jan 1, 1861 - Discovery of gold in NZ

Description:

The discovery of gold in Central Otago in 1861 helped Dunedin become New Zealand’s largest town. Thousands of young men rushed to the colony hoping to make their fortune. They followed the gold from Otago to the West Coast and later to the Thames in the North Island. Few struck it rich, but the value of the gold that was discovered boosted the economy.