Here's some basic info to smooth your way:
The weather is pleasant, Arrowtown services are good, and help is easily found. Our Information Centre is at the must-see Lakes District Museum on the Main Street.
Arrowtown had four churches representing the early immigrant populations. Catholic, Presbyterian, Anglican and Methodist. All still operate today except for the Methodist Church.
The Maori name for the river is Haihainui which means ‘Big Scratches’.
There are two theories as to why the town is named Arrowtown. One is that the river behind the town flows swiftly like an arrow.
The first jail in Arrowtown was simply a log. You were chained up to it. The later stone jail still exists and is in Cardigan Street. It is New Zealand’s 4th oldest jail.
The discoverer of gold in the Arrow river was a shepherd named Jack Tewa or Maori Jack. He also won the Royal Humane medal for saving a man from drowning in Lake Wakatipu.
Australia’s first saint, Sister Mary MacKillop visited Arrowtown in 1897 and set up a Catholic School. Part of this school can still be visited today.
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