Arrowtown: Day Trips and Tours from Queenstown

A stunning settlement that is overflowing in both beauty and history, New Zealand's under-the-radar destination of Arrowtown regularly leaves visitors mesmerized.

With its roots buried in gold mining, Arrowtown's heritage is unmistakable. Visually, its vibrancy jumps out at you as soon as you arrive — a stroll down Buckingham Street, lined with brightly colored cottages and beautiful foliage, paints an idyllic scene.

Sitting a stone's throw from myriad outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing, Arrowtown also serves as an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, which is why Arrowtown day trips from Queenstown are quickly gaining notoriety.

Here's all you need to know about Arrowtown, one of the most exciting day trips from Queenstown.

How to get to Arrowtown from Queenstown?

Arrowtown is located just a 25-minute drive from Queenstown, making it the perfect day trip or half-day trip destination. To get there, you can either take your own car, use public transport or join a hassle-free guided tour.

From Queenstown to Arrowtown by car

Reaching Arrowtown from Queenstown is a straightforward and scenic drive. The fastest route is to drive north along Gorge Road and then continue on Malaghans Road, which takes about 20 minutes.

Alternatively, drive west along State Highway 6 past Queenstown airport. This route is also about 20 minutes, but offers excellent views of Lake Wakatipu and Lake Hayes.

From Queenstown to Arrowtown by public transport

It's very easy to get from Queenstown to Arrowtown by public transport. The #2 bus route regularly departs from the Queenstown Interchange and takes about 35 minutes to reach Arrowtown.

Guided tour to Arrowtown from Queenstown

The easiest and most convenient way to get from Queenstown to Arrowtown is by taking a guided tour, usually lasting between 4 and 7 hours. You will typically be picked up directly from your Queenstown accommodation to visit Arrowtown’s main attractions.

What is the typical itinerary?

Most Queenstown to Arrowtown day trips will begin with convenient pickup from your accommodation in Queenstown. As you drive to Arrowtown, your guide will highlight the area's most well-known attractions such as the Skyline Gondola, Kawarau River, Lake Hayes Walkway and Lake Wakatipu.

After arriving in Arrowtown, you will be taken on a walking tour to explore the town's main attractions, including its old Chinese settlement, the historic post office and St. Paul’s Anglican Church. You'll be given plenty of time to eat, shop, browse the galleries and stroll around the picturesque streets.

Depending on your particular tour, you may also see various "Lord of the Rings" locations, visit a honey farm, ride a bike through the Gibbston Valley, or stop at a local winery. At the end of your day trip, you will be dropped off at your accommodation in Queenstown.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Arrowtown?

Guided tours to Arrowtown from Queenstown

This is the simplest Arrowtown tour option. During the trip, you will be with other travelers and visit all the main attractions in Arrowtown before returning to Queenstown. Throughout the day, a friendly and knowledgeable guide will be on hand to answer your questions and share insights into the region.

Self-guided tour to Arrowtown from Queenstown

Since Queenstown and Arrowtown are so close to each other, many travelers opt for the budget-friendly self-guided bike tour option. These tours either traverse the Queenstown Trail from one to the other or provide inter-town transport and give you a bike upon arrival in Arrowtown.

Self-guided tours let you explore at your own pace, allowing you to choose which attractions to visit and for how long. A variety of self-guided bike tours are available, some of which also visit the Gibbston Wine Valley.

Day tour to Arrowtown plus Wanaka highlights from Queenstown

Lake Wanaka is the fourth-largest lake in New Zealand and a popular destination for visitors to the region. A day tour of Arrowtown combined with local Wanaka highlights is an ideal way to see the best of both areas in one day, checking off attractions such as Mount Aspiring National Park and the namesake village of Wanaka. When visiting the latter, you'll learn about Maori people and culture and have time to stop at the famous Cardrona Hotel.

Day tour to Arrowtown plus Wanaka and Cromwell from Queenstown

In addition to Arrowtown and Wanaka, this comprehensive tour also takes you to the nearby town of Cromwell, which sits on the shores of Lake Dunstan. Once a mining town, Cromwell is now renowned for its lakeside scenery and fruit production.

How much does a day trip to Arrowtown from Queenstown cost?

The price of a day trip to Arrowtown from Queenstown starts at around US$55, but depends on the type of tour you select.

Self-guided tours cost between US$55 and US$70 and are the cheapest option because a guide is not included.

Small group guided tours range between US$60 and US$160, depending on the duration.

A day tour to Arrowtown plus Wanaka or Cromwell costs between US$80 and US$160 per person.

What will you see and do?

On day tours to Arrowtown, you'll be given plenty of time to explore the town's main attractions at your own pace.

The historical Chinese settlement is a must-see and offers insight into the region's history from when Chinese miners arrived in the 19th century. Other highlights include St Paul’s Anglican Church, which dates back to 1871, and the Lakes District Museum & Gallery, which has a great collection of artifacts from the area.

The surrounding countryside is also full of beauty. Take time to stroll along the Arrow River or enjoy a picnic at one of its many riverside parks. Depending on your tour, you may also visit nearby towns like Wanaka and Cromwell, famous for their lakeside scenery and fruit production.

You may also visit the Kawarau Bridge Bungy or the Gibbston Valley for a wine-tasting experience. Here you can sample some of the area's best varietals and take in stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.

When is the best time to visit Arrowtown?

The best time to visit Arrowtown is during the warm summer months, between December and February. Shoulder months such as October, November and March are also ideal — they offer mild weather and fewer crowds.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
• Make sure you bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun, especially if traveling in summer.
• Book your tour online to avoid missing out and to take advantage of any early-bird discounts.
• Bring a camera to capture the beauty of Arrowtown and other attractions on your tour — there's no place quite like it.