Rifters Tasting Room

Local makers of small batch gins, Rifters have opened a gin tasting room in a historic Arrowtown cottage. Built during the 1880s gold rush, Dudley’s Cottage has been carefully renovated into charming tasting rooms where antique paintwork and old copper stills set off shelves stocked with Rifters’ award-winning gins. Their Quartz gin is infused with local botanicals. Book a tasting masterclass to try a selection of the range. 

The outside of a white brick cottage with signs out the front for gin tastingRifters Tasting Room

Ayrburn

The Ayrburn dining precinct near Arrowtown has converted a historic farm homestead and outbuildings into a dining destination that combines delicious options for eating and drinking with immaculate gardens and grassy areas to gather while children play. There are buses from Queenstown and Arrowtown and the main cycle trail runs outside so you can easily get there by bike.

  • The Woolshed restaurant offers classic bistro fare with local Central Otago ingredients. Sit outside by the stream on sunny days or cosy up inside by the fire in winter.
  • The Manure Room serves tapas, platters, and tasting flights of Ayrburn’s own wines. The name’s a cheeky nod to a local farmer who stockpiled manure to hide his illicit speakeasy.
  • The Burr Bar is an intimate space serving up classic cocktails with a garden themed twist.
  • The Barrel Room is set in an atmospheric wine cellar surrounded by wine barrels. Head there for a wine tasting during the day or host an event in the opulent space.
  • The Dairy serves up hand churned ice creams, sorbets and milkshakes. Grab a scoop of their signature black forest gelato and stroll around the beautiful grounds.

More openings at Ayrburn are planned for late 2024.

People dining at The Woolshed Ayrburn

The Woolshed, Ayrburn

Fergbutcher

Fergburger have opened a butchery in Arrowtown. When their local meat supplier, the Arrowtown Butchery, moved on to a new project, Fergburger decided to secure this crucial part of their supply chain. They sell a wide range of meats, groceries, fresh bread, pastries, and coffee. And yes, they’re serving up burgers too, or you can buy the patties to take home and DIY.

Kahwah Cafe

Tucked away in a serene square just off Arrowtown's lively Buckingham Street, Kahwah Cafe offers a welcoming atmosphere perfect for your morning coffee fix or a leisurely weekend brunch with friends. From hearty breakfasts to tempting cabinet treats, Kahwah caters to all tastes. Don't miss their innovative drink menu – the iced strawberry matcha is a delightful surprise! With its warm, attentive staff and must-try specialties like the black rice porridge, Kahwah Cafe is quickly becoming a local favorite.

Crib Coffee

Arrowtown's newest coffee spot, Crib, has popped up at 10 Buckingham Street, serving hot brews from a bedroom window. Overlooking Butlers Green and the historic police hut, it's perfectly positioned for grabbing a coffee before exploring the town's riverside trails. Currently open Thursday to Saturday, 8am to 2pm, Crib Coffee plans to extend hours and expand their offering soon, adding a unique flavor to Arrowtown's charming atmosphere.

The Fork and Tap

Arrowtown locals’ favourite, the Fork and Tap has had a major refurbishment. The 150-year-old building has been strengthened, a new dining space added, and they’ve updated the outdoor area where live bands play. Local sculptor Conor McNicholas built a new outdoor fireplace using stones found under the building. Head there for a local craft beer (they’ve 19 on tap) and tasty pub fare with a focus on wild meats and local ingredients.

Old white cottage-looking pub with people sitting al fresco and green mountains in the background

The Fork and Tap

Cave Japanese restaurant

Don’t miss this impeccable Japanese sake and tapas bar. This is the new project from popular Arrowtown hosts Chef Kei Sakashita and his wife Sawa. Cave is intimate and atmospheric with handcrafted ceramics and warm wood. The menu offers sushi, seafood, meat, and vegetables, with plenty of vegetarian options.

Muse Boutique

Luxury fashion shopping experience Muse will soon be opening a store in Arrowtown. Muse stock a selection of local and international designers and their helpful in-house stylists can guide you through their range. The Arrowtown store will showcase a considered collection of pieces from Muse’s most loved brands.

Outside Sports

Southern Lakes outdoor gear experts Outside Sports are also opening a new store in Arrowtown very soon. Outdoor adventurers will be able to stock up on gear from New Zealand brands like Icebreaker and Mons Royale. Ask their savvy local staff for guidance on places to ski, bike, climb, and hike in the Arrowtown and Queenstown region.

Try Arrowtown’s hidden gems while you’re there

Arrowtown’s historic lanes are packed with best kept secrets. Some local favourites are treasure box of vintage frocks Bunnies, boutique cinema and bar Dorothy Browns, the adorable café Provisions of Arrowtown in a miners cottage, and a collection of artists’ studios and galleries. Check out our guide to the hidden gems of Arrowtown for more.

Outside view of a a white, cottage-style looking boutique shopBunnies

Getting to Arrowtown

Getting to Arrowtown is easy. Route #2 takes you all the way from central Queenstown to Arrowtown via Lake Hayes, and it’s only $2 with a registered Bee Card. Or you can cycle there on the Queenstown to Arrowtown cycle trail. This takes between four-six hours, however if you hire an e-bike it makes the trip quicker and it’s a great way to take in the views along the way. Best of all, stay a few nights so you can enjoy everything this beautiful little village has to offer.