Lawrence is a small town of just under 500 inhabitants in South Otago in New Zealand's South Island. It is located on State Highway 8, which leads to the towns of Alexandra and Queenstown, 92 km south-west of Dunedin,

Nestled in the valley formed by the junction of the Tuapeka and Wetherstons streams, Lawrence is famous for the first major gold rush of New Zealand. In May 1861 Gabriel Read discovered gold in the nearby "Gabriels Gully", which now features his name. By September more then 6000 miners were camped at Gabriel's Gully, and by 1862 Lawrence had 11,470 residents. At the time the city of Dunedin had only half that number of people.

Today Lawrence enjoys a relaxed lifestyle, with many outdoor activities available. Its primarily a rural service town, but its location on the main highway to Central Otago provides opportunities for many other local businesses. A couple of good restaurants, gift shops, cafes, art galleries, printing firm, woodworkers and weaving studios provide a relaxed country atmosphere to tempt you stay a for a look around. There is a full range of accommodation Lawrence including a campground, B&B’s, homestays, and motels.

There are number of walks near Lawrence ranging from short hikes that take in the local history, to full day tramps. You can explore the local valleys, or hike the Lammerlaw Range to the windswept open ridge tops with its golden tussock grass. There’s a good short walk in the Manuka Gorge Rail Tunnel, it is well sign posted and easily accessible, this track is part of the old Central Otago, Milton to Roxburgh branch railway line, its also a good place to see glow-worms!

Trout Fishing is popular in the nearby Tuapeka, Waitahuna and Clutha Rivers, and in a number of small ponds in and around Gabriel's Gully. Excellent fishing, sightseeing and a picnic area are also available at Lake Mahinerangi, a 30 minute drive from Lawrence on the Waipori Road. You will find the surrounding open countryside is quite a contrast to the sheltered valleys of Lawrence, with views towards the Maungatua Range, the Pacific Ocean and inland to the snow capped Southern Alps of Central Otago. Red deer and wild pigs can be hunted locally, while fallow deer frequent the nearby Blue Mountains.

At Gabriel’s Gully are gold panning opportunities with visitors frequently finding the precious metal.

Wetherstons Black Horse Brewery, now in ruins, is another place to visit, especially in spring when the daffodils are out, covering the hillside with a different kind of gold. On the northern side of the town, you will find the Lawrence Domain, first planted by the local schoolchildren in the 1890s with further additions in the early 20th century. The mostly deciduous trees shelter a quaint trail that leads to the Jubilee Monument, at the entrance to Gabriel's Gully.