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Things to do in Arrowtown

Our most recommended things to do in Arrowtown

Queenstown: Half-Day 4WD Lord Of the Rings Discovery Tour

1. Queenstown: Half-Day 4WD Lord Of the Rings Discovery Tour

Embark on an adventure safari packed with breathtaking scenery, thrilling 4WD action, and LOTR filming locations. Visit the filming locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), Gladden Fields, the Ford of Bruinen, and more.  After pick-up from your hotel, journey around the Wakatipu Basin to see The Remarkables, which were used as various mountains throughout the three movies. Travel part way up Queenstown Hill for a bird's-eye view onto Deer Park Heights, which was used for the refugees of Rohan and the Battle of the Wargs scenes. From the viewpoint, head to Kawarau Gorge where the filming took place for the Argonath - 'Pillars of the Kings'. After Kawarau Gorge, travel to Arrowtown where the loss of The One Ring scene at Gladden Fields was shot. Near Arrowtown, you will experience a true off-road adventure. Following a historic gold mining road up the Arrow River, cross the river many times to get to the Ford of Bruinen. Here you can indulge in a refreshing afternoon tea and try your hand at a spot of gold panning. From Arrowtown, travel to the entrance of Skippers Canyon for spectacular panoramic views of the Wakatipu Basin and into the Canyon.

Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours

2. Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours

Become your own tour guide for a day and enjoy having the freedom to explore the best parts of Queenstown, Arrowtown, and Gibbston Valley without being rushed or restricted by any preset itineraries. Enjoy the local wine and soak up the amazing sites of the Queenstown and Gibbston Valley. No need to make an itinerary and drive yourself, our friendly drivers will look after you and provide you with information on each location. Hop on and off as you please, visit as many destinations as you like, and choose how long you stay at each spot. Stop options include: • Shotover Jet boat ride • Canyon Food & Brew Co • Strike Bowl bowling and entertainment center • Cargo at Gantley’s taproom • The Gin Garden • Arrowtown historical gold mining town • The Winery, Arrowtown • Mora Wines & Kitchen by Artisan • Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door • Nockies Palette Wines at Stoneridge • Wet Jacket Wines • AJ Hackett Bungy • Cargo Brewery & Bald Hills Wine • Mt Rosa Wines • Brennan Wines • Kinross Cellar Door & Bistro • Gibbston Valley Winery • Altitude Brewing • The Winery, Queenstown

From Arrowtown: Scenic Valley of the Vines Bike & Wine Tour

3. From Arrowtown: Scenic Valley of the Vines Bike & Wine Tour

Try local wine and enjoy a bike ride experience on the beautiful Twin Rivers Trail. Ride with ease with wide and easy-to-navigate bike trails. Add some excitement to your trip with a bungee jumping experience. Learn about the history of the area and become immersed in its wine culture. Start your tour with a 20-minute scenic shuttle into Arrowtown. Your guide will give you a brief lesson on the history of gold mining in the area and will share some intriguing facts about the town. Even try gold mining yourself. Arrive near the trail and, after a briefing, set off for 2-3 hours of riding time over 7 bridges, 2 rivers, and into the Valley of the Vines on your own time. Try any one of the dining options below for breakfast, lunch, or brunch. Brunch options: AB Bakeries - Arguably the best bakery in Otago. Fork and Tap - Great little pub with fantastic garden dining Provisions - Healthy breakfast, brunch, and lunch Slow Cuts - Hidden gem, casual dining – try the chicken burger Lunch options: Gibbston Tavern - Wood-fired oven Gibbston Valley - Grazing platters (book in advance) Enjoy pickup from the wineries and then return to Queenstown and partake in some optional karaoke.

Arrowtown to Queenstown: Self-Guided Bike Tour

4. Arrowtown to Queenstown: Self-Guided Bike Tour

Head out on a scenic 25-minute drive to Arrowtown. Get set up with your bike, receive trail tips, a map, and a safety briefing and then depart on your independent adventure ride. Explore Arrowtown and grab a coffee before setting off to ride at your leisure along the Arrow River Bridges Trail toward Morven Ferry Intersection. From here, either take a diversion to the Kawarau Bungy or follow the Twin Rivers Trail along the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers to the shores of Lake Wakatipu and onward to Queenstown Bay, where you can return your bike. If you are unsure if you can handle the distance, upgrade to an electric bike for only $50 more and keep the good times rolling.

