Lawrence

Lawrence is a historic gold mining town in the Otago region, located on State Highway 8 approximately 40 km west of Balclutha. It was the site of the first major gold discovery in Otago in 1861, by Gabriel Read at Gabriel's Gully.

The gold rush that followed drew thousands of miners to the area. Lawrence today is a quiet rural town with a well-preserved main street. The Gabriel's Gully historic reserve preserves the gold mining landscape.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Dunedin Airport (DUD), approximately 80 km north-east.

By Car / Road

Lawrence is on State Highway 8, about a 40-minute drive west of Balclutha and 1 hour from Dunedin.

The town is walkable. A car is needed for Gabriel's Gully.

Gabriel's Gully — The site of the first major gold discovery in Otago. A walking track and information panels tell the gold rush story. Gold panning is still permitted.

Lawrence Main Street — Historic buildings, cafes, and shops.

Lawrence Museum — Gold rush history exhibits.

Pan for gold at Gabriel's Gully. Walk the historic reserve. Explore the main street.

Lawrence has cafes and a pub.

Cafes serve coffee.

Lawrence has motels and a historic hotel.

Lawrence has a supermarket and local shops.

• Balclutha — 40 km east, Clutha River town
• Roxburgh — 50 km north-west, fruit-growing area
• Milton — 35 km south-east, Tokomairiro town
• Dunedin — 100 km north-east, wildlife and heritage
• Catlins — 70 km south, coast and waterfalls