We have special library collections related to the history of the Upper Clutha and Whakatipu in our libraries.
You can use our online library catalogue to search our local history collections. You can use this pre-set search as a starting point to browse the local history collections in our library catalogue.
Please note that some of these items may be reference-only, which means that you can only view them on-site in the library branch they belong to.
If you are a member of Queenstown Lakes Libraries, you can use our subscriptions to the following digital resources to help with your research.
Ancestry Library Edition is a research database for genealogists and family history enthusiasts. It can help you to trace your family history, with records from the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. The full version of Ancestry is available on public computers at selected branches.
Please note: Access is only available on site (not offsite) at limited branches. Additionally, Ancestry Library Edition and the Ancestry.com (available via private subscription) vary slightly.
Bridget Williams Books (BWB) is an award-winning New Zealand publisher publishing books on New Zealand history, Māori history, women’s issues and contemporary topics. The following Bridget Williams Collections available in digital format to library members:
Carter's Publications have been publishing price guides on art antiquities, antiques, collectables, retro, vintage and 20th century design for 32 years, and include prices on items from 1500 BC to the present day, with a price range of $5 to over one million dollars.
The price guide is based on actual selling prices. Prices of antiques and collectables can vary considerably depending on a multitude of factors. Carter's display the actual auction sale price that the seller has to pay. Prices listed are in Australian Dollars.
If you need help we suggest logging in and visiting the Carter's help page.
We offer a Genealogy course on our online learning platform UniversalClass.
You can access UniversalClass for free as a Queenstown Lakes Libraries member.
To view and join a course, you will need to enter your library barcode number and password/PIN. These are the same details you use to access your library membership or our other eResources (such as Libby or Borrowbox). You will then need to create a UniversalClass account for your progress to be saved.
UniversalClass is currently only available via an internet browser or iPhone app.
The Queenstown Historical Society collates historical resources from the Whakatipu and beyond and offers digital access to the Queenstown Courier Magazine.
The Upper Clutha History Society was established in 1985 to collect and preserve records and images of the history of the Upper Clutha region and make them available to members of the public.
Wānaka History is a project promoting stories of Wānaka and the Upper Clutha/Mata-Au area using photographs, maps, documents and oral history records from the Upper Clutha History Society archive.
In addition to our local history groups, you may also want to contact local archives and museums, for example the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown.
Try these resources if you are researching your family history, genealogy, or local history.
The Southern Regional News Index is a selective index of articles from local Dunedin and Otago newspapers and other sources. Subjects covered include:
The online Southern Regional News Index database contains records dated from 1993 onwards, and some earlier periods, for example the 1850s, the 1930s and 1940s.
