Central Otago’s Goldrush History

The discovery of gold in Central Otago in 1862 by Horatio Hartley and Christopher Reilly was a pivotal moment in the region's rich history. Their significant deposit of 87 pounds of Gold in the Gold Office in Dunedin led to the proclamation of the Dunstan Goldfield on September 23rd 1862. This discovery quickly drove many brave, hardy souls inland in search of the riches that lay in the hills and rivers, marking the beginning of The Gold Rush which would have a profound impact on the district's development, economy and society.

Back in 1862, the route inland from the Taieri Plan near the port of Dunedin into the interior of the Otago province followed a fairly direct general line established by early Drays moving between pastural runs. In common with many other early roads, the Dunstan Road, as it was then known, took a high route to avoid difficulties, in time and cost, in crossing water courses. As word of Hartley and Reilly’s gold haul spread, the road quickly became well-worn by prospectors eager to make their way by foot and horse to claim their share.

The first coaches to make the trip from Dunedin to the mining settlements of Dunstan and Lower Dunstan on the Dunstan Road, crossed in November 1862. As the Gold Rush quickly attracted thousands of prospectors (many whom had followed trail of goldfield finds around the world from California, to Victoria, to Otago), it also drove an influx of supporting businesses needed to sustain their thirst for wealth and this quickly contributed to the establishment of towns and a strong sense of community in Central Otago. 

As years passed and as gold slowly began to be harder to come by, sheep farming, orchards and later hydroelectricity projects and vineyards rose to define the district throughout the 1900's.  To this day these professions still contribute to the backbone of much of the district's economy.

Roll in a new century, and largely thanks to the development of a network of world class cycle trails, the adventure tourism industry has now become a great source of prosperity for the district.

Today, Central Otago is welcoming a new golden era. With modern day gold exploration and mining returning to prominence in the region, and more incredible trails opening up routes between historic town centers, the district is again a glowing attraction.

With the return of this golden age of opportunity, we felt it a fitting time to reconnect this historic inland route and recreate THE GOLDRUSH fever once again.