(Edinburgh of the South) - The discovery of gold in Central Otago in 1861 brought Dunedin the prosperity, growth and feeling of consequence that is so evident in the fine old Victorian and Edwardian buildings which characterise the city. Many of New Zealand’s best known business firms have their origins here, dating from the time when Dunedin was the commercial and industrial centre of New Zealand. You will be able to discover this rich past in the delightful Early Settlers Museum.

Canton Stamping Battery, Waipori (Photo: Department of Conservation)

A nugget weighing 27 ounces was once found at Post Office Creek, or Verter Burn north east from Waipori - the largest ever found in the Tuapeka goldfields.

Lawrence, situated only 3km away, became the gold mining centre of the Tuapeka district. By July 1861 about 150 men were reported to be at work in Gabriel’s Gully and by September of that year some 6,000 people in total were on the diggings. This population was about the same as that of Otago’s capital – Dunedin.

The peak of the gold boom was reached in 1862 when nearly 200,000 ounces of gold was taken out by gold escort. Blue Spur, in Gabriel’s Gully, was the scene in 1880 of New Zealand’s first hydraulic elevator. This type of elevator enabled the gold bearing gravels to be raised using water pressure. By the late 1930s, gold production on a large scale had ended in the district.

NEW ZEALAND SOUTH The Information centre for the south of New Zealand Site design by NZSOUTH Limited webmaster@nzsouth.co.nz