Location: Arrowtown
Top Things to do in Arrowtown
Countries
Things to do in Arrowtown, South Island: The Best Outdoor Activities
Arrowtown is an historic gold mining town in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. Arrowtown is located on the banks of the Arrow River approximately 7.5 km from State Highway 6. There is also road access directly to Queenstown via the Shotover Gorge and a third route via the picturesque Lake Hayes.
Restaurants in Arrowtown
1. Better By Bike
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 462 reviews
Formerly Queenstown Bike Tours, now operating as Better By Bike. Offering half or full day bike hire with optional transport, Better By Bike provides a range of bikes specifically designed for comfort and sightseeing. We also have electric and hard tail Mountain Bikes. All sizes for men, women and children and if the kids are too small to ride we also have tow along bikes allowing you to take the whole family for a days adventure. If you want a true NZ adventure in natural surroundings, then it does not get any better than by bike.
2. Arrowtown Bike Hire
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 319 reviews
Arrowtown Bike Hire is located in the beautiful alpine village of Arrowtown, and provides mountain bike hire for recreational riders who wish to explore the historic town or ride the local trails. With a range of wilderness trails suitable for all skill and fitness levels, riders can cross the famous Kawarau Bungy Bridge pedal past vineyards along the new Queenstown Trail.
Reviewed By Allison475
Great customer service with excellent hybrid bikes, well geared and suited to the trail. We chose to cycle the ‘Arrow River Bridges Trail’ which took us from Arrowtown to Kawarau Bridge and the Bungy Jump location. It is one of the best half day trails we have done in terms of diversity and scenery with two amazing suspension bridges to cross. About 26kms return. Cannot speak highly enough of Arrowtown Bike Hire and would thoroughly recommend.
3. Arrow Bikes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By RedS237 - Queenstown, New Zealand
Arrowtown to gibbston valley rides with arrow bikes was a perfect solution. Easy booking process fun checkin very nice modern bikes. Appreciative pick up service for tired bodies
4. E-Bikes 4 Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
We offer exclusively Haibike SDURO Electric Mountain Bikes, with electric assisted pedal power - take the sweat out of those hill climbs and enjoy the views. Enjoy the Queenstown Bike Trail!
5. Southern Explorer 4WD Scenic Tours - Private Day Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Southern Explorer is locally-owned business, focusing on quality, service and flexibility. Join our experienced local guides on 4WD scenic half day tour, guided walk, or overnight camping adventure into the high country areas of Skippers Canyon, Macetown, Arrowtown or Glenorchy. Travel along roads carved by hand from the steep canyon walls, drive into remote valleys through narrow gorges and view beautiful lakes to discover the history of these once bustling gold rush regions of old. Discover the history, explore the heritage and be amazed by the breath taking scenery. Visit our website for details and how to book on our specific day tours.
6. Dudley's Cottage Arrowtown
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Relax in the beautiful gardens surrounding historic Dudley's Cottage in Arrowtown just 15 minutes drive from Queenstown, enjoying a coffee while the kids try their hand at gold panning. Or have a go finding your fortune yourself! Dudley's Cottage (c.1880) Is situated next to the Chinese Village and Butlers Green in Arrowtown and offers a one of a kind insight into times gone by. A guaranteed find of gold with expert panning tuition, cafe, icecreams, 4WD tours up the Arrow River, Central Otago gifts, gold jewellery and other New Zealand quality products. Gold panning equipment is also available for hire or purchase if you catch 'gold fever'! A must-do attraction in Arrowtown. Open over summer from September to May, 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm.
7. Arrowtown Golf Course
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By MartinB286 - Auckland, New Zealand
What a fabulous experience! The course is a real challenge with rocky outcrops littering narrow fairways and postage stamp greens. I play off an 8 handicap and shot 89. The greens are firm and you do need to put the ball in the right place. A great short game is certainly a must around here. The back 9 is the easier of the two nines and the most scenic too. The views though are breathtaking and are worth coming here alone. Everyone at the golf club was so friendly especially those working in the kitchen who went the extra mile to accommodate my gluten free diet. The lovely lady in the kitchen even came out to see if my food was ok which was a nice touch. All in all, this is well worth a visit for any level of golfer. It is easy to see why Arrowtown GC make the Top 10 list of NZ's golf courses and this certainly would be in my top 5 after 40 years of playing golf.
8. Arrowtown Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,627 reviews
Arrowtown’s surprises at every corner with new activities, restaurants, cafes and accommodation options. You don’t have to dig far in this sophisticated, yet quaint village to find why this charming town oozes heritage whether the newly restored miner’s cottages, the latest exhibit at the Lakes District Museum or the magnificent trails. Arrowtown is renowned for its café and restaurant culture. Whether fine dining, or enjoying a casual pizza or pie, there are delicious options for every budget and time span. Boutique beers and local wines are just some of the beverages on offer. Arrowtown’s tree lined streets, shops and cafes housed in original buildings and its proximity to walking /cycling tracks, vineyards, golf courses and ski fields, make it a must visit destination. Arrowtown sits only 20 minutes from Queenstown and a mere 15 minutes from Queenstown airport.
Reviewed By carolep957 - Ringwood, Australia
This is a delightful old gold mining town, lovingly maintained, full of history, a few usual gift shops for tourists and within easy drive of Queenstown. We also happened upon the old gaol by accident, driving around and loved the row of miners cottages along main street. In one of the gift shops in the little shopping arcade we met a fellow countrywoman from Bradford in the UK and enjoyed a lovely chat with her. Highly recommend spending a couple of hours at least in this charming place. The Chinese settlement is interesting too and there is a museum in town worth a look.
9. Lake Hayes Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By 759elib - Sydney, Australia
Lovely sits in quiet isolation, reflecting the neighbouring hills in its placid waters. If you crave an unchallenging two-hour walk, the 8km bike-friendly pathway loops right around it
