Wānaka Genealogical Group

Wānaka Genealogical Group The Wanaka Genealogy group provides education and assistance to members researching family ancestors.

28/07/2025
18/07/2025

This photo depicts the building of the Red Bridge near Luggate (c. 1913-1915). On the right you can see the Luggate Punt, used to cross the Clutha / Mata-Au before the Red Bridge was completed.

To view more photos held by the Upper Clutha History Society, head to our website here: www.wanakahistory.org/maps-images

12/07/2025

Check out this incredible image of a Gipsy Moth flying over the summit of Mount Aspiring! Can you believe it was taken in 1934?

Two Southland Aero Club pilots flew over the peak late in April on a special mission to get photographs of the rugged land between Lake Wakatipu and Lake Wānaka. According to a report in the New Zealand Herald on 2 May 1934, their two bi-planes reached an altitude of nearly 14,000 feet.

"Under such conditions, and having regard to the weight carried, this was just about the greatest height it was possible to reach. The benefit of warm clothing and heated cockpits was appreciated."

Spectacular phots taken on the trip were published in the Auckland Weekly News.

Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19340502-33-02

10/07/2025

Dating Old Photographs: Every detail in an old photo tells a story. From the cut of a collar to the composition of the shot, these subtle clues can unlock meaningful insights about your ancestors — and perhaps even help you grow your family tree.

Discover how clothing, photography styles, and posing conventions can shed light on the past in Kathy Hill’s upcoming workshop.

Join us on Thursday 17 July for this fascinating session. Check our newsletter for more details.

10/07/2025

This photo was taken sometime after 1925 and depicts Roys Bay, the main shoreline running along the Wānaka township.

There are many place-names around Lake Wānaka named “Roy” - Roys Peak (or Mt. Roy), Roys Peninsula, Roys Bay, and Ruby Island was once known as Roys Island.

But who was John Roy?

John Roy (1823-1864) arrived in New Zealand in 1851. Soon after arriving, he began working as a surveyor. He became an owner of a great many sections of land across New Zealand, including five sections in Napier and land in Richmond, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Featherston, Papautanui, Rawsonville and Clive.

Roy's father-in-law, Richard Barton, shipped about 6,800 sheep to Oamaru, some of which were bound for ‘Roys Run’ in Wānaka. Henry Norman was engaged to manage the Run, and the Normans became one of the first settler families to live in the district.

John Roy never lived in Wānaka. He probably visited the Run on occasions for a few days, but the various jobs he worked would have taken a fair bit of his time.

To read more about John Roy, head to our website here: https://www.wanakahistory.org/biographies/john-roy-pastoralist-surveyor-road-engineer-and-land-speculator

Edit: Originally, this post stated that John Roy worked for the NZ Government, which is incorrect. When he first arrived, her worked for the Colonial Office. Later, he worked for Wellington Provincial Government and the Otago Provincial Government.
We also stated Roy shipped 8,000 sheep to Oamaru with Richard Barton, when in fact Barton shipped about 6,800 without Roy's assistance.

06/07/2025

This photo shows a Luggate Sports Day running race, and was taken before 1967.

Our collection of photos ranges from the 1800’s to present day, spanning decades and communities.

Do you have any photos that you think could be interesting to the Upper Clutha History Society? Get in touch!

26/06/2025

Christchurch Family History Expo takes place in August. Christchurch City Libraries hosts a weekend of family history fun.

24/06/2025

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