Shotover Country

Who could imagine a suburb with a name as exciting as Shotover Country? Shotover Country, nestled near Queenstown in New Zealand’s South Island, isn’t your typical suburb. It boasts a vibrant history interwoven with gold rushes and pioneering spirit. Originally known as Islay Farm, Shotover Country draws its name from the nearby Shotover River, a body of water renowned as the second richest gold-bearing river worldwide. This connection to the river, and its gold-rush past, gives the area a unique character. The suburb started its transformation in 2012, evolving from rural land to a residential haven. The development occurred in stages, with the first sections going on sale in November 2012. The final stage was released in June 2016. By 2019, over 20 stages had been marketed by the original owners, Grant and Sharyn Stalker. In October 2019, the last residential sections were sold. This marked the end of seven years of development, though commercial and medium-density unit development continues. Shotover Country isn’t just about luxury homes. In 2016, the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust built 44 affordable houses within the subdivision. Three-quarters of these homes were sold to families through the trust’s Shared Ownership program. The remainder became part of a rental scheme. Today, Shotover Country is a thriving community, with a population nearing 3,740 as of June 2024. It covers 3.04 square kilometers. The area offers a blend of modern living and a rich historical backdrop, a testament to Queenstown’s vibrant past.