Arrowtown Historic Gold Rush Village
Queenstown, New Zealand
About This Activity
Arrowtown was established in 1862 during the Otago Gold Rush and its main street of colonial-era stone and wooden buildings has been beautifully preserved. The Lakes District Museum tells the gold rush story through excellent exhibits, and the Chinese Settlement at the creek's edge — where Chinese miners lived in segregated conditions — is a sobering and important piece of history. In autumn (March–May), the deciduous trees planted by early settlers blaze with colour, making Arrowtown one of New Zealand's most photographed villages. Try panning for gold in the Arrow River — colour is common. 20 minutes by shuttle or car from Queenstown. Entry is free.
Seasonal note: Year-round destination; autumn (Mar–May) is peak for the famous golden foliage; summer is also popular
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 6 of our curated itineraries.
Best 7 Days in New Zealand — from Queenstown
Queenstown → Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua
Best 10 Days in New Zealand — from Queenstown
Queenstown → Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua
Best 14 Days in New Zealand — Fast Pace
Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua → Christchurch → Queenstown
Best 14 Days in New Zealand — from Queenstown
Queenstown → Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua
Best 21 Days in New Zealand — Fast Pace
Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua → Christchurch → Queenstown
Best 21 Days in New Zealand — from Queenstown
Queenstown → Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua
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