Rimu, originally known as Upper Woodstock, is a small town in the Westland District of New Zealand's South Island.
Rimu is located some 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) by road south of Hokitika and located on the south side of the Hokitika River.[1] It is immediately south of Woodstock. It is named for the native tree Dacrydium cupressinum—with the common name "rimu"—that was once prevalent in the area. Rimu was founded in the 1800s and grew rapidly when gold was found in 1882 west of the town. In 1890, gold was discovered east of Rimu.[2] These were New Zealand's last gold rushes.[3]
Around 1900, Rimu had a school, two banks, two hotels, two churches, two butcheries, four stores, a post office, and a library.[2]
References
edit- ^ "Google Maps". Retrieved 6 October 2020.
- ^ a b Cyclopedia Company Limited (1906). "Rimu". The Cyclopedia of New Zealand : Nelson, Marlborough & Westland Provincial Districts. Christchurch: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
- ^ Madgwick, Paul. Rimu: New Zealand's last gold rush (sign). Rimu Lookout. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
On 8 May 1882, gold was discovered at "Upper Woodstock" or Rimu. It was to be the last of New Zealand's great gold rushes.