From Queenstown: Guided Gin Tour with Tastings

5. From Queenstown: Guided Gin Tour with Tastings

Join a gin tasting tour from Queensland in the company of a passionate local guide. A delight for your taste buds, this tour will lead you to the Cardrona Distillery, The Winery - Arrowtown, and the Gin Garden by the award-winning Broken Heart Spirits. Begin the tour with a pickup from your accommodation in Queenstown and head to the historic Cardrona Valley. Go on a guided tour of the Cardrona Distillery and their facilities followed by a tasting of their products. With your newly-gained knowledge from Cardrona Distillery, move on to your second stop at The Winery in Arrowtown. Choose from an array of gin paddles curated for your drinking pleasure and snack on a shared grazing board. To conclude, enjoy a boutique tasting at the Gin Garden by Broken Heart in Arthurs Point. Sample locally-distilled spirits made from NZ Southern Alps water and handpicked Kiwi botanicals. Then, head back to your hotel or stick around and have some cocktails (at your own expense).

Queenstown Beer Tours

6. Queenstown Beer Tours

Hop on board to enjoy a day out and discover Queenstown's up and coming craft beer scene. Your tour includes 3 stops, 13 beers, and a delicious lunch - a great way to spend an afternoon in Queenstown. You will be picked up at your hotel and then venture outside the center of Queenstown to try award-winning local beers. You have the chance to enjoy free time at Arrowtown, 3 local breweries, a brewery tour and a fun filled afternoon. Skip the lines and enjoy a relaxed day with us. This tour is designed to be run at a slow pace so you wont be hurried along. After the tour, you will be dropped back to your accommodation or enjoy more discounts at local bars in Queenstown.

Queenstown: Progressive Dinner and Wine Tour at 3 Locations

7. Queenstown: Progressive Dinner and Wine Tour at 3 Locations

Experience the very best of Queenstown’s renowned wineries and restaurants by night on the region’s first progressive dinner tour. We take you on a social night out to meet new friends with amazing local wines and stunning food. Start your evening with a scenic drive to Arthurs Point to enjoy an entrée and an award winning gin/vodka tasting flight. Take a drive through the valley of the vines for a stunning main paired with local Central Otago wines in the Gibbston Valley wine region. Wrap up your night with a decadent dessert in the heart of Queenstown paired with an after-dinner digestif, cocktail or wine with views to the lake.

Scenic Bike Adventure: Arrowtown to Queenstown with Shuttle

8. Scenic Bike Adventure: Arrowtown to Queenstown with Shuttle

What to Expect? "The scenery is out of this world, 10/10 would do this again.!" Alex L Trip Advisor "This trip was a highlight of our holiday in Queenstown!." Phillip G, Trip Advisor "This is definitely one of the best things to do in Queenstown, I have done it twice now." Dave Bain, Trip Advisor Starting with a 20 min scenic shuttle into Arrowtown. Let our guide give you a brief lesson into the history of Gold Mining and some intriguing facts about our exquisite town. Here, feel free to ask us anything about Queenstown or Arrowtown. Upon arrival next to the trail, it will take us 10-15 mins to show you how to ride the bikes and how to get back in one piece. We promise! Try any one of the dining options below for breakfast, lunch or brunch. In your own time make your way along the Twin River trail across 7 bridges and 3 outstanding rivers. You will not find anywhere in the world like this! The rivers are great for directions and our detailed maps and great signage mean you rarely get lost. If you do find yourself stuck, we are always on hand to call or text. A fantastic choice for a family or an incredible date. The ride is recommended for 12 years* and above but nothing stops the younger and older from giving this one a shot as Arrowtown is 400M higher than Queenstown so a fairly steady downhill gradient with minimal uphill climbs. Again, if you get stuck we can do a recovery shuttle for the same price as Uber. *A Small E-bike is suitable for 145-150cm + Want to do this but not sure about fitness? Here's where our wonderful E-bike option is a God-send! Barely breaking a sweat and cruise along the river on a $3,990 2022 Giant E-bike. Probably the best rental fleet in Otago. Less exercise and more sightseeing. This option is only a $50 upgrade and 90% of customers choose this choice. ⚡ Dine options: AB Bakeries - Arguably the best bakery in Otago. ‍ Fork and Tap - Great little pub with fantastic garden dining Provisions - Delicious and healthy breakfast, brunch and lunch. Slow Cuts - Hidden gem, casual dining. Try the Chicken burger. Millhouse (Millbrook Golf Course) - Charming lakeside dining. ️ 11th Avenue by Frank's (Lake Hayes)- A hidden local cafe with great food ☕ Frankton Arm Tavern (Frankton) - Our favourite local pub with chargers ⚽ Note: 4 hours and 30 mins on average of riding at an average pace. About the bikes The Talon or Talon E + An Iconic standard in the Giant family bike industry. Simply, does its job. Rugged and grippy with hydraulic sensitive brakes which make you feel totally in control. Even in the Winter. ❄️ Not a step-through The Going Blue Team Our highly knowledgeable guides will have your back all the way with text check-ins and support throughout the day. We know these trails like the backs of our hands so we know how to find you if you get lost. Each guide takes pride in commentary and bike expertise. You couldn't be in better hands! +64277462583

