Arrowtown owes a lot to the river it was built on, for the Arrow River gave the town both its name and its fortune. Arrowtown is a historic former gold-mining settlement located just 20 minutes from Queenstown. Despite its population falling to less than 200 people during the 20th century, the tourism boom in the region helped restore Arrowtown to its former glory. Today, the town attracts visitors wanting to learn about the early settlers of the region, and hikers and cyclists who come to use some of the best trails in the area.
Pan for gold in the Arrow River, an exciting activity for children and adults alike. While most of the gold has long been mined from the region, panning remains a popular activity for visitors to Arrowtown. Walk through the restored original buildings of the township to understand how the original settlers once lived. Make your way towards the buildings closest to the river to see the fascinating Chinese settlement. Visit the Lakes District Museum to learn about the history of the gold-rush town and the South Island’s lakes district.
Arrowtown marks the beginning of some of the region’s best mountain biking and hiking trails, and you can rent a bike from one of the stores in town. The trails vary in difficulty pick up a map indicating the suggested experience level when you get your bike.
Take a short walk along the river from the town to discover a vista used in the filming of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The scene depicting the “Ford of Bruinen” was filmed here, and the region contains much of the imagery used through the films.
Arrowtown can be reached by car or charter bus and is about 20 minutes’ drive from Queenstown. There is ample free parking, although spots near the main street can fill quickly
Arrowtown
Reviewed on Apr 27, 2024
Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024
Reviewed on Mar 12, 2024
Reviewed on May 15, 2024
Reviewed on Feb 23, 2024
Reviewed on May 18, 2024
Popular places to visit
Arrowtown Chinese Settlement
Find out about the history of Arrowtown when you take a trip to Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. Discover the mountain views and spas in this walkable area.
Millbrook Resort Golf Course
Play a round of golf at Millbrook Resort Golf Course and enjoy other activities in Arrowtown such as skiing. Discover the mountain views and spas in this walkable area.
Lakes Hayes Walkway
Enjoy a trip to Lakes Hayes Walkway and popular activities like skiing in Arrowtown. Discover the mountain views and spas in this walkable area.
Arrowtown Golf Course
Play a round of golf at Arrowtown Golf Course and enjoy other activities in Arrowtown such as skiing. Discover the mountain views and spas in this walkable area.
St Patrick's Catholic Church & Mary MacKillop's Cottage
Find out about the history of Arrowtown with a stop at St Patrick's Catholic Church & Mary MacKillop's Cottage. Make time for the spas and ski slopes in this walkable area.
Tobins Track
Enjoy a trip to Tobins Track and popular activities like skiing in Arrowtown. Discover the mountain views and lively bars in this walkable area.
Things to do
Arrowtown & Wanaka Highlights Small Group Tour
Old Gold Trail Tour with Gold Panning
Arrowtown To Gibbston Valley Half Day Ride
Macetown 4WD Tour from Queenstown
E-Bike Adventures Through the Wineries in Gibbston
Bike Hire with Return Transport from Accommodation
Reviews of Arrowtown
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful quaint town. It’s quite touristy but no surprise given its charm, numerous fantastic restaurants and variety of small shops. We were sorry we didn’t get to the Farmers Market offered on Saturday.
5/5 - Excellent
Always love it there
5/5 - Excellent
Could have spent more time here.
5/5 - Excellent
A great location with easy access to downtown Queenstown but just far enough away to avoid the traffic during peak times.
5/5 - Excellent
We enjoyed a walk around Arrowtown and appreciated that it was not filled so many people as Queenstown. We had a fabulous meal at the Stabkes Restaurant.
4/5 - Good
Arrowtown is very pretty and we did a horse back riding their too! that was awesome!