Arrowtown - New Zealand's Historic Gold Rush Village
10 Must-See Places in Arrowtown — From Kiwis Who’ve Been There
1. Arrowtown’s Historic Main Street
Arrowtown. The moment you step onto Buckingham Street, it feels like you've stepped back in time.
Restored heritage buildings, old-fashioned shopfronts, and gold rush charm everywhere you look.
We love wandering here in the early morning, grabbing coffee and imagining the hustle of the 1860s miners.
Parking up nearby in a rental car or campervan makes it easy to spend a relaxed few hours soaking it all in.
2. Chinese Settlement Village
Just a short walk from town is this hauntingly beautiful reminder of Arrowtown’s Chinese gold miners.
The tiny huts and history boards tell powerful stories — and every time we go, we learn something new.
We often pop in here as a stop on a wider campervan loop through Central Otago — it's perfect for that slow, reflective travel pace we love.
3. Arrow River Walk
Follow the river trail just behind town — it's peaceful, shaded, and even has spots to pan for gold (yes, we’ve tried — no luck yet!).
In autumn, the colours here are absolutely spectacular. We’ve done this walk with the leaves falling all around and it’s just magic.
Another reason to travel by camper? You can bring a packed picnic and stay as long as you like — no schedule, no stress.
4. Lakes District Museum
Don’t let the size fool you — this place is packed with stories from the early settlers, miners, and Maori history of the area.
We’ve taken our time exploring every corner — it gives so much context to the places you walk past in town.
It’s an easy stop if you're passing through, and well worth it for history buffs.
5. Millbrook Resort Grounds & Trails
You don’t have to be staying at Millbrook to enjoy the walking and cycling trails that wind through this beautiful golf resort.
It’s a short drive or ride from Arrowtown, and we love wandering around here on quiet mornings.
Pro tip: park the camper in town and bike in, or loop it into a half-day drive.
6. Arrowtown Bakery & The Fork and Tap
Two local favourites! The bakery has old-school mince pies and sweet treats, and The Fork and Tap is perfect for a laid-back pub meal.
We often stop in here for lunch before heading further into Central Otago — and it’s a breeze when we’ve booked our transport through Motorhome Republic. Easy parking, comfy travel, flexible plans.
7. Tobins Track
A short but steep walk up from Arrowtown with incredible views over the Wakatipu Basin and back towards Queenstown.
This one can be done at sunset — it’s quiet, peaceful, and you can feel like you’re on top of the world.
Great way to stretch your legs after a long camper drive or car ride.
8. Bush Creek Trail & Sawpit Gully
If you’re up for something a little more adventurous, this loop takes you through native bush, gold mining relics, and sweeping hillside views.
We love this track — it feels like you’re discovering forgotten parts of history.
This is where having your own vehicle shines — you can store boots, snacks, and dry clothes for the perfect post-hike wind-down.
9. Lake Hayes loop track
What it is: A flat scenic walking/biking trail around a mirror like lake.
Why it's worth it - Incredible reflections of the mountains, especially at sunrise/sunset. We have biked it and stopped for lakeside coffee at The Boat Shed Cafe.
Distance from Arrowtown: 5 minutes
Tip: There is easy parking for cars and campers - bring a picnic and your camera.
10. Autumn Festival & Seasonal Visits
Arrowtown is stunning year-round, but autumn? Unreal.
The gold and red trees make it one of the most photographed places in NZ. The Arrowtown Autumn Festival (April) brings the whole village to life.
We planned one of our campervan trips around it — stayed in nearby Queenstown, drove in daily, and had one of the best long weekends we’ve ever had.
