Old Cromwell Town

Cromwell’s early name of The Junction resulted from the meeting of two rivers: the Clutha and the Kawarau.

Lake Dunstan, formed behind the Clyde Dam in 1993, has absorbed the turbulent waters of the rivers which were such a challenge to the pioneers.

Brave men guided rafts of logs from Lakes Wanaka and Hawea down the Clutha to Cromwell; other businessmen made money operating toll-bridges and boats. When Hartley and Reilly discovered gold below the junction, miners flocked to the area. Many Chinese were amongst these miners.

They settled together close to the river. Old Cromwell Town near the former river junction was established to preserve and reconstruct some of Cromwell’s historic buildings, and to create a setting for local craftspeople.