Queenstown 

The Historical Journey of Queenstown: From Maori Trails to Adventure Capital

​

Early Beginnings and Maori Heritage
(1200 AD - 1850s)

• 1200 AD: Polynesians were the first to explore the Queenstown area, primarily for hunting. The cold climate discouraged permanent settlement.

• Later Centuries: Maori from the West Coast traveled to Queenstown in search of pounamu (greenstone), a precious resource used for tools and ornaments. The area was known as Tāhuna, translating to "shallow bay."

• 1856: The first European glimpse of Lake Wakatipu was by Scotsman Nathanael Chalmers, guided by Reko, a Maori chief.
   

Settlement and Development
(1860 - 1869)

• 1860: William Gilbert Rees and Nicholas von Tunzelmann were the first Europeans to settle in the area. They navigated the challenging Crown Range, establishing farms and beginning a quiet pastoral life.

• 1862: The discovery of alluvial gold in the Arrow River by Jack Tewa, a Maori shepherd, sparked a significant gold rush, attracting miners from as far as Australia and California. Queenstown quickly evolved from a shanty town on Rees' farm to a bustling center of activity.
   

The Gold Rush Impact
(1862 - 1870s)

• Early 1860s: The gold rush led to the construction of infrastructure such as the Queen’s Arms Hotel, which later became Eichardt’s Hotel.

• 1864: As the gold supply dwindled, miners moved on to the West Coast, prompting the government to invite Chinese miners to the Otago goldfields, who significantly contributed to the local economy through various trades.
   

Expansion and Tourism
(1870s - 1940s)

• Mid-1870s: The development of hotels and the establishment of the Dunedin to Kingston railway facilitated the growth of tourism. Queenstown became a favored summer destination for hiking and relaxation.

• 1947: The Mount Cook Company introduced winter tourism by hiring a ski instructor and installing a tow rope at Coronet Peak, marking the beginning of Queenstown's winter sports scene.
   

Modern Era and Adventure Tourism
(1950s - Present)

• 1960: Commercial jet boat rides began, adding to the array of adventurous activities available.

• 1988: The launch of the world’s first commercial bungee jumping site by AJ Hackett and Henry Van Asch solidified Queenstown's reputation as the "Adventure Capital of the World."

• Post-1950s: Queenstown has seen exponential growth, now offering a wide range of activities that attract tourists year-round.