Quick Facts
Arrowtown for Families — Overview
Arrowtown is a perfectly preserved gold mining village in the Arrow River gorge, 28km from Queenstown. Its main street of historic stone buildings is one of the most photographed in NZ. In autumn (March–May) the poplar and willow trees planted by early settlers turn a spectacular gold and orange. For families, the Lakes District Museum is excellent, gold panning in the Arrow River is a perennial kids' favourite, and the town is far less crowded than Queenstown.
Top Things to Do in Arrowtown with Kids
- ✓ Gold panning in the Arrow River — free; hire a pan from the museum shop ($8) and try your luck
- ✓ Lakes District Museum & Gallery — excellent gold rush history, interactive for kids. $10/adult.
- ✓ Arrowtown Chinese Settlement — restored remains of the Chinese mining settlement. Free, historic.
- ✓ Autumn colour walk along Buckingham Street — best in April, one of NZ's most beautiful streetscapes
- ✓ Royal Oak Hotel beer garden — historic pub with great garden for families in good weather
- ✓ Arrow River trail walk — flat riverside walk upstream from the village. Free, beautiful, suitable for all ages.
Rainy Day Options — Arrowtown
Where to Stay in Arrowtown with Kids
Arrowtown has limited holiday park space. Most families day-trip from Queenstown or Wanaka.
Find Arrowtown Accommodation on Booking.com →Arrowtown Family Budget Guide
Very affordable day trip. Museum $10/adult. Gold panning hire $8. Excellent cheaper alternative to Queenstown for dining.
Use the NZ Family Travel Budget Calculator to plan your full trip spend.
Arrowtown Family FAQ
When is the best time to visit Arrowtown for autumn colours?
Late April is the peak of autumn colour in Arrowtown — typically the last week of April gives the most spectacular display. The main street is lined with European trees that turn golden orange, and the surrounding hills are covered with red and yellow. The Arrowtown Autumn Festival is held in late April and is one of NZ's best small-town festivals.
Is gold panning in the Arrow River real?
Real, and kids love it. Gold was discovered in the Arrow River in 1862 and the river still yields small flakes. Hire a pan at the museum ($8) and head to the river — the museum staff will show you the technique. Most kids find a few tiny flakes. It's a genuine, tactile historical experience rather than a tourist gimmick.
Nearby Destinations to Combine with Arrowtown
All NZ City Family Guides →
Family guides for 33 NZ cities and towns — from Whangarei to Invercargill.