Queenstown: Full-Day Lord of Rings Tour with Lunch

9. Queenstown: Full-Day Lord of Rings Tour with Lunch

Start with pickup from your hotel in Queenstown and travel west along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy and Paradise. Discover a wide variety of filming locations throughout the tour with your expert guide. Bring the films to life with a variety of movie props you can use to recreate movie scenes at the filming locations. Enjoy photo stops in the Paradise region of Mount Aspiring National Park, with some short walks on easy trails. Explore the Forest of Middle Earth and discover the settings for scenes of Lothlórien. Stand on the Isengard Lookout and admire the scenic views of the area. Return to Queenstown for lunch at a local café, before heading east of the city for the afternoon portion of the tour. Discover Gibbston and Arrowtown and visit the settings for Gladden Fields and The Pillars of the Kings. Pan for elven gold in the river, and journey along a portion of the scenic Skippers Canyon Road, which was the setting for scenes featuring The Ford of Bruinen. Enjoy the spectacular scenic views over the Wakatipu Basin throughout the tour, with drop-off back in Queenstown in the evening.

From Queenstown: Gold Panning Day-Trip with Morning Tea

10. From Queenstown: Gold Panning Day-Trip with Morning Tea

Set off to the old gold mining town of Cromwell and learn about New Zealand’s 19th-century gold rush on this half-day tour. Leave Queenstown for the township of Arrowtown, where gold was first found in 1862. Discover the history, follow the Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell, and learn to pan for gold. Meet your guide in central Queenstown before heading to Cromwell. Drive through historic Arrowtown and into the Kawarau Gorge, following the old gold miner’s route along the river. Listen to your guide explain the area's history while you admire the views along the way. Coming into Central Otago, drive along rugged farm tracks until you reach a plateau with stunning views of Cromwell and Lake Dunstan. Hear about how farming and mining evolved and shaped the region and admire the quaint old buildings in Cromwell town. Disembark here and pause for a morning tea of hot drinks and scones before your gold panning session by the river. You’ll be provided with a pan and taught the proper technique. Then, it’s time to test your luck and put your skills to the test. Make the return drive to Queenstown along the roaring Kawarau river and enjoy more mining tales from your guide to end the tour.

Other Sightseeing Options in Arrowtown

Want to discover all there is to do in Arrowtown? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Arrowtown

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 101 reviews

Bikes great, drop-off in Arrowtown fantastic, route was gorgeous, and wineries were pleasant. Would highly recommend for a great day out (10am-5pm). Better attention to instructions would have helped, eg introduction of routes, some important details were asked that should have been part of a set introduction. But this was a small detail

I got the tickets to Versailles for the time I needed, and on the official website they were already sold out.

Fantastic trip our guide was Lucas top top guide very knowledgeable and super driver

The driver was knowledgeable and advised on timing and wineries to suit our needs.

Guide Rangi was just amazing, explained everything in detail