Arrowtown

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Historic Arrowtown is a popular destination for those visiting Queenstown or Wanaka, offering an escape from busy resort town life and a glimpse into the Otago region's fascinating history. In 1862, gold was discovered in the Arrow River and the settlement began to grow, reaching a population of over 7,000 at the peak of the gold rush. Today, the number of residents in Arrowtown numbers under 2,000 and the economy of the town focuses on providing a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

Visit the Lakes District Museum to learn more of the district's past, including early Maori settlement in the area, the pioneering days and the gold rush era. The buildings of these times are well-preserved and restored: a wander through the town's main street feels like a step back in time. On the town's outskirts, the remnants of a Chinese miners' village remain, making for a haunting visit with many interesting sights. The ghost towns of Macetown, Skippers and Bullendale are all accessible by 4WD and tours are available from Queenstown, taking you along the original miners' wagon trails and giving you the chance to pan for gold.

For the sport enthusiast, Arrowtown makes a great base from which to ski or snowboard at one of the area's ski fields: Coronet Peak, Treble Cone, Cardrona or The Remarkables. For a different thrill, try heli-skiing, fly fishing on the Arrow River or mountain biking in the hills surrounding Arrowtown.

For more information on Arrowtown, visit Destination Arrowtown.