William Gilbert Rees War memorial

Who would have thought a wool shed could become a hotel? Here at the William Gilbert Rees War Memorial, we remember the founder of Queenstown, William Gilbert Rees. He was more than just a name on a memorial. He was a Welsh-born explorer, surveyor, and an integral part of Queenstown’s history. William Gilbert Rees, along with Nicholas von Tunzelmann, were the first Europeans to settle in the Wakatipu basin. Rees arrived in 1860 and established a high-country farm near the present-day town center. His homestead was located near the mouth of the Kawarau River. Now the Hilton Hotel occupies this historic spot. Interestingly, two years after Rees established his farm, gold was discovered nearby. This discovery transformed the quiet farming community. Rees saw an opportunity and cleverly converted his wool shed into a hotel. He named it the Queen’s Arms. Today, this historic hotel is known as Eichardt’s. William Gilbert Rees’s influence extended beyond farming and hospitality. He was a devout Anglican and instrumental in building St. Peter’s Church in Queenstown. It was completed in 1863. His legacy is further cemented with the Rees River, Rees Street, a bridge, and a hotel all bearing his name. Even a Queenstown suburb carries his wife’s name. Frankton was named after his wife, Frances. Cecil and Walter Peaks bear his son’s names. William Gilbert Rees, a cricket enthusiast, played a first-class match for New South Wales in 1857. His cousin, the famous W.G. Grace, shared his love for the sport. So, as you stand before the William Gilbert Rees War Memorial, remember the man who shaped Queenstown. He was a farmer, hotelier, and a founding father.