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Arrowtown
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Otago, South Island, New Zealand
The historic and picturesque gold mining centre of Arrowtown transports its many visitors back to the mid 19th century through its authentic old wooden buildings that line Buckingham Street and the lanes and arcades around it. Located amongst the rolling hills of the Wakatipu Basin and the Southern Lakes District just 20 kilometres from Queenstown, this small country town traces its history from 1862 after gold was discovered in the Arrow River and the first rush of miners came to ‘strike it lucky’! The original tents and shanties that were erected along the river soon after gold was discovered were washed away with the Spring floods of 1863, after which the town was built in a more solid fashion on the earth terraces above the river. Arrowtown was born and today this ‘living museum’ reflects its history in the variety of old buildings which have been preserved and the tree-lined streets that remind us of those early days. The history of Arrowtown and the region has been well documented in the Lakes District Museum which can be found in the old stone building that once housed the former Bank of New Zealand.

During the hectic days of the gold rush, the town became a busy and bustling regional community with an estimated 7,000 residents, and today it is a busy tourist destination with only 2,300 residents. The town offers a large variety of accommodation, cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars, cinema and library, plus several retail outlets specialising in gifts, souvenirs and handmade wool and craft items. Arrowtown is ideally located for winter visitors as it is only 20 minutes drive from Queenstown and centrally located for the major ski fields of Coronet Peak, Remarkables and Cardrona. During the summer months this pretty town provides easy access to the regions wineries, artists galleries, golf courses and fishing areas, plus of course the numerous local walking trails.

ActivitiesTours
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4WD Scenic Tours - Macetown
Tour
Arrowtown
The route follows the historic dray road up the Arrow River to reach the once thriving settlement of Macetown. Fording the Arrow River repeatedly, they recount the stories of the old time gold miners and how they forged a living from this harsh yet stunning environment. Tour departs 8:00am and 1:3...
4WD Scenic Tours - Glenorchy Wilderness Tour
Tour
Arrowtown
A magnificent scenic drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, through a landscape created by glaciers over millions of years. Visit the hamlet of Glenorchy, then drive on to admire the exceptional wilderness areas of the Routeburn Valley and Mt Aspiring National Park. Optional guided walk through an...
4WD Scenic Tours - Skippers Canyon
Tour
Arrowtown
Follow the original winding 1880's gold mining trail down into Skippers Canyon and the famous Shotover River. A spectacular journey that hugs the canyon walls through a region rich with gold mining history and learn about the adventures and legends that shaped this landscape over the years. Includ...
4WD Scenic Tours - Arrowtown Discovery Tour
Tour
Arrowtown
Travel in their 4 wheel drive vehicle up the Arrow River to where it all began in the 1860's and discover the colourful history, stories and hardship of the early gold miners. Try panning for gold and then visit 'Lord of the Rings' filming locations in Arrowtown and other important historic sites. ...
Displaying 1 to 4 of 4Show more activities...
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