Picturesque Arrowtown is located 20 minutes from Queenstown and only 10 minutes drive from
Queenstown Airport (via Lake Hayes). The historic town of Arrowtown has evolved from being a
relaxing day trip to a resort town offering small town charm and character with intriguing
boutique shops and enticing culinary options.
Visitors often remark on the pleasure of getting away from the big-city grind, enjoying the
extremes of climate and getting in to the outdoors. It is only 15 minutes to the nearest skifield
and in Summer, mountainbikers and hikers can be out in the twilight until after 10pm.
The beauty of a Southern Lakes holiday based in Arrowtown is that just about everything is
within an easy walking distance or short drive. Once you have enjoyed the Arrow river walks,
award-winning golf courses & local hospitality, it is only a short drive to beautiful Lake Hayes,
or to the award–winning wineries throughout Gibbston Valley or experience the adventure capital
of Queenstown.
Then there are the many day trips that are on offer from Arrowtown including Glenorchy, Cardrona,
Wanaka, Cromwell, Bannockburn & Clyde to name just a few. There is so much to explore in all
directions – whatever your interests may be!
Breathtaking scenery and four very distinct seasons attract visitors from around the globe.
Winter: Being at the heart of the Southern Lakes ski areas, crisp winter days make for the
perfect Winter getaway.
Spring: offers the diversity of spring skiing as well as warmer temperatures for experiencing
the outdoors.
Summer: Long hot summer days are the perfect time to explore Central Otago orchards, vineyards
and sample locally made wine, honey, cheeses & the world’s sweetest stone fruits – cherries, apricots,
nectarines & apples. The lakes, rivers & mountain walks offer stunning scenery during the summer
months.
Autumn: Bright autumn colours from alluring gold to vivid reds is a favourite time for
photographers & artists – and Arrowtown is a magnificent backdrop to view the colours of Autumn.
The landscape is spectacular and the weather is still favourable to venture outside as the hot summer
days make way for the chillier temperatures of winter.
We will supply you with fantastic guides on the area so you can choose wisely as to how to spend
your valuable time! In the meantime, here are some of our favourite options to give you a taste of
a holiday in Arrowtown . . .
Dorothy Browns
Nestled at the back of a quaint historic stone alley, Dorothy Browns bar, bookshop & cinema is a
must see. This cosy bar & bookshop is open all day for you to browse the amazing array of books &
magazines and pick up the movie schedule for the week. The boutique cinema offers extremely comfy
seats in an attractive setting with moviegoers able to purchase wine, beer & snacks from the bar.
A great night out for all!
The Blue Door
After you have seen your movie or enjoyed a dinner out, why not check out The Blue Door bar – a
cosy, historic schist bar nestled in the same alley, where you can enjoy the ambience of a roaring
fire, dolcet tones & an extensive wine list including local wine by the glass.
Walking/cycling tracks
There is a vast array of walking tracks on offer around Arrowtown but one of the locals favourites
is the Sawpit Gully track. The start is by the river in the center of town – near the historic
Chinese Village – and still affords you time to enjoy the rest of the day!
Macetown
A fascinating walk up the Arrow River to Macetown, which was a similarly vibrant gold mining
community in the 1800's, now a ghost town. Or, for those wanting a bit more adventure, Nomad
Safaris offer an exciting 4WD tour to Macetown.
Golf
For those golfers amongst us, you are spoilt for choice. The Arrowtown Golf Course is extremely
popular on the edge of town, not to mention the award-winning golf course at Millbrook Resort.
Michael Hill is also developing a golf course of international standard across from Millbrook
Resort in Arrowtown.
Gibbston Valley Wineries
A drive through Gibbston Valley could easily take all day as you stop & sample the wines &
cheeses of the various wineries that line this valley. Many have restaurants attached with
fabulous menus to accompany their wines.
Lake Hayes
A casual picnic at Lake Hayes is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon with a stroll along the walking
track that links each end of the lake. Otherwise, for a dining experience not to be missed, drive
to Amisfield Winery. Overlooking Lake Hayes, Amisfield has a superb site and offers wines that have
received international accolades and a bistro offering an outstanding menu. In wintry months, two
large fireplaces roar in the beautiful schist building, while on sunny days, diners can eat outdoors
in a sheltered courtyard.
Sweets galore
Walk in to the center of Arrowtown and pick up some treats from the Remarkable Sweets Shop. This
shop stocks lollies & sweet treats from around the world as well as rich fudges in a variety of
flavours which are made on site. Stroll along the street to a shop called Patagonia – a chocolate
haven that offers exquisite chocolates made on the premises – decadent, and worth it.
Dining in Arrowtown
You will not be disappointed with the choice of cafes & restaurants in Arrowtown – from tasty pizzas,
hearty roast dinners to Asian inspired dishes – all an easy stroll down the main street.
Fine dining
In the fine dining category, The Postmaster’s House & Saffron stand out in Arrowtown. The Postmaster’s
House have also opened the Postmaster’s Store offering a range of fresh seasonal produce & delicatessen
goodies.
Millbrook Resort
Located on the edge of Arrowtown, visitors to town are able to use all the facilities that Millbrook
Resort has to offer – whether you book a treatment at their luxurious day spa, enjoy a stroll through
the beautiful grounds, take the kids to the playground or enjoy the casual bar or fine dining – it
is definitely worth a visit.
|
