Visitors are attracted by the town's charm and character. Situated on SH 8, it borders South and Central Otago, and is just over an hour's drive from Dunedin, The Catlin's Coast and Alexandra (96km) and 2.15 hours' drive from Queenstown and other Central Otago ski fields (190km). The Dunedin International Airport is only a 45min drive from Jafa's Motels.
Coach and Horses Tavern
Open 7 days for bar, bistro and bottle store. Bistro opens 11am. 7 Ross Place, (03) 485 9117.
Bean Jazzed Coffee
Open weekends for breakfast and lunch dining. 47 Peel Street, 0276 509 003.
Beaumont Hotel
Open 7 days with bistro meals from 10am. Courtesy coach available 7 days. SH 8 Beaumont, (03) 485 9431.
The Wild Walnut
Open weekends. 32 Ross Place, (03) 485 9234.
The Prospector Café
Open 7 days for lunch. 12 Ross Place, (03) 485 9595.
Clutha Gold Cycle Trail
Cycle trail from Roxburgh through to Waihola.
Walks
Travel to Gabriels Gully where there is a picnic area, and the walking tracks start from here. There is a one-and-a-half-hour loop track around Gabriels Gully, and there is also a longer 3-hour return walk in the reserve, following along a disused water race, and where you have views down to the waterfall, and reach the Otago Dam further along the track, to return the same way.
Mountain Biking
Quiet but challenging country roads, bring ever-changing vistas for the serious cyclist. Maps of cycle tracks are available at the Information Centre. New track in progress – coming soon.
Golf
The Lawrence Golf Club offer plenty of challenge to visiting golfers. The Lawrence Golf Course is one of the oldest in New Zealand, situated 1km from the main highway. A flat, easy walking course with well-groomed fairways and some elevated tees – a picturesque course with ornamental trees. Visitors are always welcome.
Skate Park
Situated at the corner of Harrington and Whitehaven Streets. Built in 2021. Check it out on FB – Lawrence Skate Park.
Swimming Pool
A community built heated covered pool and gym is open to the public from mid-October until April. We have a key available for guests to access the pool at the office.
Lawrence District Heritage Trail
The trail begins at the Information Centre and takes you around numbered sites to view the historic buildings and former industries of Lawrence and Waitahuna.
Fishing
Fish for brown trout in the rivers, lakes and dams in the area. Maps are available from the Information Centre.
Shopping and Services
- The Textile Emporium and Weaving Studio – 9 Ross Place
- Country Mouse – 15 Ross Place
- O'Lea Home Collection – 5 Ross Place
- Unique @ Shop 22 – 16 Ross Place
- Spatula and Spoon Bakery – 13A Ross Place
- Hair at Goldfields – 13B Ross Place
- Highland Pharmacy and Postshop – 14 Ross Place
- Lawrence Four Square and Lotto – 19 Ross Place
- Lawrence Motors – 1 Whitehaven Street
- Lawrence Night and Day – 2 Whitehaven Street
- Lawrence Public Library – 5 Peel Street
- Clutha District Council Service Centre – 5 Peel Street
- Lawrence Medical Centre – Whitehaven Street
- Saturday General Store – Ross Place
- Marbary – Ross Place
Attractions in Lawrence
- Information Centre – open seven days a week, Genealogy Assistance, Miner's Licence Names and General Information.
- Goldfields Museum – open daily via the Information Centre, displaying the life of the early settlers.
- Chinese Camp – situated on SH 8, 2km from the township. A protected archaeological site with plans for extensive development.
- Cemetery – dating from the 1860s. Also includes a Chinese section.
- Anthem House – the house where J.J Wood lived. He composed the New Zealand National Anthem.