Things to do in Arrowtown Over Summer
In summer, Arrowtown offers hours of sun. Waterholes dotted along the Arrow River, picnic spots and walking trails surround the historic gold mining town.
Arrowtown is a historic former gold mining town, rich in heritage and one of the South Island’s and New Zealand’s, iconic visitor destinations.
Located only 20 minutes’ drive from Queenstown, the spectacular scenery, distinct four seasons and charming character make Arrowtown a must do for visitors from all over the world. This delightful town has maintained its rich heritage and historic buildings and is now a vibrant destination with world class food and beverage, shopping and attractions.
Arrowtown is built on the banks of the Arrow River, once a rich source of gold, which attracted miners from around the world in pursuit of their fortune. In 1862 thousands of miners flocked to the Arrow River to the cry of “gold!” At the height of the gold rush, the population reached 7,000. While the miners have now gone, the legacy of those early settlers has been retained in Arrowtown through careful preservation and it has become a treasure in its own right. The Lakes District Museum, located on the main street, is the focal point for the history of Arrowtown and the surrounding areas and is also the town's major Information Centre.
