Lonely Graves

The Lonely Graves at Horseshoe Bend are a poignant reminder of the tragedies that went hand in hand with the achievements of Central Otago pioneers. A headstone that reads “Somebody’s Darling Lies Buried Here” is the starting point for this touching story which has become firmly entrenched in local lore.

The Lonely Graves are alongside the Clutha River 8km southeast of Millers Flat; turn off SH8 by the Millers Flat Bridge. Horseshoe Bend goldfield was home to about 2000 miners and shopkeepers in 1863. By 1865 the population had dropped to 72.