Welcome
Established in 1867, the Lawrence Chinese Camp is the earliest and largest Chinese gold mining settlement in the region of Otago in New Zealand.
At its peak, in the late 1880’s, the Camp was a thriving trading hub catering to Chinese miners in the Tuapeka District of Otago and to those travelling through, and was home to over 120 residents.
The Camp is a category 1 New Zealand Heritage historic place with three original buildings remaining: the Empire Hotel, the stables and the Poon Fah Joss House.
Preservation and restoration of the heritage buildings is underway. There are plans to create museum spaces showcasing the history of Otago's Chinese goldminers and visitors will soon experience the Camp of old through a virtual reality recreation of the archeological site.
Situated just 1.2km outside the picturesque township of Lawrence, the camp is located along State Highway 8 and the Clutha Gold Cycle Trail.
James Ng, Founder
1936 - 2024
Prominent historian and medical practitioner, Dr James Ng, recognising the importance of the Lawrence Chinese Camp in the history of New Zealand, purchased the land that was the site of the Camp, in 2004. Jim founded the Lawrence Chinese Camp Charitable Trust and chaired the Trust with his vision to promote cultural identity and preserve the site's historical footprint.
Dr Ng passed away peacefully on 5 March 2024. As requested by Jim's family - to continue his lifetime work in New Zealand Chinese history and heritage, contributions can be made in his memory to be used for the restoration and development of the Lawrence Chinese Camp.
What's On
The Lawrence Chinese Camp Charitable Trust Trustees invite members of the Community to join them at the archaeological excavation at the Lawrence Chinese Camp led by Dr Chris Jennings from the University of Otago.
Chris and his team of volunteers have kindly permitted us to allow members of the Community to the site on the afternoon of the 6th December.
The archaeological excavation is the initial part of phase 1 of the Lawrence Chinese Camp Development Project which will subsequently include trenching, waste and water connection to Lawrence mains and electrical installation.
The Lawrence Chinese Camp Charitable Trust thank Otago Community Trust, Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust and the The Trusts Community Foundation for their generous funding for this stage of work.
