Early morning on 26 February the Year 13 History class set off on a remarkable trip to research about the 1862 Otago gold rush.

On our way down we walked a trail in Bannockburn on a scorching day and settled into our accommodation at Kelvin Heights. Day two we set off on our first visit to the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown where we were lucky enough to study archives, books, letters and objects that were used in the Otago gold rush and learn more about our topics.

In the afternoon the museum education officer, Amanda, took us on a walk around Arrowtown to show us some of the original buildings such as Churches and the Jail where she taught us about some of the events that took place around the town during the time of the Gold Rush. Some students visited the gold shop and the owner showed them the largest gold nuggets found in NZ which was worth over $200,000.

On day three we came back to the Museum to ask more questions and gather final evidence. We were then driven along a narrow road where rental companies won’t insure cars on which was originally built by the gold miners to get to Skippers Canyon. This was the world’s richest gold bearing river, but is now littered with relics from gold rush days. We were able to glimpse at these as we flew up and down the canyon on the Skippers Canyon jet boat. Later that evening we were lucky enough to have free time in Queenstown and dinner by the lake.

Some of the more brave souls went for a sunset swim jumped off the pontoon in the bay. On day four we set off on a long journey home, but of course we couldn’t leave without trying our luck and pan for gold in the Arrow River, we found a few flecks, but sadly for Mrs Lee and Miss Tregear not enough to retire early!

Mini Marae