Arrowtown

Flash forward to the mid 1860's when European diggers fled the Otgao region in search of 'easier' gold on the South Island's West Coast. With a gap in the region's fledgling economy, the local Otago government invited Chinese miners to come and work the goldfields instead. The small Chinese village they created on the banks of the Arrow River stayed settled until around 1928 when a more permanent town started to form. Arrowtown still has around 70 buildings and features left from the gold rush era - all of which are acessable to interested visitors and historians.

The breathtaking tree-lined avenues that were planted, and some of the original European settler cottages, still stand proudly today showcasing a sort of 'Wild West' of a bygone era. 

They say that all good things must come to an end however, and just like that the Arrow River ran dry and the village became more of a farming community than anything else. It wasn't until the 1950's that it became a popular holiday destination, like its bigger cousin of Queenstown only 20 minutes away.

Now Arrowtown has been re-born (again!) and holds the reputation of being one of New Zealand’s most engaging places to visit. No matter what your interest are, the village and its dramatic surrounds satisfies most. Whether you're a nature lover with all the walking trails nearby, an outdoor adventurer who loves a good 4-wheel drive blat, a museum enthusiast, a gourmand and wine sampler or the ultimate shopper, you'll love spending time here!