Arrowtown Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and things to do in Arrowtown, New Zealand. Learn about the local culture, customs, and safety measures while exploring this charming historic town.


Introduction to Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a heritage town located in the district of Queenstown-Lakes in the South Island of New Zealand. This picturesque town is surrounded by mountain ranges and the Arrow River that flows through its heart. Arrowtown is known for its rich history, stunning natural scenery, and abundant outdoor activities. This comprehensive travel guide will provide you with all the necessary information to plan your visit to Arrowtown.

List of Places to Visit in Arrowtown

Arrowtown offers a variety of attractions for tourists, including museums, historical sites, outdoor adventures, scenic views, and much more.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Arrowtown is a town with a significant history, and this is reflected in the many museums and heritage sites located throughout the town. Some of the must-visit cultural attractions in Arrowtown include:

  • Arrowtown Chinese Settlement - A heritage site that tells the story of Chinese miners who lived and worked in the region.
  • Lakes District Museum - A museum that showcases the history and heritage of the area.
  • Arrowtown’s Historic Walking Tour - A self-guided tour of the historic buildings and landmarks that shaped the town.
  • Dudley’s Cottage - A historic cottage that portrays what life was like for early settlers in Arrowtown.

Natural Attractions of Arrowtown: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Arrowtown is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, which provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventures and scenic views. Some of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Arrowtown include:

  • Arrow River - Take a walk along the Arrow River, and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Arrowtown Bike Park - A popular mountain biking destination, with trails suitable for all skill levels.
  • Arrowtown Hill - A popular hiking trail that offers panoramic views of the town and its surroundings.
  • Tobin’s Track - A scenic walking trail that takes you through the native forests of Arrowtown.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Arrowtown

Arrowtown has some of the best hiking and biking trails in New Zealand. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • Arrowtown Hill Walk - It’s a 1.5-hour return walk that provides stunning views of the town and its surrounding mountains.
  • Tobin’s Track - A moderate 2-3-hour walking trail that will take you deep into the native forests of Arrowtown.
  • Arrow River Trail - A 6 km easy walking/cycling trail that runs along the Arrow River from Arrowtown to Gibbston.
  • Queenstown Trail - A 120 km trail that passes through Arrowtown and takes you through some of the best scenic routes in the region.

Best Things to Do in Arrowtown: Activities and Tours

Arrowtown offers a wide range of activities and tours. Here are some of the best things to do in Arrowtown:

  • Gold Panning - Try your hand at gold panning and learn about the town’s gold mining history.
  • Horse Trekking - Explore Arrowtown’s stunning scenery on horseback.
  • Wine Tasting - Take a tour of the local vineyards and taste some of the best wines New Zealand has to offer.
  • Hot Air Ballooning - Soar above the majestic mountains and experience Arrowtown’s stunning views from the sky.

Week-Long Itinerary for Arrowtown

Here’s a comprehensive week-long itinerary for Arrowtown:

Day 1 Lakes District Museum and Arrowtown Historic Walking Tour
Day 2 Arrowtown Hill Walk and Arrow River
Day 3 Queenstown Trail Cycling
Day 4 Wine Tasting Tour
Day 5 Gold Panning and Horse Trekking
Day 6 Hot Air Ballooning
Day 7 Exploring the nearby town of Queenstown

Food and Drink Scene of Arrowtown

Arrowtown’s food and drink scene offers a mix of local and international cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish and Chips - Local pubs serve up some of the best Fish and Chips in the region.
  • Venison - A specialty of Arrowtown, you can taste Venison in many of the local restaurants.
  • Lolly Cake - A traditional New Zealand dessert made with biscuits, lollies, and condensed milk.

Local Beverages

  • Central Otago Wines - Arrowtown is surrounded by some of the best vineyards in New Zealand, offering a wide variety of local wines.
  • Speights Beer - One of New Zealand’s most famous beers, brewed in the nearby town of Dunedin.

