Arrowtown's hidden winter treasures

Most people pass through Arrowtown in winter on the way to or from the ski fields. They stop for a coffee, take a few photos of the frost-dusted street and leave. Which is fine — but they miss the point.

Arrowtown in winter has a particular character that summer visitors never quite see. The pace drops. The laneways get quiet. And tucked behind unremarkable doors are some of the best places to spend a cold afternoon in the Southern Lakes: unmarked bars with open fires, sake and tapas in a cave, whisky lists longer than most restaurants, and a cinema that shows films with wine and blankets.

Here are some of the hidden gems worth finding when the temperature drops.

With its alpine location, Arrowtown is a magical place in winter.

When you’re down from one of the nearby ski fields or need a break from the snow, take the time to relax in Arrowtown and explore some of its hidden treasures. Here are some of the hidden gems to find in our charming heritage town this winter.

1. Warm up at a bar or restaurant
On a cold winter’s day, there’s something special about savouring wholesome, delicious food or a hot beverage beside a cosy fireplace. Some great fireside options include Millhouse which offers fine dining in a building set on the slate of an original flour mill, and The Winery which stocks over 100 of New Zealand's best wines, whisky and gins (some from boutique wineries that don't have cellar doors) which you can pair with tapas or a cheeseboard.

If you’re after something more intimate, head to Cave Arrowtown for authentic Japanese tapas and sake within a ‘cave’ atmosphere. Cave is hidden up a laneway above another hidden gem, Hyde Liquor & Social. Hyde is a speakeasy-style bar with outdoor fireplaces and a wide selection of hand-crafted cocktails and wines as well as a Kiwi-fusion menu.

For après-ski, head down the laneway beside Italian restaurant Little Aosta to the unmarked, local secret, The Blue Door. The bar is rustic and cosy with a roaring fire and offers a roaring good time. Or head to Dorothy Browns and find their balcony Gin Bar which features a finely curated selection of local and international gin, wine and beer.

2. Explore Arrowtown’s boutiques and galleries
Shopping is a genuine pleasure at Arrowtown’s boutiques. If you explore off the main street you will find some hidden gems including Wilson & Dorset which stocks a range of luxurious woolskins rugs and furnishings, Angel Divine which has a wide range of designer clothing, and LucyKing Candle Company which has a range of locally made, small-batch candles, diffusers, and room sprays with flavours including ‘Arrowtown’ and ‘Manuka’.

There are also a multitude of galleries and sculptors dotted around Arrowtown, including Fiona Garlick Gallery and Giraffe Art Gallery and a changing exhibit gallery at Lakes District Museum.

3. Go ice skating
If the weather is cold enough, you might be lucky to experience the magic of the ice-skating rink at Bush Creek. Created by passionate locals every winter, many people head down to the rink (past the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement) with their own skates and a piece of wood for the brazier. It’s a fun activity for all ages and a great way to meet some of the community.

4. Experience a local event
Over the Matariki public holiday when the days are short and the night is long, the community-focused event Matariki Arrowtown Kā-Muriwai celebrates the Māori New Year and the rising of Matariki (or Pleiades constellation). The event’s origins stem from the local Arrowtown Preschool celebrations and it has now become a larger event with performances, educational activities and installations, and stalls.

5. Pamper yourself
Even though you might be in your winter woollies, it doesn’t mean you can’t pamper yourself. Visit Gibbston Valley Spa and enjoy a tailored, luxurious spa experience within the grounds of the vineyard. Or head to Millbrook Spa for a relaxing manicure, facial or spa treatment. You may not know but if you book a 60-minute plus treatment, you can also enjoy their outdoor hot pools, lap pool, or Health & Fitness Centre which includes a fully-equipped gym and classes including yoga, barre and HIIT.

Visit our Arrowtown in winter page for more information about the winter months.

Key Takeaways

• Arrowtown's best winter spots are often unmarked and down laneways — the Blue Door, Cave Arrowtown and Hyde Liquor & Social reward the curious visitor.
• Fireside dining at the Millhouse and a curated wine and spirits list at The Winery make winter the best season for a long, indulgent lunch.
• Dorothy Brown's cinema and book shop is a Arrowtown institution — catch a film with a glass of wine and a blanket on a winter afternoon.
• The Lakes District Museum and Arrowtown Chinese Settlement are best appreciated at a slow winter pace, away from peak-season crowds.
• Winter in Arrowtown means quieter trails, crisp air and spectacular snow on the surrounding ranges — worth a walk even in the cold.