Queenstown & District Historical Society
Our Heritage Today — For Tomorrow
From Glenorchy at the head of Lake Whakatipu to Kingston in the south, north up the Shotover to Skippers, and east to Arrowtown, Gibbston and the Kawarau Gorge.
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.
A Spring–Autumn programme of talks, visits and excursions for members and the public. See what's been on →
Our twice-yearly magazine of researched articles, memoirs and historical documents — every back issue free to read online. Browse the archive →
Monitoring resource consents and making submissions on proposals affecting historical sites, in collaboration with organisations promoting local history.
Collaborations to increase historical information panels around the district, with Queenstown Trails Trust, QLDC and DOC.
Distribution of our free walking-guide brochure covering twelve historic places in the Queenstown CBD — available at the Museum in Arrowtown, local libraries, the QLDC office and visitor information sites.
Presentations telling the stories of the district's early residents, including graveside storytelling at Arrowtown Cemetery.
Stories of Wakatipu, the special 100th issue, is an anthology drawn from past magazines covering eight major themes of local history. Compiled by Danny Knudson.
Historic Places in Queenstown — a brochure with a brief history of the town and twelve historic CBD sites, with illustrations.
Members enjoy the full events programme and receive the Queenstown Courier twice a year.
| Individual or Family | $35 per calendar year |
| Corporate | $70 per calendar year |
| Life membership | $350 |
Pay your subscription to our bank account 12-3405-0021065-01 with your name and NEW in the details. The bank account payee name is Queenstown Districts Historical Society.