Gold bought the first rush of people to this zone in the 1860s. They came from the goldfields of California and Victoria, as well as Ireland, Scotland and southern China where deadly famines raged.  Despite huge rivers and steep mountains, the settlers built the access to develop the gold fields and transport systems for the communities to prosper.  After 50 years elapsed the "easy" gold was gone and big dredges began to work the rivers, then they too gradually vanished and towns were deserted.  

Today we see the stone huts and torn landscapes along the riverbanks where the gold used to be.  Visitors come enjoy the breathtaking scenery and adventures.  We learn about the struggles of the first settlers, why they left their own countries, how they overcame the difficulties of nature, how their burning desire for riches led so many into places of peril and unexpected death -- If only they had someone to learn from.

See also:-     Chinese Settlers    Arrowtown Museum   Steam Boat