Take a journey off the beaten track to this amazing area, which celebrates nature and history. Soak up the rich heritage in the lovely town of Lawrence where Otago's gold rush began.

Clutha District Museums

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

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