal mine closed in 1970.

Other

Keen to learn more? Soak up more of Clutha's must-do activities here.

Sign up to our e-news

* indicates required
Top