Chinese Settlement Site

Nestled above the historic town of Arrowtown along the banks of Bush Creek lies the partially restored Chinese Settlement, one of the reminders of the region’s gold rush history. Marty and I spend time walking through this small village, where these cottages and stone pathways tell the story of the Chinese miners and merchants who played a role in the development of the area.

The settlement dates to the 1860s, when Chinese immigrants were invited to New Zealand after many European miners had moved on from the goldfields. Hoping to revive the local economy, provincial leaders encouraged experienced Chinese miners, primarily from Guangdong Province in southern China, to work claims that others had abandoned. Despite facing discrimination, these men established businesses, mined the streams and hillsides, and contributed significantly to the prosperity of the region.

These dwellings reflect the harsh and isolated lives these miners endured and living conditions were modest.  Yet their legacy had become permanently woven into the history of New Zealand. The Arrowtown Chinese Settlement has been carefully preserved as a historic site ensuring that the contributions of the Chinese gold miners are not forgotten.