Arrowtown
The discovery of Gold in 1862 in the River just above present day Arrowtown sparked one of richest gold rushes in New Zealand history. Debate exists as to whom was the first to discover gold on the Arrow River, but it is well documented that William Fox, for whom the town was briefly named, was one of the pioneers. William Fox and John OíCallaghan lead a small team of miners, who managed to keep the location of their find secret for several weeks enabling them to recover some 230 lbs of gold. Fox eventually journeyed to purchase food supplies but made the mistake of paying for goods with gold. The fox hunt begun and the gold rush soon followed to the Arrow River with 7000 diggers seeking a lucky strike.
The tent canvas town of Foxes was born, but it was not until the merchants and hoteliers saw opportunity that buildings of stone and wood where built. For the first few years, the towns reputation was one of lawlessness, due to miners from coming from all over the world, combined with the greed of gold, fights over claims and disputes fueled by whisky. Law and some order arrived with the police presence of Sergeant Major H.W Bracken. The historic goal is worth a visit with the key available from the Museum.
The towns name was later changed to Arrowtown, after the Arrow River which derived its name from the instructions on how to find the gold field. In 1865, the avenue of trees was planted to reinforce a main street, and a town plan was formalised. Today we have buildings dating from the 1860s in and around town, avenues of mature exotic trees and a variety of boutique shops and world class restaurants and cafes. Arrowtown can be described as New Zealandís best example of a real living historic kiwi village.
Macetown
With the gold rush of the Arrow, hopeful prospectors worked further up the Arrow River, with other diggers joining the search from the Shotover River and Skippers. By February 1863 approximately 500 men had found the gold rich terraces 15 kilometers up the Arrow River. After a cold and harsh winter more miners joined the dig, and the settlement of Macetown developed just below a tributary creek, called 'Twelve Mile'.
In September 1863, four brothers where amongst the first to set up commercial ventures at Twelve Mile. The Mace brothers established a hotel and large store. The brothers became the cornerstones of the small community, excelling at cricket and gaining fame, the settlement was often called after them. The Mace brothers left for the West Coast gold fields in 1865, but the name Macetown was in general use by 1870.
With many miners moving to the West Coast the population of Macetown had dropped to around 100, but was boosted by the arrival of
Chinese miners, who methodically worked over old diggings. At this time quartz mining was established and for the next 30 years the town received a much need boost of men and money. With the quartz mines employing the European workers, Chinese miners where able to apply for fresh ground to break which was unique at that time. The road was put through in 1883 opening up more opportunities. Today a journey to the ghost town of Macetown is an adventure by foot, Mountain Bike or Four Wheel drive, and worth exploring the historic buildings and ruins that remain.
The Chinese Settlement
Just above the township of Arrowtown, on the banks of Bush Creek lies the partially restored Chinese Village. During the gold rush years, Chinese miners found their way to the Otago fields in search of wealth and riches, mainly in the tradition of sending money home.
During the early 1860s, about 200 miners worked in the region. However with many of the European miners departing for the West Coast gold fields in 1865, Chinese miners where encourage from the Australian fields. They bought with them not only skills and knowledge on market gardening but hard work and gold mining techniques.
Often discriminated against, they lived on the fringe of European settlement and thus the Chinese Village grew to a dozen huts with a store and meeting hall. By 1871 the number of Chinese in New Zealand had grown too around 4300. Many of whom had come straight from China as single or married men, leaving their families behind. It is unlikely that any Chinese woman lived at the settlement, as the first recorded arrival in New Zealand of a Chinese woman was not until 1873.
