Arrowtown is a small but unmissable town that’s just 25 minutes from Queenstown, and one of the most surprising spots on our New Zealand itinerary! The minute we arrived in this old gold-mining village, we felt like we were on a movie set: wooden storefronts, vintage signs, cosy cafes, and epic mountain views. In town, you can learn about the gold rush history and soak up the nostalgic vibes. These are our favorite things to do in Arrowtown, New Zealand.
Things to do in Arrowtown
Arrowtown is very small, but there are still so many wonderful things to do! There is one main street (Buckingham Street), so you only need a couple of hours to explore and have a bite to eat. Fortunately, it’s very close to Queenstown, making it easy to visit for a half day.
If you want to stay longer, consider heading into the mountains for some scenic hikes.
Looking for a quieter alternative to Queenstown? Book a hotel in Arrowtown and use it as your base to explore all the best things to do in Queenstown.
Wander the Main Street (Buckingham Street)
This is what we visited for: historic gold rush-era buildings, charming boutiques, sweet-filled bakeries, art galleries, and wine shops (surrounded by forested mountains). You only need an hour to stroll, browse for souvenirs, and soak up the charming local vibe.
Tip: Stop by Arrowtown Bakery, known for its pies and pastries. It’s one of the most iconic stores in town!
Our favorite photo stops:
- NZ Post Center Arrowtown
- Lake District Museum & Gallery
- Pharmacy Arrowtown
Arrowtown Market
If you time it right, Arrowtown has a fantastic Sunday market (seasonal). We had no idea this was a thing to do in Arrowtown, so it was a great surprise! Expect artisanal food stalls, flaky pastries, handmade gifts, and live music. When we visited, there was even a French lady selling freshly baked croissants — an absolute highlight!
Historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement
A stone’s throw from the main street, you’ll find one of the top things to do in Arrowtown: the historic remains of the Chinese miners’ settlement. The huts sit on the banks of Bush Creek, now accompanied by reconstructions and information boards.
It doesn’t require more than a short visit, but it’s fascinating to learn more about the Chinese gold miners who lived and worked here during the gold rush era.
Try Gold Panning in the River (Unique Thing to do in Arrowtown!)
You can even try to find gold for yourself! We didn’t have time to try this, but we saw a few stores on the main street renting sieves, as well as at the Lakes District Museum ($5 rental fee). Spend a fun few hours paddling in the fresh mountain river, searching for your very own nugget of gold. We hope you get lucky!
Scenic Walks in Arrowtown
You can see all the main things to do in Arrowtown in just a couple of hours. However, if you want to extend your visit, there are some easy (and beautiful!) walking trails nearby. We walked to the Norman Smith Bridge and back, a leisurely 1-hour stroll with peaceful river views. Here is the route.
For something longer, try the Sawpit Gully Track, a beautiful 7.9 km circular hike through rugged hills and river valleys. It’s a steep hike that takes about 2-3 hours, but it’s well worth it for the spectacular views of Arrowtown and its surrounds. Good to know: The trail starts at the Chinese Settlement.
Wine Tasting in Gibbston Valley
We had no idea that right next to Arrowtown (just a 10–15-minute drive) is one of New Zealand’s most famous wineries. Gibbston Valley is renowned for producing some of the most delicious Pinot Noir, with vineyards sprawled across the scenic valley. We don’t recommend driving, as you’ll obviously want to try the wine for yourself! Instead, join a tour with transport included.
Tip: We saw this self-guided bike tour that looks like such a fun way to spend the day! It follows a scenic trail between the vines, ideal for wine lovers and those looking to explore all the quaint things to do in Arrowtown.
Best Cafes & Restaurants in Arrowtown
For such a small town, we were amazed at the delicious food Arrowtown has on offer. Some of our favorites:
- Wolf Coffee Roasters: genuinely some of the best coffee we had in New Zealand!
- Dishery: Perfect brunch or lunch option with outdoor seating. (Book your table)
- Kahwah Café: Cosy spot with delicious Middle Eastern–inspired dishes.
- Aosta: Inventive Italian food (reserve your spot). If you’re looking for Italian comfort food, book a table at Little Aosta instead.
Note: In many places in New Zealand, cafés close around 3 pm, so don’t leave your lunch too late. If you can, we recommend reserving a table in advance, especially on weekends.
How to Visit Arrowtown
Arrowtown is one of the most popular day trips from Queenstown, so try to arrive before 10:30 am if you want to enjoy the main street before it gets crowded.
- By car: The easiest option is to drive to Arrowtown. We hired a campervan, and it was a 25-minute drive from Queenstown. There’s a large free car park next to Dishery you can use. (Here is the location)
- By bus: Bus number 4 runs between Queenstown and Arrowtown, so you can still visit even if you don’t have a car.
- By tour: Some Queenstown day tours include Arrowtown, often combined with nearby wineries or scenic viewpoints.
Fun alternative: You can also cycle from Arrowtown to Queenstown on this self-guided bike tour. A bus will take you to Arrowtown first, where you can enjoy all the best things to do. Then hop on your rental bike and follow a scenic valley trail along the river back to the city. (See availability here)
Where to Stay
Most people only visit for a few hours, and that’s definitely all you need for the top things to do in Arrowtown! However, staying overnight is a great option if you want a quieter, more local feel on your New Zealand itinerary. There are plenty of cute hotels, guesthouses, and great camping spots in and around town. (See all hotels)
Best Time to Visit Arrowtown
Arrowtown is lovely all year, but it is famous for its charming autumn atmosphere, when the forest creates a fiery backdrop. We visited in November (spring) and absolutely loved it! During this time, you can see pretty cherry blossoms, which makes the town even more photogenic. Whenever you choose to go, we recommend visiting early in the day to beat the other daytrippers.
Arrowtown is about 25 minutes from Queenstown by car or on bus route 4.
- Buckingham Street
- Arrowtown Chinese Settlement
- Sunday market
- Norman Smith Bridge trail
- Gold panning
- Wolf Coffee Roasters
- Wine tasting in Gibbston Valley
Arrowtown is small but super charming, and one of the biggest surprises of our trip! Allow a couple of hours to stroll the cute streets, eat some delicious homemade food, and snap some photos. Got more time? Enjoy gold panning or one of the hikes.
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