Location: Arrowtown
Top Things to do in Arrowtown
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What to do and see in Arrowtown, South Island: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
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. Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 439 reviews
The Lakes District Museum is situated in the heart of picturesque Arrowtown. The museum houses a fantastic collection of artifacts and information about the history of this gorgeous district. Suitable for all ages, the museum is fun for all ages as we take a 'hands-on' approach to our displays. Take a wander around and don't forget to peek into all of the nooks and crannies so that you don't miss anything! The museum is also the Information Centre for Arrowtown and we can help you with any advice that you need about the best way to enjoy Arrowtown and its surrounds.
Reviewed By V6689SDteresas
Well worth the visit. Great exhibits and (obviously) a wealth of information on Arrowtown's history as well as that of gold mining in the area. Nice section on the Chinese settlers, and plenty of artefacts etc from homesteads.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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
7. Bush Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
This is a new walking track for medium to fit walkers. It takes you through native forests, similar to the Routeburn track. There is a stream running throughout and it's beautiful. It is still in the making but the track well formed as far as it goes. Takes about 1-2 hours return. One of the best around and easy access.
Reviewed By Val063
If you're not an intrepid trekker or big track walker, go walking the Bush Creek Trail. Park your car in the car park below the Arrowtown shops and walk alongside the bubbling creek amongst the trees. Take a picnic, or some yummy food from the Bakery, and enjoy the peace.
8. Tobins Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By ashevillefab5 - Asheville, United States
Lovely walk along the river near downtown, then up the hill on Torins track. Its not a steep incline, as it is a gravel road, but it is uphill the whole way. Gorgeous view over the valley when you get to the top. Also saw mountain bikers and runners. You can keep going and get to Karawhau gorge. We hit this on the day of a big mountainbiking/triathalon which was fun!
9. The Sawpit Gully Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By roberttC2324FJ
We looked at a few of the 2-3 hour walks and this one seemed a good idea. We had a little difficulty finding the start but after a friendly local pointed us in the right direction we were fine (you have to cross a small wooden bridge behind the toilets not well signposted) Once we were on it, no problem. You start with a walk through woods with a river on one side for company. This is followed by a steepish climb which gave you great views back down into Arrowtown. walk then goes behind a hill before descending back into Arrowtown. You follow a stream for a while back down as this was winter the stream was rather full. So some of the time it was a matter of sharing the path with the stream. We took just under 3 hours to do the walk, We were slowed down as at the top it was icy so a little tricky getting down and we did have to cross the stream numerous times, which just added to the fun. It is a circular walk which we did clockwise, but can be down either way.
10. Arrowtown Chinese Settlement
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 671 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By KarolinaW0591 - Palmerston North, New Zealand
Very informative interesting walk. You can chose to also do few different walks to suit different fitness levels. The restored remains of the village settlement were full of history and gave us a feel of what it looked like back in the day. I'd recommend to do this walk when in Arrowtown
