Tuapeka Goldfields Museum

Education Programmes

Our engaging and interactive education programmes bring the Otago gold rush to life.

Students are transported back in time to the 1860s, where they learn about the lives of miners during the gold rush. Our school experiences are designed to be both fun and educational, giving students a unique insight into one of the most fascinating periods in New Zealand history.

So why not book your school group today and discover the excitement of the gold rush first hand?

Rush to the Goldfields

Explore the excitement of the early Otago gold rush.

Embark on a journey through history and explore the lives of key figures such as Haimona Rakiraki, Edward Peters, Gabriel Read, and Helen Munro.

This immersive experience combines a traditional tour with hands-on and self-guided activities that are sure to captivate every learner.

Designed to support classes reading Children of the Rush.

Gold Rush Resources

Chinese Miners

The promise of gold lured migrants from all over the world to Lawrence, but in 1865 Chinese were specifically invited to mine the goldfields.

This experience investigates the rich culture Chinese miners brought with them, and examines the complex relationships between Chinese and European migrants.

Designed to support classes using newgoldmountain.nz

Chinese Miner Resources

Adventures with our Ancestors

Uncover a wealth of information at the Gabriel Street Cemetery, final resting place to famous residents such as J.J. Woods, Helen Munro, and Sam Chew Lain. Students then head to the Museum where they play the role of an archaeologist: piecing together clues in an attempt to determine who a person was in life.

Historic Life in Tuapeka

Understand how the discovery of gold changed the Tuapeka and explore how early residents lived, worked, and played.

History Detectives

Investigate our rich history! Ākonga use primary and secondary sources from the museum collection to interpret and understand the past.

All our educational experiences are curriculum-linked and designed to support the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories Curriculum.

Pre-Visit Information

Educational programmes are available 8.00am - 4.30pm Tuesday to Friday. Bookings require a minimum of 3 weeks notice.

Choose from existing modules or collaborate with our Education Officer to create a bespoke programme to achieve your learning outcomes and spark your student's imaginations.

Preparing for your visit
School groups require a minimum number of 1 adult to every 6 students to assist with supervision.

If you have more than 20 students we may need to split your group into two sessions.

Free all-day parking is available in the gravel car park between the Coach and Horses Inn and Lindy Chinnery Handwoven Designs. Street parking on Ross Place is restricted to one hour.

Public toilets are located on Ross Place, beside the Night n' Day. There are no toilets in Gabriel's Gully. If your experience involves gold panning in the Gully, we recommend a toilet break before and after.

For lunch there are many picnic areas throughout town. One great option is Steep Street Domain, which features a flat lawn, a picnic table, short walking tracks, and a historic stamper battery. It's just a quick 3-minute walk away from the museum. Alternatively, you can use the fenced-in playground on Whitehaven Street, located near both Night n' Day and public restrooms.

In inclement weather, there are covered picnic areas at both entrances to town.

Gold panning information
Gold panning is only available from September to May. The ability to gold pan is dependent on your scheduling needs and the size of your group. If you are short on time or want to visit during the winter months, ask about our alternative rocker cradle mining experience.