Historic Arrowtown is located north east of Queenstown, on the South Island of New Zealand. Established in 1862 this former gold mining town has kept it's historic features up to these days. Follow the Historic Walk around town and explore this old settlement with its original historic buildings, the main Avenue of Sycamores and Oaks planted in 1867, or take some time out at the Waterfall Park.

Only two years after the first settlers came to live in the Wanaka region, sheepshearer William Fox, Jack Tewa and John O'Callaghan found gold in the Arrow River. In the short time when they had the diggings to themselves, they recovered 230 lbs of gold!
Within 2 weeks after the fact became known, Arrowtown's (then named Foxes) number of inhabitants increased to more than 1500. After the tents town and many lives were washed away in a flood, a more sturdy town was established on the location of today’s Arrowtown further away above the Arrow River banks.
During the main gold rush years Arrowtowns size grew drastically to over 7000 inhabitants, developing into the centre of a new community with the new settlements Macetown, Skippers and Bullendale, now all ghost towns.
Many historic buildings are still standing in Arrowtown today, many of which were restored or if necessary rebuilt. Some of the stone buildings in Buckingham Street, the main street of town, were built only month after the goldrush began in 1862. Not only the buildings of Arrowtown date back to historic times, but also the many trees in Arrowtown imported from Europe and Australia, were planted more than a century ago. The main Avenue of Sycamores and Oaks was planted in 1867! Old historic houses combined with beautiful colour changing avenues through the four very distinct seasons, are an extraordinary scenery for Arrowtowns diverse shops, restaurants and art galleries.

If you are interested in the history of this extraordinary place you should take some time and visit the local Lakes District Museum. The original Museum was built in 1875. Even more history can be seen in the Arrowtown Jail built one year after the Museum building. If you would like to visit the jail, ask for the key at the Lakes District Centennial Museum.

Around 1870 many Chinese People came to Arrowtown to dig for gold in the Arrow River and Shotover River. Quite some friction developed between the white settlers and the Chinese people. Therefore the Chinese lived in their own little settlement, Chinese Village. Today the little stone and clay huts of Chinese Village have been restored and are definitely worth checking out.

Arrow River, the reason for Arrowtowns existence, still has some gold to give away. There is the option to rent a pan and try you luck. If luck is not on your side, try to catch some fish, for Arrow River is a very popular fishing spot. Licenses can be obtained at the Lakes District centennial Museum.

If you would like to spend some more time in this amazing area, you will be sure to find some accommodation to suit your taste and budget. Hotel, Motel, Bed and Breakfast and Cottage Stays are in high demand all year round, especially in high season, therefore visitors are advised to book in advance.