Historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement — Attraction in South Island

After walking through the charming little Arrowtown streets, we found this fascinating little walk that took us through where the Chinese came in the 19th century to help pan for gold. Sad to know that after an initial warm welcome they were discriminated against and people (as they often do during financial hardships) began to blame them for their own problems and spread lies. Thankfully Arrowtown restored some of this area and now you can take a FREE walk where they have clear signs at each spot of what that building was, who lived or worked there, and you could walk in. Quite amazing and just sitting there for you to explore. When we were there we were completely alone, it was quite eerie....

The Historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement in New Zealand offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the Chinese miners who came to Arrowtown during the Otago gold rush in the 1860s. This preserved settlement showcases several restored buildings and remnants of structures, providing insight into the challenging conditions faced by these early settlers. The site includes tiny stone huts, a store, and interpretation panels detailing the history and experiences of the Chinese community. It stands as a testament to their significant contribution to New Zealand's mining history and cultural heritage. A visit to this settlement is both educational and poignant, highlighting a lesser-known aspect of the...

Life was hard for the Chinese gold prospectors. In fact it is not often mentioned by anyone that New Zealand had a Chinese community before New Zealand was New Zealand. Very often the first Chinese to arrive in Aotearoa came with the whaling and sealing ships, decades before the Treaty of Waitangi and stayed on as mining prospectors. Well before the organized migrations arranged by the New Zealand Company, the country had a substantial Chinese community that still exists and has grown despite continuing discriminatory attitudes. The segregated Chinese mining communities like the one in Arrowtown are as much or more part of the country's history as the legendary four ships of early...