Gabriels Gully: A Historic Gold Mining Site
Gabriels Gully, located near Lawrence in Otago, is a significant historical site where the country's first major gold discovery was made in 1861. Named after Gabriel Read, who famously described seeing "gold shining like the stars in Orion on a dark frosty night," this gully became a pivotal point in New Zealand's gold rush era. The discovery had a profound impact on the development of Aotearoa, as the European population increased from 60,000 in the first two decades following the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 to 470,000 by 1880.
Transformation and Exploration
The area surrounding Gabriels Gully has undergone significant changes since the gold rush. The flat area below the surrounding hills is now 50 metres higher than it was originally, as the gully was filled in during the extensive mining operations.
Today, Gabriels Gully is a reserve featuring a loop track that runs above the edge of the historical diggings. Visitors can also explore nearby tracks that lead to the water races and dams, which were essential for the mining operations. The area offers a glimpse into the past and the engineering feats that supported gold extraction.
Scenic Drives and Historical Artefacts
Visitors can take a short drive from Lawrence to the reserve via Gabriels Gully Road. At the start of Gabriels Gully Road, as you exit Lawrence, there is a collection of mining artefacts. The Gabriel Read Memorial is about halfway along the road and provides further insight into the area's history.
On the return journey, take Blue Spur Road, which loops back and rises above the valley, offering excellent views and passing through the historically interesting area of Blue Spur, once a small mining town.
How to Get There
To visit Gabriels Gully, drive from State Highway 8 in Lawrence along Gabriels Gully Road to reach the reserve. To further explore the immediate area, consider the Monroe's Gully Track and the Otago Dam Track.
Another nearby sidetrip of interest is to follow Waipori Road east of Lawrence to Lake Mahinerangi. From there, you can access the very remote and scenic Waipori Falls and Waipori River Valley.
