The Wānaka History website, QR code project and social media channels were established in 2024 by the Upper Clutha History Society with the aim to promote historical knowledge of the area.

A museum committee undertook first steps in 1977, but fizzled out. The museum idea was parked then reinvigorated by Peg Mathieson in 1985 and a Genealogical Society and then the Upper Clutha Historical Records Society was established, with local farmer Stan Kane as the first President. The Upper Clutha History Society is the successor and maintains and adds to the records in a room at Wānaka library.

There is an excellent section at the Toy and Transport Museum by the Airport maintained by UCHS member Ken Allan.

The Lakes District Museum & Gallery in Arrowtown includes some history of the Upper Clutha region.

Simply put, Wānaka is world famous. Even though the Upper Clutha has meaning for a lot of local people and describes the upper reaches of the river, Wānaka History gets far more search hits. We cover all areas of the Upper Clutha region.

Towns and Settlements Include:

Wānaka (previously known as Pembroke), Albert Town, Cardrona, Luggate, Lake Hāwea, Hāwea Flat, Makarora and Tarras.

Districts:

Ardgour Valley, Bendigo, Cardrona Valley, Lindis Valley, Matukituki Valley, Mt Barker, Maungawera, Hāwea Flat and Queensberry.

Major Rivers:

Cardrona, Hāwea, Lindis, Makarora and Matukituki, which all feed into 
Clutha Mata-Au (formerly Molyneaux) – the longest river in the South Island of New Zealand.

Upper Clutha History Society has a number of publications available at the Wānaka Library desk.

Other sources of Upper Clutha History are as follows:

• Lake Wānaka Tourism offers a great deal of information on Wānaka, both past and present. You can visit their website here.

• The Lakes District Museum and Gallery holds some information on the Upper Clutha region, particularly Cardrona. You can visit their website here.

• Several UCHS members also belong to the Wānaka Genealogy Group. For family history help and information, visit their website here.

• The Cardrona Historical Trust website can be viewed here.

• The Upper Clutha History Society produce a quarterly newsletter, ‘Those were the Days’. Previous issues and sign-up can be found here.

We rely on support from local organisations such as the Graham & Olive West Charitable Trust, Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, and Queenstown Lakes District Council.

The Society’s income from membership fees is insufficient to cover our working and administrative costs, purchase of equipment etc. and as such we are reliant on donations from the public and local community organisations to cover any shortfall. Please click here to find out more about donating.

We are always on the lookout for those with a passion for history based in the Upper Clutha. To find out more, please click here.

Yes, our society is run by a team of volunteers that can assist you in your research. Please get in touch to find out more.

The physical copies of our records are available in the Archives Room at the Wānaka Library. Please contact us to arrange a time to view.

We are able to provide digital copies of some records at a cost, please contact us to find out more.

Please get in touch by emailing admin@uppercluthahistory.org, or by filling in our contact form here. We accept loans, donations or even digital copies.

Yes, our team of volunteers can assist with genealogical research or exploring the history of local properties. Please contact us for further information.

We have a collection of books available for purchase. Check out our Publications for purchase page for details.

For publications outside of our Society, please refer to the Wānaka Library.