Jacks Point

Was it destiny that brought Jack Tewa to Jacks Point? This stunning luxury estate, nestled at the foot of The Remarkables and bordering the crystal clear waters of Lake Wakatipu, is named after him. Jacks Point stretches across 1,200 hectares, a testament to a vision of harmonious living amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Jacks Point wasn’t always the haven of luxury it is today. In the 19th century, it was part of a vast pastoral empire owned by William Rees, one of Queenstown’s first European settlers. Maori Jack, as Tewa was known, worked for Rees. In August 1862, a dramatic event unfolded on Lake Wakatipu that forever linked Jack Tewa to this place. A sudden squall capsized his boat, plunging him and two companions into the frigid waters. While he could have easily saved himself, Jack valiantly chose to help the others. Sadly, one man perished, but Jack managed to rescue James Mitchell. He brought Mitchell to shore near what is now Jacks Point. He then embarked on a 30-kilometer run to find help. This act of heroism earned him a medal from the Royal Humane Society. Jacks Point, with its world-class golf course, is ranked among the top ten lifestyle estates globally. The development is planned to eventually house 7,000 residents. It’s hard to imagine that the same man who rescued Mitchell also discovered gold in the Arrow River that same year. This sparked a gold rush, transforming Queenstown’s destiny and changing the trajectory of the region forever. Today, as you stand at Jacks Point, surrounded by the echoes of history and the stunning vista of lake and mountains, remember Jack Tewa. His bravery and resilience are woven into the fabric of this remarkable place.