Resource consent has been obtained for the Chinese settlement in Old Cromwell, and work on recreating the original site will be underway by the end of the year.

The Cromwell & District Community Trust (CDCT) has been involved in the project for several years, to honour the Chinese living in Old Cromwell from 1866 to 1920.

The remains of Chinatown were destroyed to make way for Lake Dunstan and the site was the best-preserved example of a New Zealand Chinese urban settlement.

Located opposite the Victorian Arms Hotel, the Cromwell Chinese Settlement will form part of the proposed ‘Golden Highway’ - a world class cultural tourism experience, featuring stop-off points at the Arrowtown Chinese Camp, Alexandra’s Central Stories, the Lawrence Chinese Camp, and Dunedin.

CDCT chair Ali Ballantine said the site would be levelled, a pathway and stone footings made to show the original buildings, as well as a recreation of one of their old huts.

The group has been working in conjunction with Old Cromwell Inc, the Cromwell Museum, Goldfields Heritage Trust, the Chinese community, CODC, LINZ and Toitu Otago Settlers Museum.

Stage three will involve technology such as QR codes that people can scan to learn more about the history and the people who once lived there.

Ali said one of the committee members had family in Los Angeles who was involved in the world of virtual reality and film, who could help them with bringing the settlement to life interactively with visitors.

“It was about honouring the lives of the Chinese who lived down the worst part of town, but who also looked after people and had huge gardens,” she said.

In a nod to the rich history embedded in Otago's goldfields during the late 1800s, Gibbston Valley Wines will be donating $5 from every bottle of China Terrace Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from its Cellar Door to the project. 

It also coincided with the start of Chinese New Year and Spring Festival.

“Remnants of this rich legacy are scattered across the region, manifested in gravestones, schist houses, and artefacts that serve as poignant reminders of the struggles and triumphs of these early settlers. Their stories, etched into the soil, beckon us to acknowledge and embrace a shared history that has shaped the cultural tapestry of our community,” wine manager Jake Tipler said.