Cromwell

About Cromwell

Cromwell extends a warm welcome to visitors to this unique part of New Zealand. The town has a population of over 4,000 and is the farthest New Zealand town from the sea.

Location

Cromwell is located in Central Otago with access from Lindis Pass in north-east; Haast Pass in north-west; Kawarau Gorge in south-west and Cromwell Gorge to the south east. It is strategically placed as a holiday centre for the whole of Central Otago and is only 55km by road from the lake and ski resort towns of Wanaka and 62km from Queenstown.

Geographical Features

The town was originally located at the junction of two of New Zealand’s largest rivers – the Kawarau (draining Lake Wakatipu) and Clutha (draining Lakes Wanaka and Hawea). With the formation of Lake Dunstan behind the Clyde Dam the town is now surrounded by the lake and nestled between the Pisa Range (1964m) and Dunstan Mountains (1699m). Glacial outwash foothills abut the ranges and the expansive river basin that contains the valleys cultural activity. Cromwell has a superb setting enhanced by the proximity of the surrounding mountain ranges, some seven kilometres from the town, that provide every changing scenery, views and climatic influence.

Climate

Two factors affect the Central Otago climate – the proximity of the Southern Alps, and its geographical position as the most inland part of New Zealand. This results in a dry climate (being sheltered from rain bearing winds) and its temperature extremes – high in summer, very cold in winter, with relatively large diurnal ranges at all seasons.  Cromwell has an average 2200 hours of sunshine each year; temperatures range from -10º to 37ºC; and an average 400mm rainfall. There are about 3.5 days of snow and 174 days of ground frost each year.

The Natural Environment

Two factors affect the Central Otago climate – the proximity of the Southern Alps, and its geographical position as the most inland part of New Zealand. This results in a dry climate (being sheltered from rain bearing winds) and its temperature extremes – high in summer, very cold in winter, with relatively large diurnal ranges at all seasons.  Cromwell has an average 2200 hours of sunshine each year; temperatures range from -10º to 37ºC; and an average 400mm rainfall. There are about 3.5 days of snow and 174 days of ground frost each year.

Early History

Cromwell had its beginnings in 1862 when two miners, Hartley and Reilly, discovered gold just below ‘The Junction’ of the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers. The rush that followed brought miners in their thousands to Central Otago. By 1865 it was estimated there were approximately 3,500 miners in the goldfields, and some 400 people in the town. Once gold ran out, Cromwell became the service centre for an extensive farming and fruit growing area. It was also the service centre for the Upper Clutha extending to Haast in the west and Omarama in the north.

Recent History

In the 1970’s planning was commenced for the Clyde Dam and, following dam completion and filling of Lake Dunstan in 1994, the landscape was significantly altered with the introduction of the viticulture industry.

Old Cromwell Town

Old Cromwell Town is located at Melmore Terrace on the shores of Lake Dunstan. Buildings destined to be flooded by the lake were saved, dismantled and rebuilt to provide a living record of Cromwell’s heritage. You are welcome to walk into the museum buildings and to visit the working artisans and shops throughout the precinct. Take time out to relax, have lunch, and enjoy this unique piece of New Zealand’s pioneering past.

Chinese Influence

There were some 10,000 Chinese who came to New Zealand in the 1800’s to search for gold. Although they were relatively late arrivals they soon became the most conspicuous ethnic group because of their culture and outlook. They did not assimilate with the dominant Anglo-European population and were seen ‘to be different’ and the majority came as visitors rather than settlers. Growing racial intolerance against them in the harsh times of the 1870’s lead to repressive legislative restrictions on their immigration.

The Cromwell and Nevis goldfields attracted a large number of Chinese who contributed to the makeup of towns and villages at the time. Cromwell Chinatown, now submerged under Lake Dunstan, was a flourishing small settlement located on Melmore Terrace.  Plans have commenced to reconstruct the settlement and link it to Old Cromwell Township.

Cemeteries

Cromwell has two cemeteries – the first being ‘Litany Street’ (now closed) and secondly ‘Cromwell Cemetery’ located on Cemetery Road. Both are maintained by the Central Otago District Council Parks and Reserves contract. In the Nevis Valley, the Nevis Cemetery still exists but had its last recorded burial in 1939. A second Nevis cemetery is thought to have existed but its location is uncertain. At Cemetery Road, Ardgour, the Tarras cemetery is open and maintained by local Trustees.

Visitor Information

The Cromwell i-Site is located in The Mall and is combined with the Cromwell Museum. Here you will find more detailed information on the many attractions and things to do around the district. The friendly staff can also arrange travel, tour and accommodation bookings for you. Open 9am-6pm Summer and 9am-5pm Winter.