Arrowtown New Zealand | Top Things to Do & See

South Island

Gold Rush History and Seasonal Beauty

Nestled beneath the mountains near Queenstown, Arrowtown New Zealand is a beautifully preserved gold rush village offering a mix of history, scenery and small-town charm. Cobblestone streets, heritage buildings and autumn colours make it a popular year-round destination.

Visit the Lakes District Museum to dive into the area’s gold mining past, or wander the preserved Chinese Settlement, where huts built by 19th-century Chinese miners still stand. In autumn, the entire town glows with golden and amber leaves, making it one of the most photographed spots in Otago.

Three cyclists riding along the shaded Arrow River Trail in Arrowtown, New Zealand, on a sunny day.

Cyclists riding along the lakeside trail at Lake Hayes near Arrowtown, New Zealand, with mountain reflections on a clear day.

Cyclist crossing the Discovery Bridge on the Arrow River Bridges Trail in Arrowtown, New Zealand, with mountain and forest views.

Family cycling through a tree-lined street with golden autumn leaves in Arrowtown, New Zealand.

Autumn colours reflected on the still waters of Lake Hayes in Arrowtown, New Zealand.

Autumn colours along the Arrow River in Arrowtown, Otago.

Young family cycling along Arrowtown River Trail in New Zealand on a sunny day.

Summer blooms of purple and pink lupins along the banks of the River Arrow in Arrowtown, New Zealand, with sunlight streaming over the green hills.

Buckingham Street in Arrowtown during summer, lined with trees and historic buildings.

Buckingham Green in Arrowtown, New Zealand, with the historic Bendix Stables built in 1873, outdoor dining areas, and views of surrounding hills.

Avenue of historic cottages in Arrowtown surrounded by golden autumn foliage.

Historic miners’ cottages in Arrowtown surrounded by golden autumn leaves

Historic wooden police camp cottage in Arrowtown, New Zealand, surrounded by golden autumn trees.

Historic Arrowtown Cottage built in 1878, with weatherboard walls and a corrugated iron roof, surrounded by autumn trees.

St Paul’s Anglican Church in Arrowtown surrounded by autumn foliage.

St John’s Presbyterian Church in Arrowtown, New Zealand, framed by two large trees, with a blue-trimmed entrance and stone walls.

Golfer teeing off at Arrowtown Golf Club with mountain views in the background, New Zealand.

Child watching an adult gold panning in a shallow stream in Arrowtown, New Zealand.

Person walking along a winding trail surrounded by autumn foliage in Macetown, Arrowtown, Otago, New Zealand.

Couple enjoying panoramic views of the Arrow River Valley from Feehly Hill in Arrowtown, New Zealand, with rugged mountains and forested slopes under a clear blue sky.

Walks, Wine and Local Discoveries

For those keen to stretch their legs, the Arrow River Trail offers an easy riverside walk or cycle route with mountain views and historic bridges. It’s also a great way to connect to the Queenstown Trail network. Keen golfers will enjoy the Millbrook Resort course, while foodies can sample artisan chocolate, gelato, and regional wines at local cafés and cellar doors.

Arrowtown is also a great base for day trips—Queenstown is just 20 minutes away, and scenic drives to Gibbston Valley, Cardrona, and the Crown Range offer even more to discover. Whether you're here for a few hours or a few days, Arrowtown’s relaxed pace and historic character will leave a lasting impression.