Overview

Arrowtown is a picture-perfect historic village nestled beneath the peaks of the Southern Alps, just 20 minutes from Queenstown. Once a bustling gold rush settlement, it’s now a charming destination where cobbled lanes, heritage cottages and colourful seasons draw visitors year-round. Whether you’re strolling riverside trails, browsing boutiques, or exploring gold mining history, Arrowtown delivers timeless appeal with a stylish modern edge.

Food & Drink

  • The Fork and Tap: A classic Kiwi pub serving local beers, hearty meals and sunny garden seating.
  • Provisions of Arrowtown: Famous for sticky buns and brunches in a charming cottage setting.
  • Aosta: An award-winning Italian fine dining experience with Otago ingredients and Alpine flair.
  • Amisfield Winery (nearby): Just a short drive away, enjoy vineyard lunches and premium Central Otago wines.

Adventure & Wilderness

  • Arrow River Trail: Walk or bike this scenic riverside path beneath willow trees and historic gold mining relics.
  • Tobins Track: A steep but rewarding short hike offering panoramic views over Arrowtown and the Wakatipu Basin.
  • Lakes District Museum: Delve into gold rush history and early settler life with interactive exhibits and archives.
  • Golf at Millbrook: Play on one of NZ’s top resort courses, set against dramatic alpine backdrops.

Highlights for All

  • Historic Chinese Settlement: Explore restored huts and displays telling the story of Arrowtown’s early Chinese gold miners.
  • Autumn Festival: Visit in April for colourful foliage, parades, markets and local performances.
  • Dorothy Browns Cinema: A boutique cinema and bookshop offering wine, cheese platters and arthouse films.
  • Riverstone walks: Relax beside the Arrow River with picnic spots and native birdlife year-round.

Shopping

  • Gold Nugget Jewellery: Discover handcrafted pieces made with real local gold and pounamu.
  • The Stitching Post: Iconic Arrowtown boutique for high-quality wool, leather goods and winter accessories.
  • Wall to Wall Art Gallery: Local landscapes, sculptures and fine art by Otago-based artists.

Photography

  • Autumn colours: Arrowtown in April is an explosion of reds, oranges and yellows lining every street and trail.
  • Historic lanes: Shoot stone cottages, vintage signs and preserved gold rush-era facades.
  • Arrow River reflections: Capture peaceful scenes with soft lighting and willow trees mirrored in calm water.
  • Tobins Track lookout: Sunrise and sunset vistas over the village and mountains are unforgettable.

Best Time to Visit

  • Summer (Dec–Feb): Great for riverside walks, bike rides and dining outdoors in the long golden evenings.
  • Autumn (Mar–May): The most photogenic time of year perfect for photographers, leaf lovers and festivalgoers.
  • Winter (Jun–Aug): A quiet, cosy village base for skiing at Coronet Peak or visiting snowy landscapes.
  • Spring (Sep–Nov): Blossoms return to town, and trails reopen with crisp air and fresh green hills.

Explore Nearby

  • Queenstown: Just 20 minutes away perfect for combining Arrowtown’s calm with lakeside adventure.
  • Gibbston Valley: Enjoy wine tastings and cycling through the “Valley of the Vines” just a short drive east.
  • Lake Hayes: A mirror-like lake with walking trails, picnic spots and unforgettable sunrise reflections.