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Canvastown

Last Modified: 30-6-2021 10:21

Canvastown
Canvastown
© Christopher Cookson  License this image

Canvastown is a small settlement near the confluence of the Wakamarina and Pelorus Rivers. The settlement is so named, due to the massive influx of prospectors after the discovery of gold deposits in the Wakamarina River during the 19th Century. Prospectors arrived in number at short notice and the only form of accommodation for many was in tents. At the peak of the gold rush, the population grew to over 4,000 during 1864. The population at the 2013 Census for the surrounding area was about 130.

The Canvastown Community Association are active in advocating for local issues.

Te Hora Marae is associated with Ngāti Kuia.

The gold rush days are long gone, although there are still some claims in the Wakamarina Valley, and gold specks can be found in the river from time to time. Significant amounts of alluvial gold are still thought to be present in the area, and several proposals have been made to extract the gold on an industrial scale, however there has been opposition due to possible environmental impact, and no extraction has proceeded.

The surrounding area today supports dairy farming and forestry, with significant pine plantations in the Wakamarina Valley.

The historic Trout Hotel built in 1903 (The second hotel on the site) remains as a lasting legacy to the gold rush days, providing meals and accommodation, as well as basic camping facilities. St. Paul's Church is a former Anglican church consecrated on the 24th of Feburary, 1910. An earlier church was built in 1872.  The current wooden building was converted into a residence in 2008 and is one of the few other remaining buildings from the boom period. Canvastown School was established in 1877 is a full primary located west of the Wakamarina River.

The Wakamarina Valley provides access to Mount Richmond Forest Park and offers various recreational activities including mountain biking and tramping, as well as trout fishing, and in summer months swimming.

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Cite this page

Canvastown. (2021) Retrieved March, 29, 2024, from https://www.marlboroughonline.co.nz/marlborough/information/geography/towns-settlements/canvastown/

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