"Arrowtown" Top 5 Page for this destination Arrowtown by TomorrowsAngel

Arrowtown Travel Guide: 114 reviews and 311 photos

Arrowtown is in the Central Otago District of New Zealand's South Island. Its in a great location - 20 minutes' drive from the international
resort destination of Queenstown and just minutes from the Millbrook Country Club.
Arrowtown was a major trading post during the 1900's gold rush, which attracted a lot of settlers and immigrants to the area, each hoping to strike it rich.... you can see the old mining equipment scattered along the sides of the Arrow and Shotover Rivers in places. After the gold rush, Arrowtown survived as a base for the surrounding farming community which established in the area when many of the permanent settlers gave up mining and turned their hand to farming.

stone cottages surrounded by autumn colour

In more recent times, Arrowtown has become an attraction as a living historic town and remains a popular holiday destination renowned for its scenic beauty.
Today Arrowtown boasts a permanent population of around 2,200 people and serves as a satellite town to Queenstown. Strict town planning and historic protection orders have been established such that the originality of the buildings are retained and that new buildings are constructed in a sympathetic manner.
The Avenue of mature Sycamore and Oak trees which were planted in 1867 and today are synonymous with the image of Arrowtown, provide a living link with Arrowtown’s colourful past.

old arrow

Arrowtown has an array of quality shops, restaurants and cafes.
Gon on a leisurely walk down the main street, view the shops, take in a coffee, have an ice cream and explore the history.
The museum is a focal point for all who wish to exlore the history of this vibrant historic gold mining town.

Pros and Cons

Pros:autumn - beautiful restored stone cottages underneath the brillant red trees
Cons:gets a wee bit crowded at times
In a nutshell:step back in time when you visit this famous historic goldmining town

Last visit to Arrowtown: Apr 2006
Intro Updated Sep 12, 2006
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Reviews (24)

Lakes District Museum Information Centre... Things to Do (6)

As an information outlet and booking agent the Lakes District Museum Information Centre is often the first stop for... more travel advice

Arrowtown Post Office Things to Do (6)

Originally built in 1863 where the Post Office house now stands. The Post Office was shifted in 1950 so the house could... more travel advice

Arrowtown Library Things to Do (6)

The Arrowtown library with its cosy colonial character is designed to fit in with the history of the town, as the... more travel advice

buckingham st - turn right for the chinese village - Arrowtown

Walking Sports & Outdoors (2)

Arrowtown is a great starting point for many walks. The Lakes District Museum Information Centre can provide maps and... more travel advice

Restaurants (6)
See All Food on the Green
Shopping (8)
See All More Gold

Comments (5)

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TheWanderingCamel May 11, 2006 at 8:19 AM

Just back from NZ - gorgeous place. Arrowtown's a favourite. leyle
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zlatiq Feb 3, 2006 at 10:06 AM

great intoroduction photo!can't wait to see it! thanks for the tips:)
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seattle1299 Feb 16, 2004 at 11:19 PM

Thanks for the reco's! Based on your reviews we chose Postmasters or Stables...since our bus back was at 12:45 and Postmasters didn't start serving till Noon, Stables won out. GREAT choice!!
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aka123 Nov 24, 2003 at 12:53 PM

sweet page
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pepples46 Sep 15, 2003 at 7:34 PM

it is a realy lovely spot. thanx Bec for sharing:-)