Julia Eichardt by Lauren Roche
Flying Books Publishing
A captivating new historical novel, Julia Eichardt shines a light on the remarkable women who shaped early Queenstown, New Zealand.
The book tells the inspiring tale of Julia Shanahan Eichardt and the vibrant community around Lake Wakatipu during the gold rush era. Julia’s story mirrors the growth of Queenstown itself, from a rugged settlement to a thriving town. Julia arrived in New Zealand from Ireland in 1863 and worked at The Queens Arms hotel, originally William Rees’ woolshed, before gold fever transformed the region. Alongside her husband, Albert Eichardt, Julia transformed the old wooden hotel into a stunning Italianate stone building that became a symbol of hope and hospitality for the community. After Albert’s death, Julia’s resilience shone as she expanded the hotel into the elegant place she had always dreamed of. The novel explores her tenacity, ambition, and quiet leadership in a rugged, evolving community.