Where to Stay in Arrowtown: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Arrowtown offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Here are some of the best places to stay in Arrowtown:

  • Millbrook Resort - A luxurious five-star resort located on the outskirts of Arrowtown.
  • Arrowfield Apartments - Spacious self-contained apartments with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • The Arrow Private Hotel - A boutique hotel centrally located in the heart of Arrowtown.
  • Arrow Lodge - A budget-friendly option, offering comfortable rooms at an affordable price.

What to Buy in Arrowtown: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Arrowtown is known for its unique shops and boutiques, selling local products and souvenirs. Some of the best things to buy in Arrowtown include:

  • Gold Rush Souvenirs - Arrowtown is steeped in gold mining history, making it the perfect place to buy gold-rush memorabilia.
  • Local Art - Arrowtown has a thriving arts scene, offering an array of locally produced art and crafts.
  • Wine - Arrowtown is surrounded by vineyards, making it the perfect place to buy local wines.

Local Culture and Customs of Arrowtown

Arrowtown has a unique culture, shaped by its rich history and stunning natural beauty. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and visitors should respect the following local customs:

  • Take off your shoes - Many of the local establishments require guests to remove their shoes before entering.
  • Respect the environment - Arrowtown is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, and visitors should take care not to disturb the flora and fauna.
  • Be mindful of noise levels - Arrowtown is a peaceful town, and visitors should be considerate of their noise levels.

Best Time to Visit Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a year-round destination, with each season offering unique experiences. Here’s what to expect in each season:

  • Winter (June-August) - Arrowtown is a winter wonderland, with the town covered in snow. It’s the perfect time to go skiing.
  • Spring (September-November) - The flowers start to bloom, and the weather starts to warm up. Spring is a great time for outdoor activities.
  • Summer (December-February) - Arrowtown is bathed in sunshine, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities, such as swimming and hiking.
  • Autumn (March-May) - Arrowtown is surrounded by golden trees, making it the perfect time to visit the vineyards and enjoy the autumn colors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Arrowtown

Do:

  • Take a walk along the Arrow River.
  • Visit the historic Chinese settlement.
  • Try your hand at gold panning.

Don’t:

  • Disturb the flora and fauna.
  • Make too much noise in public areas.
  • Leave without trying the local wines.

Safety and Health

Safety in Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a safe town, and visitors should take the basic safety precautions, such as:

  • Lock your doors and windows.
  • Avoid walking alone at night.
  • Keep your valuables safe.

Health in Arrowtown

Arrowtown has a good healthcare system, and visitors can seek medical attention at:

  • Arrowtown Medical Centre
  • Lakes District Hospital, located in nearby Queenstown.

Getting to Arrowtown: Transportation Options and Logistics

Arrowtown is easily accessible by road and air. Here are the best ways to get to Arrowtown:

Airports Near Arrowtown

  • Queenstown International Airport - Located 20 km away from Arrowtown, with direct flights from major cities in New Zealand and Australia.

Bus Stations Near Arrowtown

  • Queenstown Bus Station - Located in the heart of Queenstown, with several daily bus services to Arrowtown.

Other Options

  • Car Rental - Arrowtown is easily accessible by car, and many visitors choose to rent a car to explore the surrounding region.

How to Get Around in Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a small town, and visitors can easily explore the town on foot. Visitors can also rent bicycles or cars to explore the surrounding area.

Where to Go Next from Arrowtown: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Arrowtown is surrounded by several nearby destinations and excursions. Here are some of the best places to visit after Arrowtown:

  • Queenstown - A popular tourist destination, known for its adventure sports and stunning natural scenery.
  • Wanaka - A beautiful lakeside town, located 1.5 hours from Arrowtown.
  • Milford Sound - One of New Zealand’s most stunning natural attractions, located 4 hours from Arrowtown.

Conclusion

Arrowtown is a charming historic town that offers a unique blend of culture, heritage, and natural beauty. With so much to see and do, Arrowtown is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to New Zealand. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has provided you with all the necessary information to plan your visit to Arrowtown. Enjoy your trip!

Arrowtown Post Office Arrowtown Post Office Buckingham Street is Arrowtown's bustling heart Buckingham Street is Arrowtown's bustling heart Autumn colour in Arrowtown Autumn colour in Arrowtown Chinese gold mining huts Chinese gold mining huts