Category: Cardrona Village
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The discovery of gold at Cardrona
On the 14 August 1862 Hartley in Riley deposited 87lb weight in gold in the Dunedin receiver’s office and the dynamics of inland Otago changed irrevocably. Discovered near present-day Cromwell this initial find brought a flurry of miners into the region. Many miners trekked up to Wilkins to get a safe ferry across the Clutha.…
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Gallery: The gold rush
After the discovery of gold in the Cardrona Valley, hundreds of people flocked to the valley to try their luck. There are very few photos of this era and the gold mining activities which followed it, but below we share a few.
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Gallery: Cardrona’s buildings
Some of Cardrona’s buildings date back to the time of early settlers arriving in the valley, and many of them have outlasted two generations of Cardrona residents. Below is a selection of photos featuring Cardrona buildings.
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Gallery: Horsing around the Cardrona
Horses are a key part of Cardrona’s history – from the first settlers who arrived in the valley, to miners and farmers who used horses as a key work tool. Below are some early photos of the horses of Cardrona.
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An interview with Jean Anderson
Jean Anderson shares her memories of her childhood and early years in the Cardrona Valley. She talks about helping out on the farm, memories of Cardrona village, making butter and her passion for horses.
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Padlocks and bolt cutters: The heated story of the Crown Range Road
The Crown Range road – the highest public road in New Zealand – was the subject of quite some controversy in the early 1980’s. Just as Cardrona Ski Field was being launched, the local council decided that the road should be closed completely for part of winter. Then fireworks flew … The Crown Range Road…