4 things to do in Arrowtown this Autumn.
Here at the Top 4 things to do if you are visiting Arrowtown this Autumn.
1. Go Shopping or view local art.
2. Check out the local Cuisine, Wine and Spirits
3. Learn some local History
4. Enjoy the outdoors.
Arrowtown
Arrowtown is a small town in a river valley close to Queenstown in Central Otago, established in 1862 during the Gold Rush era. Gold can still be found in the Arrow River.
1. Shopping and Art Galleries
The options are far too many to list here, but hopefully we can give you a taste of what to expect.
Arrowtown has been undergoing an increase in great local Artists exhibiting their work here, along side many Nationally recognised artists.
As you would expect there is several boutique shops offering a wonderful selection, including Jade, Opal, and of course Gold.
#. Jenny Mehrtens
Jenny is an Arrowtown based artist and is known for the way of using variegated metal leaf to make artworks.
#. Francis Patterson
A carefully curated selection of good quality goods, including homewares, clothing, children’s goods and reading glasses. The store showcases the best of NZ made and international products, from locally knitted merino children’s jumpers and handmade wooden children’s toys,
#. Fiona Garlick
Fiona Garlick is a sculptor based in Arrowtown, New Zealand
#. Black Teal Bay
Locally produced Organic products, Lavender, honey, beeswax candles and books.
#. Giraffe Art Gallery
Nestled in the picturesque heart of Arrowtown, the gallery showcases a diverse array of artists and their extraordinary works. Featured is the renowned artist Dalene Meiring, who not only exhibits her captivating pieces but also has her studio within the gallery.
#. The Gold Shop
Started in 1989, the Gold Shop sits in the main street of historic gold mining town Arrowtown. The Gold Shop are experts in natural New Zealand gold and sell natural flakes and nuggets, as well as jewellery made from natural gold.
#. Nadia Lim – Royalburn Farm Shop
In a bid to directly connect people with where their food is grown, Nadia converted an old shed in Arrowtown into a farm shop where you can buy Royalburn produce straight off the farm and meet the people who have grown, raised and harvested it.
2. Local Cuisine, Wine and Spirits.
#. Fork and Tap
A highly recommended Historic Public House in the heart of Arrowtown. Specialising in NZ craft beers with 19 beers on tap – 3 real-ale hand pumps and a great menu.
#. The Winery
The Winery is a specialist wine store where you can taste award-winning, single vineyard and reserve wines from across New Zealand, including from boutique wineries that don’t have cellar doors.
#. Rifters Gin
Rifters are makers of small batch premium gins. Handcrafted in Arrowtown using flavourful botanicals and pure New Zealand artesian water.
Don’t miss out on the Tasting Room.
#. Ayrburn
A multi-venue precinct where you can enjoy restaurants, bars, wine tastings and more. The Woolshed, The Dairy, The Bakehouse, and RM Produce and Burr Bar.
#. Wolf Coffee
Escape the hustle and bustle of the main street and unwind with a delicious coffee that was roasted on-site! A range of speciality coffee (don’t worry, they have latte’s too!) paired with fresh, locally baked pastries. Be sure to arrive early – these sell out quick!
#. Amisfield
Regularly voted the best restaurant in New Zealand, this is a not-to-be-missed option for a superb fine dining experience.
3. Learn some local history
Gold in the Hills: The Story of Arrowtown
Nestled in the picturesque Arrow Basin on New Zealand’s South Island, Arrowtown stands as a living testament to the nation’s gold rush era. This charming settlement, with its preserved historic buildings and tree-lined streets, began its story in 1862 when gold was discovered along the banks of the Arrow River.
The Gold Rush Beginnings
In 1862, Jack Tewa (also known as “Maori Jack”) discovered gold in the Arrow River, triggering a rush that would transform the quiet valley. Within months, thousands of prospectors had descended on the area, establishing a frontier town that quickly grew into a bustling mining settlement. By late 1862, the population swelled to several thousand, with miners from around the world—particularly Europeans and Chinese—seeking their fortune in the gold-rich waters.
The Chinese Settlement
A distinctive aspect of Arrowtown’s history is its Chinese settlement. From 1866 onwards, Chinese miners arrived in significant numbers, often working claims abandoned by European miners. Facing discrimination and legislative restrictions, they formed their own separate community on the outskirts of town. Today, the partially restored Chinese settlement stands as one of New Zealand’s most significant historic sites, offering insight into the lives of these early immigrants.
From Boom to Bust and Revival
Like many gold towns, Arrowtown experienced the typical boom-and-bust cycle. As alluvial gold became harder to find in the 1870s, the population declined. However, unlike many gold rush settlements that became ghost towns, Arrowtown survived. Its economy transitioned to agriculture and, later, tourism as visitors became drawn to its historic charm and beautiful setting.
Heritage Preserved
In the 1950s and 60s, efforts to preserve Arrowtown’s historic character began in earnest. Many of the original buildings along Buckingham Street—the town’s main thoroughfare—were restored, creating the heritage precinct we see today. In 1970, the town was declared a historic reserve, ensuring its protection for future generations.
Arrowtown Today
Today, Arrowtown stands as one of New Zealand’s most well-preserved gold mining settlements. With a population of around 2,700, it balances its role as a living community with its position as a premier tourist destination. The annual Autumn Festival celebrates the spectacular colors of the town’s deciduous trees, planted by homesick European settlers over a century ago.
Visitors to Arrowtown can walk the same streets as the gold miners of the 1860s, visit the Lakes District Museum to learn about local history, or even try their hand at gold panning in the Arrow River—where flakes of gold can still be found, glinting in the sun just as they did when Jack Tewa made his fateful discovery over 160 years ago.
4. Enjoy the Outdoors
#. Cycling
Whether you are a leisure biker, e-biker, a beginner or a seasoned pro, there is a track or trail for you in Arrowtown and its spectacular surrounds. Arrowtown is the main get-on get-off hub on the famous 110km Queenstown Trail. One of the most popular being the Lake Hayes Loop.
Arrowtown Bike Hire can help, with hire and advice.
#. Golf
Golf is exceptional here in Arrowtown, with 4 high class courses including the internationally renowned The Hills The Millbrook Resort often hosts the NZ Open. Also open to the public Arrowtown Golf Club.
#. Hiking
You are spoilt for choice around Arrowtown from easy strolls by the river to mountainous treks, check it out
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