Long-term Bannockburn resident Jim Walton looks out daily on the Carrick Range and knows it intimately.  

The local historian regularly walks the tracks, exploring tunnels and searching for archaeological remains.

Four years ago, he embarked on writing his thoroughly researched guide to the range’s extensive history, covering both its geological and human accounts.

“In both cases, each has wrought change on its rocky, stark surfaces. I thought this is a story that should be told,” Jim said.

The Carrick Range figures in Māori myths and legends suggesting Māori were very early visitors to this part of Central. They were followed by the arrival of Anglo Europeans, Americans and Australians. 

But it was the advent of the Chinese miners to the area that has left a historic legacy other regions in New Zealand do not have.

Jim Walton

Jim has been a trustee of the Cromwell Museum since 2014.  

The museum endeavours to support and promote the heritage of the region and hopes to establish an ongoing series of publications relating to the diverse aspects of Central Otago.

To hear more – including the tale of a murder on the range in 1862 – join Jim at the Cromwell Museum, Thursday December 1 at 5pm. Copies of his book will be available to purchase.