1. Step back in time - Take a self guided walking tour starting at the Lakes District Museum with an Arrowtown Guide or map. First explore the museum then stroll around the historic miner's cottages, old churches, and pop down to the Chinese Settlement to learn about the gold mining past that shaped Arrowtown.
2. Get close to nature - from the museum you look out on the beautiful avenue of trees is a good place to be awed by the magnificence of these trees planted in the 1880s. Take any of the nearby trails, or enjoy some of the lovely plantings of roses in summer or autumn trees during April.
3. Take a walk - choose from one of the many trails taking you along the Arrow River and into the hills. The most popular Arrow River walk starts from town. Go down to the river bank, and turn right onto an easy flat track, called the Arrowtown Anniversary Walk. Shaded by lovely Sycamore, Willow, and Larch trees, you’ll stroll past old gold digging sites and a Lord of the Rings location.
4. Ride a bike - the village sits at the centre of one of New Zealand's most popular cycling meccas - the Queenstown Trail. From short trails to the easy 16km, and very popular Arrow Bridges Trail to Gibbston, the bike hire people will help kit you out.
5. Pan for gold - this is one of the most popular activities with pans available from LOCAL SHOPS. The Arrow River is perfect for panning and is only 2 minutes walk from the town.
6. Get Inspired - Arts Trail - several local artists' studios are open for viewing in and around Arrowtown. Jenny Mehrtens artist Studio/Gallery in Dudley's Cottage Precinct, Nadine Milne Gallery in Buckingham Street, Arrowtown Gallery in Berkshire Street, Jasmine Clarke's Little Hut Gallery and Fiona Garlick Gallery further down Buckingham Street, are just a few.
7. Climb a hill - Tobin's Track leading off the Anniversary Trail makes a great 1 hour hill climb. The Bush Creek Trail leads to a short but steep climb, and the Sawpit Gully Track is known for it's challenging slopes. Information on the trails is at the Lakes District Museum where you can check distances and times.
8. Taste Arrowtown - Nobody visits Arrowtown without sitting down to soak up the atmosphere, while enjoying a drink or a meal. There are around 20 CAFES + BARS competing to better each other with their food and atmosphere. Cuisines include modern Euro, Italian, Spanish, Indian, Pub, French, Japanese, and Thai. Both serious foodies and pie shop patrons can go home smiling.
9. Shop - take the time to poke around the alleys and SHOPS - from gold, jade, crystals, merino clothing, children's wear, jewellery, knick-knacks.
10. Water fun - in summer the Arrow River offers bubbling, clear water to paddle in, or you may even find a nice swimming hole. The local pool is a great option in summer. In winter it's still beautiful visiting the river in the brisk, cool days under often blue winter skies.
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