A New Zealand vacation trip to Queenstown is just not complete without visiting the scenic Arrowtown New Zealand. Arrowtown is a beautiful historical village-town located in the Otago region. The town is very close to Queenstown resort city on the South Island. During my New Zealand trip I was fortunate to visit the scenic Arrowtown. The journey was incredible. I have to humbly emphasize that if you are in on the South Island, a Queenstown to Arrowtown trip is a must! New Zealand and Australia are just paradise for the scenery lovers.
In this post, let’s dig the Queenstown to Arrowtown scenic trip. I will share details about some of the things to do in Arrowtown.
But let’s first go through some general information about Arrowtown. I am uploading quite a few photos to let you feel the scenic trip better. 🙂
Why to visit Arrowtown?
It’s fair to assume that if you are reading this post, you do admire the scenery. If that’s the case, head to Arrowtown. The small suburb is all about history and scenery. Arrowtown is a former gold mining town. The Chinese village settlement area reminds us about the historical journey of New Zealand.
How far from Queenstown to Arrowtown?
The scenic Arrowtown is located around 20 km from the Queenstown CBD. In fact, Arrowtown to Queenstown has the same route. The scenery between Arrowtown and Queenstown is simply superb. The design of the roads and bridges along the way is commendable.
Here is one such photo that I clicked from a moving bus from Arrowtown to Queenstown- ain’t it cool?
Queenstown to Arrowtown bus
There are regular buses operating between Queenstown and Arrowtown, and vice versa. The bus is named as R10 (for route 10). The first bus to Arrowtown leaves at 7.35am. Usually you’d be able to get a bus around every 2-3 hours. You can find a R10 bus timetable at the bus stop or on the website. The one way fare is $15, and the scenic drive takes 20-25 minutes. As such, the buses are very comfortable, and you won’t feel the time. However, the bus windows are virtually locked, and taking photos from a moving bus won’t be a trivial exercise. You can also hire a car or taxi from Queenstown.
Accommodation in Arrowtown New Zealand
I think finding an accommodation in Arrowtown wouldn’t be an issue. There are a good number of accommodations that you can book online. There are also motels in Arrowtown if you have a personal vehicle. The Arrowtown House Boutique Hotel has positive reviews.
Arrowtown weather
Well, the Arrowtown weather is very much pleasant in the May.
You need to bring winter clothes if you are here in the end of May onwards. You can find the latest Arrowtown weather conditions with AccuWeather.
Arrowtown scenery
Arrowtown has very spectacular scenery that reminded me of Canberra trip. The scenic town is a photographer’s dream destination. Arrowtown was developed on the banks of the Arrow River. Hiking or biking around the arrow river would be a wonderful experience.
The city experiences colours of all the four seasons. Try to attend Arrowtown Autumn Festival. Being here during autumn is a pleasant experience. The whole area is full of beautiful trees.
Tourist in Arrowtown NZ
There weren’t as many tourists in Arrowtown as in Queenstown.
In fact, the tourists were mostly Chinese that I saw during my visit. May be the historic Arrowtown Chinese village is famous in China?
Things to do in Arrowtown
Arrowtown public library
The Arrowtown Public Library is a beautiful library situated on the town’s outskirt. The library is small and is surrounded by the beautiful trees. The entries to the library and book readings are allowed for free. You can also borrow the books. I did come into the library and talked to the librarian who looked very friendly, smiling and enthusiastic. There wasn’t anyone else in the library, but we two.
Arrowtown B&B
The Arrowtown bed and breakfast (Arrowtown B&B) looks to have good reviews.
Although I didn’t stay here overnight, I managed to enjoy my Arrowtown B&B at an Italian restaurant – A Taste of Gibbston Valley. I would recommend it. The medium sized breakfast was served for $12. I also charged my phone’s battery here. 🙂
Unichem Arrowtown Pharmacy
The Arrowtown Unichem Pharmacy is located in a two storey historical building that was constructed in 1862. The building used to be a grocery store before becoming the town’s pharmaceutical centre in 1999. The shop also offers online sale of its goods.
New Zealand vacation with Rivers
The scenic Arrowtown is located on the banks of the Arrow River. The river also has a few tributaries. Do spend some time near the river. The biking trail along the river is a perfect place to burn out your energy.
Arrowtown Chinese village settlement areas
The village was set up by the Chinese immigrants who came to New Zealand in 1860s during the Otago Gold Rush. The area is well preserved, and there are official banners telling you the hardship faces by the early Chinese settlers.
You’ll get to see the restored village, old huts, and the way life looked like more than a century ago. The Chinese village settlement area visit is a must if you happened to be in Arrowtown.
Arrowtown walnuts
The scenic Arrowtown has so many walnut trees. I was fortunate to have quite a few walnuts. Actually, a couple was trying to collect the fallen walnuts. But it was probably not enough for them, and the guy climbed the tree and shook the tree branches to get more walnuts. The girl kept collecting the walnuts. They also gifted me a few walnuts. It was so delicious. If you are planning for New Zealand vacation autumn, you should also try walnuts. 🙂
Arrowtown New Zealand Scenic Trails
There are so many scenic trails in Arrowtown. I would recommend Bush Creek Trail, the Sawpit Gully Track, Tobins Track, Lake Hayes Walkway, etc.
That’s it about my Queenstown to Arrowtown New Zealand vacation trip.
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Wish you a great experience with New Zealand vacation. 🙂
Last updated: Tuesday, September 5, 2017