Macetown Historic Reserve

Macetown was first settled in the early 1860s as a result of the discovery of gold in the Arrow River and its catchment. The village owed its existence solely to the mining industry; when that failed the town slowly died and by the 1930s Macetown was a ghost town.

Macetown's major historic structures have all been restored in a project completed in 2008, and marked by a plaque, unveiled by the Rt Hon. Helen Clarke in March that year. Andersons Battery, Needhams Cottage, and Smiths Bakehouse were the main recipents of attention along with building remnants such as the old schoolroom and stone fences. Some of the housing sections can still be seen and several of the original fruit and shelter trees survive in and around these. Of industrial significance, Andersons battery is the only known all-metal stamping battery in Otago.

Located approximately 16km up the Arrow River from Arrowtown, you can get there independently on foot, mountain bike and 4x4, or on a guided tour.

Check the website for more details about access and what you can do around the site.