Tuapeka Goldfields Museum & Visitor Centre formally unveiled the Gabriels Gully Storymapp Visitor Experience on Monday, which comprises seven sites in the historic gold rush town of Lawrence.
Museum manager Jess Weichler said the self-guided, immersive multimedia experience — which harnesses visitors’ cellphones to show what Lawrence and surrounds would have been like in its gold rush heyday — had a "soft launch" just before Christmas.
"We’ve had some excellent responses from early users, who report they love the 360-degree views the system delivers, and the heritage artwork, in keeping with the historic nature of the experience.
"People often express their desire to see historical sites like Gabriels Gully and the Lawrence Chinese Camp at the height of the gold rush.
"With Storymapp, now they can," Ms Weichler said.
"We’re thrilled to be able to offer this unique experience to visitors, as just the first stage of what will be a significant heritage attraction both at the museum and at key sites around Lawrence."
The intuitive smartphone guide could be activated at each site, and provided users with 360-degree artist recreations of the area during the mid-19th century gold rush.
"Self-guided audio tours, articles and historical photographs enrich the visitor’s experience.
"These resources provide a comprehensive perspective on life on the goldfields, and insight into the fascinating lives of early residents," Ms Weichler said.
She said the experience was priced at $34.90, which did not appear to be a barrier to uptake.
"This is a two-hour app-guided augmented tour experience, which is very reasonable in comparison to similar attractions elsewhere.
"Users get to take away a beautifully illustrated souvenir map, and amazing memories of Lawrence’s breathtaking scenery and rich heritage."
Storymapp was designed by Wellington-based Locales, and funded by Clutha Development and the Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board.
The wider visitor experience project for Lawrence was announced in September 2022, and is likely to include improvements to tourism infrastructure at Gabriels Gully, Blue Spur and the museum.
