Just 20 kilometres north of Queenstown sits Arrowtown - a historical gem renowned for its original and picturesque buildings. Tucked beneath several peaks surrounding the Arrow River, this small gold mining village is a delightful destination. At its peak during the 1860’s gold rush, little remains of its previous gold fever - however there is an opportunity to visit old excavation sites, miners cottages and even try your hand at panning for the precious metal if you wish.
The heart of its history is Buckingham Street, a procession of small town heritage buildings that stretch into a tree lined avenue of tiny miners’ cottages. Visit the Lakes District Museum for fascinating insight and informational displays on its history. Another highlight of this tiny town is its spectacular scenery. Although beautiful in any season, Arrowtown really comes to life in the Autumn - when the entire settlement and surrounding hillside is burnished bronze. Before you leave, be sure to spend some time walking the renowned Arrowtown trails - an extensive network of walking and cycling routes.