Arrowtown

Located just a 20-minute drive from Central Queenstown, the quaint and picturesque Arrowtown is the perfect place for a quick weekend getaway from the city. It is an absolute delight for nature lovers as its nestled amidst beautiful green mountains and the beautiful Arrow River. It is a local hotspot for outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, camping and cycling.

Historically known for being a gold mining town, Arrowtown has come a long way from the days of the Gold Rush. One could explore the historic gold mines in Arrow River, and even give gold panning a shot! The famous Lake Hayes and Queenstown Trail are also located here, which are great for relaxing in the lap of nature.

The Lakes District Museum here is said to be one of the best small museums in all of New Zealand. You could also bring out the child inside you at The Playground, which is a one-of-its-kind attraction which can be described informally as a playground for adults. It has activities such as human foosball, bubble soccer, paintball and archery combat and promises to be a great experience for groups of friends or families. For all history buffs, there are also the ancient Chinese settlements, which are worth exploring to get a culturally diverse approach to this otherwise New Zealander town. If you visit during the winter, you can engage in various winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding!