Should You Visit Arrowtown?

Are you thinking about visiting Arrowtown, New Zealand? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Arrowtown worth visiting?

This town is a good place to visit for one to two days. Arrowtown is a historic mining town that has restored cottages and a traditional atmosphere. It's a quirky town with many local vendors and fun outdoor activities. There is also world class hiking in the area, so many visitors use this as a starting point for their treks.

Arrowtown, New Zealand Arrowtown, New Zealand

Reasons to Visit Arrowtown

Hiking
Many people use this town as a jumping off point for some of the world's most iconic hikes. You can explore Lord of the Rings country or do one of fifteen different listed walks in the area.

Skiing
In the area you'll find amazing skiing that ranges from professional level to family-friendly.

Food
For such a small town, there's a surprising number of great restaurants with award winning chefs. You'll find quaint cafes, traditional eateries, and casual restaurants where you can sample the local dishes.

Historical Sights
This is a quirky and charming historic mining town that has many cottages and historic buildings. Many places have been restored to maintain their original character.

Shopping
Shopping is an experience in town. Head to Buckingham Street, which is the main street in town. You can wander through a wild west setting with local vendors and quirky galleries.

Museums
The town feels likes a living museum with its historic sights. There's also the Lakes District Museum in town that you can visit.

Nightlife
For such a small town, there's a surprisingly bustling nightlife scene with casual pubs and waterfront bars.




Things to Consider Before Visiting Arrowtown

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Arrowtown might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Arrowtown here or see if Arrowtown is expensive here.

Related

What is Arrowtown most famous for?

Arrowtown is most famous for its gold rush history, impressive ski slopes, and famous hikes. People visit this impressive town for its great hiking. It is also known for its great skiing, food, historical sights, and shopping. And many visitors also come to this town for its museums and nightlife. It is often described as historic, charming, quaint, and quirky.

What is the most famous sight in Arrowtown?

The most popular sight in Arrowtown is the Chinese Settlement. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Arrowtown on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Chinese Settlement and other attractions here.

How touristy is Arrowtown? Is it a popular town to visit?

Arrowtown is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • Queenstown: Arrowtown Mountain Biking Adventure: $53

How long should I spend in Arrowtown?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Arrowtown is one to two days. Since Arrowtown has a variety of activities such as hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Arrowtown?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Arrowtown?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Arrowtown?.