Arrowtown Chinese Settlement

On the banks of Bush Creek, a tributary of the Arrow River, is the partially restored Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. This settlement was one of at least ten Chinese settlements that was established near gold mining towns in 19th century Otago.

It is a mixture of stabilised hut ruins, reconstructions and restorations and stayed settled until 1928. The most prominent building is what is now known as Ah Lum’s Store which was built circa 1883.  While it was built by market gardener Wong Hop Lee, its name is attributed to Ah Lum, who bought the building circa 1909 and turned it into a busy store, bank/office and home.

You can step inside Ah Lum’s store as well as many of the other huts within the settlement and learn about the harsh realities of life as a Chinese gold miner. There are extensive interpretation panels in both English and Chinese to understand who the miners were and their everyday life.

The main trail (old dray track) that runs through the centre of the settlement is suitable for wheelchairs and prams. It begins at the main track entrance and runs through to the western end.

Family-friendly Short