Arrowtown Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Arrowtown featuring street scenes and a small town or village
Arrowtown
Arrowtown
Arrowtown
Arrowtown

Just a short drive from Queenstown, you can strike gold by visiting this picturesque old mining town.

Taking its name from the Arrow River upon which it was built and from which it made its fortune, Arrowtown is a historic settlement, home to the gold mines that once made the region boom.

Over the last century, the town declined and its population fell to as few as 200 inhabitants. Today, it attracts visitors who want to know more about the history of the area, as well as to enjoy the many scenic hiking and cycling trails on offer.

a highlight of your visit has to be panning for gold in the river itself. This is a real treat for both children and adults. There’s something exciting about looking for real treasure! It may be many years since most of the gold in this part of the world was mined, but it is still a popular attraction for visitors who flock here. There’s plenty more to explore in the township, including the Chinese settlement and the Lakes District Museum, where you can learn more about the conditions of the original settlers and the history of the gold rush.

As well as the attractions in town, the surrounding area contains some excellent trails for hikers and mountain bikers. Bikes can be hired in town. Head off on an adventure along one of the many trails. There are trails suitable for all levels of ability, from novice voyagers to more experienced cyclists.

Stroll along the river for more scenic views. The landscape here is straight out of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, much of which was shot here.

Only a 20 minute drive away from Queenstown itself, you can reach Arrowtown easily by car or on a charter bus. If you do choose to drive, free parking is widely available, although spaces around the main street through town are quickly snapped up.

Millbrook Resort

Millbrook Resort

5 out of 5
1124 Malaghans Road, Arrowtown
The price is NZ$550 per night from 25 July to 26 July
NZ$550
25 July - 26 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Arrowtown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Millbrook Resort Golf Course and Lakes ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (717 reviews)
"Very good for a family of 4"

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Millbrook Resort
Hampshire Holiday Parks - Arrowtown

Hampshire Holiday Parks - Arrowtown

2 out of 5
12B Centennial Avenue, Arrowtown
The price is NZ$114 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
NZ$114
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Arrowtown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Tobins Track and St Patrick's Catholic ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (39 reviews)
"Cozy, warm, easy with our kids in the bunks, pretty spot. Loved it."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Hampshire Holiday Parks - Arrowtown
Shades of Arrowtown

Shades of Arrowtown

3.5 out of 5
9 MERIONETH STREET, Arrowtown, Otago
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Arrowtown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions St Patrick's Catholic Church & Mary MacKillop's ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (237 reviews)
"Very warm welcome upon arrival Very cosy room, and great location"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Shades of Arrowtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Arrowfield Apartments

Arrowfield Apartments

4.5 out of 5
115 Essex Avenue, Butel Park, Arrowtown
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Arrowtown. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Arrowtown Chinese Settlement ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (109 reviews)
"Great place, comfortable beds."

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

Arrowfield Apartments
Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

5 out of 5
110 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,362 reviews)
"Super helpful staff and great views!"

Reviewed on 16 Jul. 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu Queenstown
La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown

4 out of 5
16 - 18 Mountain Ash Drive, Remarkables Park, Queenstown
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Queenstown. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a ski shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,258 reviews)
"It was a lovely stay!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

La Quinta by Wyndham Remarkables Park Queenstown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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