An archaeological dig in Lawrence, south of Dunedin has unearthed the site of an old Chinese camp - and although they're not finding much gold they are finding lots of other historical treasures.

Founded in 1867, New Zealand's largest Chinese camp on a remote paddock was once the gateway to the Otago goldfields.

Archeologists have spent more than a week on the historic site and are thrilled with their findings.

"We've found so far that none of the area that we've been working on has been ploughed and it's completely intact, so we're really pleased with that," says archaeologist Chris Jacomb.

The team says they came across what looks like a really well formed cobbled pathway, with carefully laid stones.

"But as we've expanded it out into this square it's starting to be less easy to understand," says Jacomb.

The camp housed more than 100 people in its heyday, and will eventually be rebuilt in as much detail as possible.

The Lawrence Chinese Camp Trust wants to create a world class attraction at the site - including a hotel, museum and Chinese garden.