Photos To Inspire A Visit To Arrowtown, New Zealand

Most places in New Zealand don’t require much encouragement to visit, they’re an easy yes! And Arrowtown is no different with it’s small town charm, historic town centre and thrilling gold rush history pulling in the visitors. It’s an easy day trip to make from nearby Queenstown, and has plenty to please, well…everyone!

But just in case you need a little extra push to add the charming town to your itinerary, here are some autumnal photos to inspire you to visit Arrowtown. And if you’re wondering, yes, Arrowtown is just stunning to visit in Autumn! 

Nature

New Zealand’s South Island is extremely picturesque, with mountains, lakes, and views for days. Arrowtown is very on trend with the stunning scenery that surrounds the town.

It starts on the drive to Arrowtown, winding your way through the hills of the Otago region. Depending on the season you’re visiting, the views will either be lush green in the spring and summer, red and golden in the autumn as the leaves change colour, or white if you catch a wintery snow day. Whatever the weather, it’s a gorgeous and very scenic drive to Arrowtown.

Once you arrive in Arrowtown, the scenery doesn’t stop there. The hills surrounding the town serve as the perfect backdrop as you explore the town and as you wander around you’ll find plenty of scenic views and green spaces to enjoy a moment of calm.

Plus the river running through the town is a hotspot for gold rush enthusiasts hoping to rake in their riches. Arrow River has long been a huge part of the town’s identity, and these days it’s a stunning part of the scenery but also a great spot for people who want to give gold-panning a go.

See more: Gold Panning in Arrowtown

Charming High Street

High streets are often the beating heart of a town, and it’s no different in Arrowtown. Although the original high street was in the centre of town, a flood in 1863 submerged the town and a new high street was built. As such, Buckingham Street is actually at the edge of the town rather than in the heart of it, but it still is the vibrant heart of Arrowtown. With shops covering all the things you need, as well as the things you didn’t know you needed, you’ll also find a number of coffee shops, eateries and even a hotel. 

Buckingham Street is home to trees that were planted way back in 1867, and a number of heritage buildings that date back to 1870. The former Bank of New Zealand is now part of the Lake District Museum, while the Colonial Bank of New Zealand from 1874 is now a pub/restaurant. 

History

Arrowtown is very proud of it’s history as a gold rush town, and there are plenty of opportunities for you to learn about it and immerse yourself in the history of the town.

First up there’s the Lake District Museum, which offers visitors not just town history but also the opportunity to have a go at gold panning. This can be in the trough at the museum or by hiring a pan and heading down to the river.

Away from the museum, there’s also the Chinese Settlement just a few minutes walk from the high street. There are a few sites in the area to explore, one of which is a still standing house that you can go inside. It’s very interesting to learn a different side to the gold rush history, and also find out about one of the great migration times to the area.

Add to that the buildings along Buckingham Street that have remained for hundreds of years, and history is at every turn in Arrowtown.

Proximity to Queenstown

Arrowtown is just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, making it the perfect day trip.

Short drive through gorgeous scenery? Check.
Lots of parking so you don’t spend ages driving around looking for a space? Check.
Charming high street to explore before heading out to admire a bit of history and Otago nature? Check, check aaand check!

Aside from being an easy day trip from Queenstown, the proximity to the city also means it’s easy and convenient to arrive in Arrowtown from further afield thanks to Queenstown Airport and Queenstown’s public transport. Once you explore further in the South Island you’ll realise how rare this ease of access is for small towns, which often require hours in a car to get to.

Perfect Day Trip Size Town

For a day trip town, Arrowtown is the perfect size. Big enough that there’s a variety of things to keep you entertained, but not so big you find yourself rushing from place to place trying to fit everything in while simultaneously not being able to fully enjoy everything. 

With a population of about 3,000 people, the residential areas of Arrowtown aren’t huge. You won’t find streets upon streets of shops and convenience stops here. Instead, the town has one main high street that is set up to serve all your needs. It can be fairly busy during the day while visitors are exploring the different shops on offer, but it’s nothing on the large cities where you are constantly dodging people to get down the street.

If you’d like to base yourself in Arrowtown and venture out from there to explore the surrounding areas, it’s a great choice as the majority of people are day trip visitors and come evening the town settles a little.

Accommodation is available in otherwise residential areas, and more often than not you’ll get the homely accommodation experience. Certainly no huge chain hotels here! 

Is Arrowtown Worth Visiting?

Arrowtown is one of my favourite spots on the South Island of New Zealand, and if you have the time in your trip to visit you absolutely should. It’s an easy drive from nearby Queenstown, with stunning scenery to accompany you on the journey. Once in Arrowtown, it’s a relaxed and slow vibe that welcomes you to explore. And if you can visit in Autumn you’ll be treated to the gorgeous golden colours that bless Arrowtown in Autumn.

If you’re from the northern hemisphere,
don’t forget Autumn in New Zealand is March – May.

Arrowtown is a place that can fill as much time as you have. Just have an afternoon to visit? Perfect for a wander along the high street and a delicious meal in the historic pub. Got a couple of days? Pack your hiking boots and get out to explore one of the many hiking trails in the area.

Don’t Miss: How to Spend a Day in Arrowtown