There’s a reason New Zealanders think of autumn when they think of Arrowtown. It's because in this historic town there’s not just gold in the river, there’s gold in the leaves as the trees put on an autumn foliage display that’s unsurpassed in this country. But there’s more to do in Arrowtown than gaze at the leaves. Here are a few ideas!

 1 Take a photograph 

There aren’t many small towns more photogenic than Arrowtown in autumn. In fact as the leaves on the trees frame the historic streets, the Arrow River and tranquil Lake Hayes with dazzling yellow, red and amber, it starts to get hard to take a bad photo. Make sure there’s plenty of space on your memory card!

 Photo: Arrow River,  Timothy Shoultz

2 Ride a bike

The cooler weather of autumn makes it the perfect time to bike the many trails around Arrowtown. Wheel along the purpose-built trail to the wineries at Gibbston. Take a spin along the river trail or around Lake Hayes. If you’re up to something more challenging, take a bike shuttle up to Coronet Peak and ride the single-track back to Arrowtown or head up the Arrow River to the goldmining ghost town of Macetown. 

3 Hike the hills

Arrowtown is the hub of a network of hill-walking tracks. It doesn’t take long to get high and get to breathtaking views down into the Wakatipu Basin or across the mountains and valleys of Mahu Whenua. Bring your walking shoes and take your pick from a huge range of tracks from straightforward ambles to experts-only expeditions. These mountains are going to be covered in snow soon, so take the opportunity while you can!

4 Play a round 

Autumn’s the perfect time to sneak in a bit of golf before the winter chill sets in. Arrowtown’s golf courses rate among the best in New Zealand – all three made the top 10 in New Zealand Golf magazine’s 2019 rankings. Which course will you choose? Exclusive The Hills, home of the New Zealand Open? Gorgeous Millbrook with its 27 holes and attached resort? Or Arrowtown Golf Club with its spectacular views and welcoming club vibe?

5 Get festive

Autumn Festival is a highlight of the year for Arrowtown, a time when we welcome in visitors to find out what we’re about. It’s a four day celebration of all the things that make Arrowtown special – history, nature, community, art, music and all-around fun.   Go to a show, take a guided walk, come to the parade and market day, watch the gold-panning championships, take part in a fun run or a trapeze workshop. The options are endless, and many are free.