nzsouth.co.nz
information, tourism, business, accommodation and agribusiness in southern New Zealand

POLYNESIAN AND MAORI HISTORY
The first people to inhabit New Zealand arrived by canoe from Polynesia some 1500 years ago. The first Maori people arrived in New Zealand from the Pacific Islands about 1000 years ago.

EUROPEAN HISTORY
In the 1790s sealing, whaling, flax and timber trades began, with some small temporary settlements being established.
British sovereignty was proclaimed in 1840, with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and soon settlers were to arrive from Great Britain to colonise the country. The gold rushes of the 1860s brought a new wave of settlers.

TREATY OF WAITANGI
The Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, was first signed at Waitangi in Northland on 6 February 1840. It was signed by more than 500 Maori chiefs and by Queen Victoria's representative,  Lieutenant-Governor Hobson. Recently the fulfilment of the Treaty obligations, and interpretation of the Maori versus English translations have been questioned. The government has been called to pay out money in compensation for Treaty injustices.

CENTRAL OTAGO
From the mid 19th century, emigrants from Britain established large sheep runs in the area. The discovery of gold in the 1860s brought miners flocking to the region, and when the gold ran out many stayed on to make a living farming, fruitgrowing, or servicing the industries, which now also include tourism.

HERITAGE WEB SITES

Visitor Information Sites

Otago Goldfields Heritage Trail - follow old gold trails throughout Otago, or join a cavalcade
Ranfurly Rural Art Deco - Treat yourself to a slice of nostalgia in Ranfurly, full of buildings which date from the streamlined Jazz Age. Visit the best Gallery of Art Deco memorabilia in New Zealand.
Central Otago Visitor Information Centre - comprehensive site with what to see and do in Central Otago
New Zealand Heritage Trails Foundation- Explore New Zealand's unique cultural, historic and natural heritage through an inter-linking national network of trails for self-driving, walking or cycling

Heritage Events

Otago Goldfields Cavalcade  Hundreds of horses, wagons, riders and walkers annually follow the old gold trails throughout Otago and Northern Southland during a week of celebrations.

New Zealand Goldpanning Championships Hosted by the Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust, national goldpanning championships are held annually in association with the Otago Goldfields Heritage Celebrations.
Maniototo Rural Art Deco weekend, Ranfurly - Take a trip down memory lane in February each year.

History Alive

Goldfields Mining Centre, Kawarau Gorge - A unique insight into New Zealand's goldmining heritage, Queenstown-Cromwell highway

Tour Guides

Central Otago Tours and Wildflower Walks - Historic, landscape, scenic, general, vineyard, and wild flower tours and walks in Central Otago, near Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand.

Books

Harptree Press Motif and Beauty - the New Zealand arts and crafts architecture of Basil Hooper, by Ralph Allen. An informative book for anyone interested in New Zealand houses and a reference on New Zealand architecture and the Arts and Crafts style.

Food and Accommodation
Fruitlands Country Lodge - Only 15 minutes drive from Alexandra, Fruitlands Country Lodge offers its guests the chance to experience a place of unspoiled beauty and an opportunity to taste a slice of Central Otago's history. Bed & Breakfast Accommodation and licensed restaurant.
Stenes Cottage, Mt Pisa Station - self catering farmstay accommodation and backpackers on historic Mt Pisa Station - situated between Cromwell and Wanaka
Queensberry Inn, Wanaka- The ideal escape for special occasions - restored historic stone cottage and stables set amidst 2 hectares of landscaped garden and roses; near Wanaka, Queenstown and Cromwell, - bed and breakfast accommodation; dinner optional

LINKS TO OTHER HERITAGE PLACES IN SOUTHERN NEW ZEALAND:

Arrowtown Information Site
Taieri Gorge Railway Travel the historic Taieri Gorge from Dunedin to Middlemarch on a steam train

NEW ZEALAND SOUTH The Information centre for the south of New Zealand Site design by NZSOUTH LIMITED