Map of Lawrence (download)

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Lawrence Heritage Walking Trail

The Trail, which starts at the Information Centre and Museum, takes you around some of the historic sites within Lawrence and its outer boundaries, including Gabriels Gully, the Cemetery and Weatherstons. A series of numbered signs and sites give you a fascinating insight into the history of some of the town's buildings and early industries.

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Gabriels Gully 

Gabriels Gully Interpretative Track is an easy to moderate 80 minute walk. The walk takes you through the area where the first gold was discovered back in 1861. This sparked one of the world’s largest gold rushes. Visit the Museum to download the Gabriel's Gully Storymapp, which recounts the captivating story of the Otago gold rush in a new and exciting way.

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Walking Tracks (download pdf)

• Munro's Gully Track - Munro’s Gully Track is just off Victoria Road at Milburn Pond. This moderate walk is a 2 hour return trip. You will go through broom and native bush, and over the stream several times before you come out in to the open. Pass through pines and cross the road turning right past Cornishman’s Dam. Head back up Victoria Road for 2km to Victoria Dam car park.
   

• Otago Dam Track - Otago Dam Track is a moderate 3 hour return walk which starts at Grey's Dam. Follow a stream through silver beech forest with a number of crossings until you reach open country with fantastic views down the valley. Once you reach the dam just follow the track back.
   

• Weatherston's Track - To get to Weatherston"s Track, follow the signs and go over the hill onto the clay road down to a ford, which is a popular place for gold panning. It is1 hour one way.

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The Lawrence Cemetery (c1860s)

Dating back to the 1860s, it's well worth a private visit or a guided tour. Lawrence is also where a local school teacher penned the words for New Zealand’s national anthem in1876. He is buried in the town’s hilltop cemetery which is noted for its elaborate Victorian ironwork, Celtic crosses and Chinese section. Tours of the cemetery are available on request.

 

The Lawrence Chinese Camp (c1860s)

Established during the Otago goldrush in the 1860’s, with an influx of Chinese miners and traders hoping to find prosperity. At its peak in the late 1880’s the camp was home to 120 residents. The Lawrence Chinese camp is ideally located for those cycling the Clutha Gold Trail and is only 1km from Lawrence, read more 

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Waitahuna Railway Station & Goods Shed Restoration Project (c1877)

Established during the Otago goldrush in the 1860’s, this fascinating restoration project is a must see. Only 10kms from Lawrence along SH8 or a short cycle ride on the Lawrence - Milton cycle trail, enjoy a coffee and good food (gf options available) from the Coffee Cart outside the Station museum. Learn more

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The Tuapeka Mouth Ferry (c1896)

The Punt at Tuapeka Mouth is the only one its kind left in the Southern Hemisphere. The ferry is located between the towns of Balclutha and Lawrence. The iconic Tuapeka Mouth Ferry is on of New Zealand’s national treasurers being the last current-driven public ferry (Punt) operating in the Southern Hemisphere. It started service in 1896 and has operated for over 125 years.

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The ferry carries vehicles (including camper vans) cyclists and passengers across the mighty Clutha River near Tuapeka Mouth. Foot passengers are welcome.

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This popular free public punt runs daily between 8 -10 am and 4 - 6 pm dependent on the river level. Weekend arrangements are made by phoning 03 515-9064.

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The Clutha Gold Trail (bike and walking track)

Open all year round, this 73 km easy-grade trail passes through four settlements along the way - Roxburgh, Millers Flat, Beaumont and Lawrence - and can take between two and four days to complete. Read more  The Lawrence to Milton section is also now open and there are many short trails close to Lawrence. For bike transfers to and from the town, plus local bike hire, contact Lawrence Bike Transfers by email at info@absolutelylawrence.nz

 

Historic Lawrence Golf Club (c1894)

Enjoy a game of golf on one of NZ's oldest (1894) and most historic courses! For only $15, visitors can play either 9 or 18 holes. Motorised carts are available for hire. Contact Mark Cameron (027 2771268) or visit their website to view details here

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Tuapeka Goldfields Museum

Situated in the main street and highlighting the lives of the early settlers, the Museum is well worth a visit with a donation entry fee. More information here

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Lindy Chinnery Handwoven Designs 

Visit the professional weaving studio in the Lawrence Athenaeum (main street) to view Lindy's latest collection or simply to watch the weaving process unfold. More information here

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Five Larries Books

Visit this wonderful bookshop in Whitehaven Street for your holiday reading or presents for a special person in your life, it's a great asset for Lawrence and surrounds. To confirm opening times, visit their fb page or call on 021 228 8624.

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Eateries

In the main street, there is one full time café (The Prospector), a bakery (Spatula and Spoon) and a pub (The Coach and Horses) all worth a visit. A new food van "The Slippery Chip" is open 4.00pm to 8.00pm Wednesday to Saturday in the carpark opposite the Police Station. Also the Waitahuna Coffee Cart,10kms out of Lawrence on the road to Dunedin, is a wee gem.    An excellent part time café, Bean Jazzed Coffee, is open Friday to Sunday in Peel Street. Guests can also order a takeaway and sit on the veranda or in the garden of the Pickled Pigeon cottage with shoes off and a cool drink. Plenty of choices.

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Top 10 Must Do's in Clutha

Find out what they are here

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Tours

NZ Agency Tours offers several tours of interest to our guests, in particular The Lawrence Heritage Day Tour and The Catlins Wilderness Day Tour.  Your tour guides, Oli and Ann have years of experience as tour guides, specialising in wilderness and wildlife discovery amongst many other skills and are happy to tailor make a tour to suit. 

 

NZ Agency Tours also provides bus charters for special events, weddings, private school and student groups around the Clutha Area and beyond. Learn more