Arrowtown is a charming historic town located in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island. Just a short drive from Queenstown and an hour's scenic journey from Wanaka, it makes for an excellent day trip destination. Nestled on the banks of the Arrow River, Arrowtown rose to prominence when gold was discovered here in the late 19th century. Today, it is renowned for its vibrant autumn colors, rich gold mining history, and the Chinese settlements.
Arrowtown is a picturesque place to visit, especially in autumn when the entire town glows with golden hues. Here's how we spent our day in this delightful town:
Walking Tracks in Arrowtown -
Arrowtown offers a variety of walking tracks, catering to different fitness levels and time constraints. Some tracks are easy and take a couple of hours, while others can occupy half a day. Depending on your fitness level and available time, you can choose a track that suits you best.
Arrow River Trail
We chose to explore the Arrow River Trail, a gentle walk along the mountain that overlooks the Arrow River, providing stunning views of the fall foliage. Despite Arrowtown being bustling with tourists, the Arrow River Trail was a serene escape. We encountered very few people along the way, allowing us to enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty in peace. A pleasant surprise along the trail was a small waterfall.
The Arrow River Trail is relatively easy, making it suitable for families and those looking for a leisurely walk. Good walking shoes will make your experience more enjoyable. Also, always carry plenty of water and snacks when travelling with kids.
Other Walking Tracks in Arrowtown
For those looking for different experiences, here are a few more tracks to consider:
Sawpit Gully Track: A more challenging walk that takes about 2-3 hours, offering great views and a taste of the local gold mining history.
Bush Creek Trail: A moderate track that takes around 1.5 hours, passing through beautiful bushland and offering a peaceful nature experience.
Macetown Track: For the more adventurous, this half-day hike takes you to the historic gold mining ghost town of Macetown. The track follows the Arrow River and requires some stream crossings.
Biking in Arrowtown
Exploring Arrowtown by bike is a fantastic way to take in the scenery and cover more ground. Bikes are available for rent locally, offering the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Chinese Settlements in Arrowtown -
In the late 1870s, Chinese miners arrived in Arrowtown after being invited by the government to work in the goldfields. Most of the earlier miners had moved to the West Coast goldfields by that time. The accommodation where these Chinese miners lived is well-preserved and offers a glimpse into their lives and the hardships they faced far from home.
Lake District Museum
The Lake District Museum is an excellent place to immerse yourself in the history of Arrowtown and experience the excitement of its gold rush past. The museum houses artifacts from the gold rush era, offering a glimpse into the lives of the miners and settlers who once thrived in Arrowtown. Exhibits detail how locals lived during the gold rush and how the town has evolved into modern times. Visitors can hire pans and try their luck at gold panning in the Arrow River, a fun and engaging way to connect with the town's gold mining heritage.
Offroading
For those seeking adventure, offroading along the Arrow River is a thrilling activity.
Buckingham Street -
Buckingham Street, once home to merchant houses during the gold rush era, now features an array of restaurants, boutique shops, and gold shops. Walking along Buckingham Street feels like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved buildings and historic ambiance. Enjoy lunch at one of the cozy cafes lining the street, offering a variety of delicious options.
Explore boutique shops for unique souvenirs, local crafts, and even gold items.
Arrow River -
We revisited the Arrow River to soak in the stunning autumn colors along its banks. It's a perfect, easy activity to do with little kids. They loved throwing pebbles into the shallow riverbed, which kept them busy and happy. The tranquil beauty of the river, framed by vibrant foliage, was simply mesmerizing and a highlight of our day in Arrowtown.
Patagonia Ice Cream -
Who doesn’t love to end a perfect day with a scoop of delicious ice cream? Before heading back to your accommodation, treat yourself to some delightful flavors at Patagonia Ice Cream.
Getting to Arrowtown
Arrowtown is conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown and approximately an hour's drive from Wanaka, along the scenic Crown Range.
Best Time to Visit Arrowtown -
Arrowtown is a year-round destination, but it truly shines during the autumn season . The stunning autumn foliage makes it an ideal time for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
No matter when you visit, Arrowtown promises a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and small-town charm.
Whether you're exploring the historic Chinese settlements, wandering along Buckingham Street, or admiring the stunning autumn colors along the Arrow River, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
We hope this guide helps you plan your own exciting adventure in Arrowtown, and we're sure you'll create unforgettable memories just like we did. Happy travels, and we can't wait to hear about your experiences!
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