In the mid-19th century, European explorers William Gilbert Rees and Nicholas von Tunzelmann were among the first non-Māori to settle in the area now known as Queenstown. Their arrival marked a turning point. Rees saw potential in the rugged landscape, with its sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu. In 1860, he established a high country farm where the town centre now stands.

Rees’s life changed dramatically in 1862. Gold was discovered in the Arrow River. This news traveled fast, drawing prospectors from across the globe, eager to strike it rich. The quiet farm became a bustling hub overnight. Rees, seeing opportunity, converted his wool shed into a hotel. He named it the Queen’s Arms. It later became known as Eichardt’s, still standing today as a symbol of Queenstown’s transformation from pastoral lands to a lively gold rush town.

As more settlers arrived, Queenstown grew rapidly. Streets were laid out, many of which still bear names from the gold mining era, like Camp Street. Some of the original buildings also remain. William’s Cottage, the Lake Lodge of Ophir (now an art gallery), and the Queenstown Police Station are close together in what is now a historic precinct.

In those early days, Queenstown was rough, full of prospectors who came with little more than hope. But the town thrived. With its lakeside beauty and surrounding mountains, Queenstown attracted not only miners but also travelers seeking adventure. The Remarkables mountains, towering above the town, were as much a source of wonder then as they are today.

By the end of the 19th century, gold mining had slowed, but Queenstown was far from fading. Its natural beauty began to draw tourists, and over time, the town evolved into a haven for skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor enthusiasts. Wine growing also took root, with the nearby plains proving ideal for vineyards, giving rise to what is now the Central Otago wine region.

In 1999, Queenstown faced a natural disaster. Heavy rains hit the South Island in November, causing the waters of Lake Wakatipu to rise dramatically. The lake level surged from 310.5 meters to 312.77 meters. Central Queenstown, with its lakeside properties, was flooded. The damage was severe, with water reaching depths of up to one meter in some areas. Roads were washed out, homes were lost, and the insurance claims totaled around $50 million. Yet, the town rebuilt. It always does.

The Story of Tracey O’Neill

Tracey O’Neill was born in Queenstown, a child of the goldfields. Her parents, Irish immigrants, had come to New Zealand seeking fortune but found only hardship. They worked as laborers, barely scraping by. Tracey grew up in a tiny cottage, the Remarkables casting long shadows over her childhood.

But Tracey wasn’t content with a simple life. She wanted more. By the age of 18, she had a dream that most considered foolish. She wanted to open a school for girls. Queenstown at the time had schools, but they were mostly for boys, and education for girls was often an afterthought.

Tracey’s father laughed when she shared her idea. “School’s no place for girls,” he said, shaking his head. But Tracey was stubborn. She had learned to read and write from her mother, and those lessons had opened a world of possibilities. She believed every girl deserved the same chance.

She found a small building near the lakefront, not far from what is now Camp Street. It wasn’t much, just a single room with wooden benches. But it was enough. Tracey saved every penny, working in a local hotel by day and tutoring younger children in the evenings.

One afternoon, an old prospector named Jack wandered into town. He was tired, his clothes ragged, and his face weathered from years in the mountains. Tracey, seeing his need, offered him a meal. As they talked, she shared her dream. Jack listened quietly, nodding along.

The next day, Jack returned. In his hands, he held a small leather bag. “This is for your school,” he said, placing it on the table. Tracey opened it. Inside were gold nuggets—more than she had ever seen. “I’ve been saving these for years,” Jack said. “But your school will do more good than I ever could.”

With Jack’s gift, Tracey’s school grew. She bought books, hired teachers, and by the end of the year, she had over 20 girls attending. The school became known for its high standards, and soon families from nearby settlements sent their daughters to Queenstown to learn from Tracey.

As the years passed, Tracey became a well-known figure in town. Her influence stretched beyond the school. She advocated for women’s rights and campaigned for better conditions for miners’ families. People came to respect her wisdom.

One evening, sitting by the lake, Tracey looked at the mountains. “The gold will run out,” she said to a friend. “But knowledge, that will last.” Her friend nodded, gazing at the still waters. “That’s true wisdom,” they said.

Today, Tracey’s name is remembered in Queenstown. Her school may no longer stand, but the lives she changed remain her legacy. The town, with its rich history of gold, adventure, and resilience, owes much to people like Tracey O’Neill, who saw the potential for something greater.