Top things to do in summer in Arrowtown

Summer in the Whakatipu Basin tends to belong to Queenstown. Bungee queues, lake cruises, busy waterfront restaurants. All worth doing — but if you want a day at a different pace, Arrowtown is twenty minutes up the road and feels like a different world.

In summer, the Arrow River runs clear and cold through the centre of town, the golf courses are booked out with good reason, the trails are dry and fast, and the outdoor dining is as good as it gets in the Southern Lakes. The days are long. The pace is easy. That is the whole point.

Here are some of our favourite summer activities in Arrowtown.

Every season is magical in Arrowtown, but summer means long warm days, late sunsets and more time to get amongst it.

Think river adventures, golf, biking or alfresco dining. Or take it slow and enjoy the sunshine whilst exploring all that Arrowtown has to offer. Here are some of our favourite summer activities.

1. Get on the green

Arrowtown is surrounded by golf courses including local favourite Arrowtown Golf Club (aka Narrowtown) and two championship courses, The Hills and Millbrook Resort. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, enjoy the epic scenery and play where some of the greats have. If you time it right, you might also be in town for the New Zealand Open which offers a chance to see New Zealand and international golfers in action.

2. Enjoy a summer event

In addition to the New Zealand Open, Arrowtown offers a range of big summer events, smaller gigs and theatre, and the town is also a convenient base for events further afield. The Arrowtown Market takes place throughout summer on Library Green and is a popular Sunday spot offering local produce, food, coffee, and crafts. In January, the Lake Hayes A&P Show is an authentic Kiwi farming tradition, with market stalls, show jumping, dog trials, sheep shearing and children’s entertainment. Gin Fest Arrowtown takes place at Butlers Green in February and offers a taste of New Zealand’s growing gin scene, including Arrowtown’s own Rifters Gin.

In late February-early March, Motatapu is an off-road sporting event set within the stunning landscape of the Motatapu, Soho, and Glencoe Stations and finishes up in Arrowtown. Access to the stations is normally closed to the public except for this event, and the atmosphere is electric and full of camaraderie. Another popular event is the Summer Concert Tour in the neighbouring area of Gibbston which features New Zealand and international acts set amongst the vines.

3. Experience the great outdoors

Arrowtown is blessed with nature right on its doorstep and the long summer days provide the opportunity to explore a lot of it. Mahu Whenua, New Zealand's largest privately owned protected land, borders Arrowtown and its 53,000 hectares of conservation land contains a large trail network perfect for hiking, leisurely walks, or biking. If you want to bike during your time in Arrowtown, head to Better By Bike or Arrowtown Bike Hire to get kitted out and try the new Wharehuanui Trail or the ever-popular Arrow River Bridges Trail. The team at Lakes District Museum also have maps and guides to help you plan. If you need some clothes or gear for your outdoor adventure, visit Outside Sports or The Woolpress. Their stores have clothing, shoes, sleeping bags and camping gear, as well as hiking and biking gear.

Traditional self-sufficient camping is an option at Macetown, one of the most intact historic goldfield towns in Otago. It’s a 15km walk, bike or 4WD from Arrowtown along a road that crosses the Arrow River numerous times (sometimes knee deep or higher in places). While you’re there you can explore the remains and head up the valley to the Homeward Bound Stamper Battery. It’s a free, but basic, DOC campsite where you will need to leave nothing behind. Another camping option closer to home is at the Arrowtown Holiday Park. It’s just a few minutes to the town centre and offers fully self-contained tourist flats, ensuite studios, lodge rooms, as well as powered sites, tent sites and electric vehicle sites.

4. Taste the terroir of the region

Arrowtown is close to Ayrburn and Amisfield wineries as well as the scenic and renowned wineries of Gibbston which include Gibbston Valley and Kinross. Head there on bike via the Gibbston River Trail or with a local guide and make a day of it. Or if you want to taste the Otago’s renowned Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris or Rosé without leaving Arrowtown, head to Bettys Liquor Store or The Winery. The Winery is a unique concept where you can taste over 100 of New Zealand's best wines, whisky and gins in one convenient, luxurious location. On a sunny summer afternoon head to their outdoor area and relax with a glass accompanied by one of their cheeseboards or tapas plates.

5. Head to the water

The Arrow River (Haehaenui) is where you will find many people in the height of summer – you’ll see grown-ups going for a dip, kids making river dams or swinging from rope swings, dogs splashing in the water, as well as people panning for gold or fishing. The outdoor Arrowtown Memorial Pool is also open over the summer months and is a great afternoon hang-out next to Rose Douglas playground. It has a main pool with swim lanes, a toddler pool, snack shop and picnic area, and changing rooms.

6. Unwind at a local after a day in the sun

Many local eateries offer live music to accompany their menus over the summer months. A popular, casual spot is New Orleans which has live music, a pool table and darts board, and outdoor deck. They also cover all the big sport games on their screens. Bendix Stables and The Fork & Tap also regularly have live music in their outdoor gardens while The Blue Door is a perfect late-night retreat for live music or ‘Tiny Room Concert’ shows accompanied by a glass of wine and good company. If you’re after al fresco dining, La Rumbla offers a delicious tapas selection and extensive cocktail menu ideal for a warm summer evening while Slow Cuts offers a more laid back family-friendly vibe.

Visit our Walking & Hiking page and Biking page for more outdoor inspiration.

Key Takeaways

• Arrowtown is 20 minutes from Queenstown and makes an excellent day trip or base for summer in the Southern Lakes, with a quieter pace and strong local character.
• Golf is a summer highlight — Millbrook Resort, The Hills and the local Arrowtown Golf Club all offer memorable rounds with spectacular scenery.
• The Arrow River (Haehaenui) is the social heart of Arrowtown in summer — swimming, gold panning, fishing and picnics are all popular.
• Cycling and biking trails fan out from the town centre, including the Arrow River trail and connections to the wider Queenstown Trail network.
• Al fresco dining on Buckingham Street and at nearby wineries is a summer ritual worth building time into any itinerary.