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Arrowtown is on everyone’s list when visiting Queenstown and the surrounding region.
Just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, this little gold rush town has somehow kept its old-world charm (and depending on the season you visit) doesn’t feel overly touristy.
I’ve stopped here more than once, and every time, I end up staying longer than planned.
Here are the top things I would do if you only have a few hours to spend in Arrowtown.
Arrowtown is located in the Otago region of the South Island, about 20 minutes by car from Queenstown. It’s nestled at the foot of the mountains, alongside the Arrow River. The drive is incredibly scenic, especially if you’re coming in through the Gibbston Valley or past Lake Hayes.
Should you rent a car?
Yes — 100 percent.
Renting a car is the best way to explore this part of New Zealand. Public transport around Queenstown is decent, but once you want to start exploring nearby gems like Arrowtown, Glenorchy, or even the wine trails, a car gives you the freedom to do it all at your own pace.
I use and compare prices for car rentals, with Discovercars.com. It is a giant rental and comparison site on the market and it has a lot of perks that make sense if you travel often.
Once you head to Discover Cars, you’ll find an easy search engine to filter by location, dates and pick up location.
Tip: Always check a few different pick up locations when booking a rental car.
1. Start with coffee at the Wolf Coffee Roasters
This is my go-to first stop every time I’m in Arrowtown. The Wolf is a small coffee shop with a big following.. for good reason. The coffee is spot on and the single origin fruit tasting notes are out of this world, the pastries are excellent, and the vibe is cozy and cool without trying too hard. It’s right on the main street, so it’s easy to grab a table and ease into the pace of the town. As the only Arrowtown-based roastery, it supplies lots of wholesale customers, and you can grab a bag for yourself while there.
2. Visit the Lake District Museum and Chinese Village
If you like a bit of history with your travel, the Lakes District Museum is a must. It walks you through Arrowtown’s gold rush days and shares powerful stories about the people who came here chasing opportunity, especially the Chinese miners who lived in tough conditions on the edge of town.
You can walk from the museum to the historic Chinese settlement, where small huts still stand tucked along the riverbank. It’s one of the most unique heritage experiences in New Zealand, and it’s free to explore.
3. Go gold panning at the Arrow River
Yes, you can still pan for gold here!
This is especially cool to do if you have a family with younger children.
It’s a fun and surprisingly peaceful way to spend an hour or two. You can rent a pan from the museum or a shop in town, head to the river, and try your luck. Even if you don’t find anything, the walk down to the river is beautiful and feels like stepping back in time.
4. Have lunch at the Arrowtown bakery
This isn’t just any bakery, it’s a local institution.
I stopped here for a pie and ended up going back for a second. Everything is fresh, hearty, and made with care. The steak and cheese pie is a winner, but they’ve got plenty of options including veggie-friendly ones. Grab your food and enjoy it outside under the trees or take it down to the riverbank for a scenic lunch spot.
5. Stock up on treats at The Remarkables Sweet Shop
A little bit of childhood nostalgia lives here. The Remarkable Sweet Shop is packed with everything from old-school lollies to handmade fudge (try the samples before you decide what to get). The store itself fits the town’s historic vibe and is a fun stop whether you’re buying for kids or just treating yourself.
Why is it worth the stop?
Arrowtown might be small but it packs in a lot, and is one of those places you must see while in the area.
It has history, nature, great food, and a charming small-town vibe.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting New Zealand
- Emergency: Dial 111 for all emergencies.
- Language: Both English and Māori are official languages in New Zealand. Samoan, Northern Chinese and Hindi are also widely spoken. Common phrases to learn are “Kia ora” (Hi – informal greeting), “Aotearoa” (Māori name for New Zealand), “Mōrena”, (Good morning), “Whānau”, (Family).
- Water: Yes, it is perfectly safe to drink tap water in New Zealand.
- Driving: Left-hand side, international driving permit recommended. Book your rental car with Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com for the most options on hotels, apartments and hostels. Free cancellation in a lot of places and no need to pre-pay. Great for their rewards points system.
- Geography: New Zealand has two main islands (North and South) and a number of smaller islands including Steward Island at the bottom of the South Island.
- Activities: From cultural sights to day trips, food tours and city guides, use Get Your Guide.
- Domestic Airlines: The main airlines for air travel are Air New Zealand (check out their safety videos) and Jetstar.
- Taxi: You will be able to download apps like Uber, Ola and Cabify among others, to order taxi rides.
- Culture: It is not uncommon for people to walk barefoot in certain settings in New Zealand. The summer season is popular for festivals, roadtrips and of course, a good opportunity to see a rugby game.
