Lawrence comes alive in the spring. From festivals, to frolicking lambs and a spectacular display of daffodils.
Here in Lawrence, many of our local spring pastimes have foundations in traditions begun all the way at the start of the town itself. This year make some of our celebrations your own!
Weatherstons Brewery Ruins & Daffodils
Pack a picnic and head out to this 25 acre heritage site. In 1895, the first daffodils were planted at Black Horse Brewery, over the years they have cross-pollinated, resulting in some entirely unique varieties.
Soak up the scenic views, explore the rhododendron forest, or chat with the friendly locals who volunteer their time each year to help keep the site open.
The site is privately owned and only open to the public on select days during September and October. Follow Weatherstons Trust for this year’s opening hours.
Lawrence Lantern Parade
Celebrate a 3,000 year old festival with links to our gold mining past. The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is one of the most important holidays in the Chinese calendar.
Free workshops throughout town provide the opportunity to make your own lantern, or you can purchase one at the parade. Chinese lion dancers and Jimmy the Dragon come out to make this an evening you won’t want to miss.
The 2023 parade will be held Saturday 30 September, starting at 7pm from the Arches. Follow Lawrence Lantern Festival & Activities to keep up to date with all the workshops.
Splash Out at the Tuapeka Aquatic Centre
'Splash Out' Tuapeka Aquatic Centre and Gym opens in the spring, usually around October.
This state-of-the-art complex includes a heated 25m 6-lane lap pool, a toddler pool, and learner’s pool. The perfect way to cool off after a long day of exploring the best of the Tuapeka. Follow Tuapeka Aquatic Centre for opening hours and pricing.
Heritage Day
A local tradition you won’t want to miss. For years the Tuapeka Vintage Club has been throwing open their doors in November for a day of old fashioned fun and community fellowship. Other groups get in on the fun, leading to a festive atmosphere throughout the entire town. Expect to see machinery and engineering displays, old-style sheep shearing, and a historic homes and gardens tour. Young adventurers will delight in gold-panning, hand-feeding eels at Bellview Wetlands Reserve, and playing vintage games at the Tuapeka Goldfields Museum & Visitor Centre.
Heritage Day is the first Sunday in November. Individual events will be added to lawrence.nz/events as they are announced.
Shop til You Drop
We’ve got what you need for spring! Visit the new Saturday General Store for home-goods and breezy dresses—with pockets! O’Lea Design offers unique items and antiques you won’t find anywhere else, and the stock is always changing so you never know what surprises you’ll find. Finally, Five Larries Books has a curated collection of lightly used books at affordable prices. And don’t miss old favourites Country Mouse and Unique Living.
Make the Most of Your Visit
When you arrive in Lawrence, be sure to stop in at the Tuapeka Goldfields Museum & Visitor Centre for maps and updates on local activities. See you soon!
