The Queenstown and District Historical Society was formed in May 1965 at a time when significant buildings from the gold rush era of the 1800s were in danger of demolition as the tourist town grew. The first campaign saved the former Library built in 1877 in the centre of the town. Since then the Society has flourished and been influential in the preservation of buildings, sites and historical knowledge throughout the district which extends from Glenorchy at the head of Lake Whakatipu to Kingston in the south, north up the Shotover River to Skippers, and east to Arrowtown, Gibbston and the Kawarau Gorge.
Activities to Protect and Promote Local History
Spring-Autumn Programme of activities for members and the public; see the Events section of the website
Publications including twice-yearly magazine, the Queenstown Courier which are also searchable on this website; see Magazine Archive
Monitoring of resource consents and making submissions on proposals affecting historical sites
Collaboration with organisations promoting local history
Current Projects
Collaborations to increase historical information panels around the district, with Queenstown Trails Trust, QLDC and DOC
Distribution of brochure 'Historic Sites in Queenstown'
Presentation of 'People From Our Past'
Panel on the Jacks Point Trail in collaboration with the Trails Trust
