When you think autumn in New Zealand, you think Arrowtown. The dazzling display of colour makes it easy to see why Arrowtown has won ‘New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Small Town’ twice.
But there’s more to do in Arrowtown in autumn than gaze in awe at the leaves. Here are a few ideas.
1. Take a tour
Spend a day or an afternoon with a local guide and get the chance to explore off-the-beaten paths in Arrowtown. Lakes District Museum also offers personalised tours of its museum, the old Gaol (jail), the Police Hut and the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. Or explore the town at your own pace with a historic walk guide from the Museum or read the information panels dotted around – you may even find the ‘X’ marks the spot where Jack Tewa found gold in 1862.
2. Celebrate autumn with the locals
The Arrowtown Autumn Festival encapsulates all the season means to the town – coming together, sharing food and drink, enjoying the stunning scenery, and enjoying each other’s company. The festival is run by a passionate group of local volunteers and each year, the festival gets bigger and better. The school, preschool and wider community all join in with epic floats for the parade. There is also a market day, walks and treasure hunts, arts and crafts, workshops, performances, and the local favourite ‘Pie, Pint and Pinot’ which casts a spotlight on local brews and locally made and sourced pies and is always a fun afternoon.
3. Get artistic
There aren’t many small towns more photogenic than Arrowtown. As the leaves turn vibrant yellow, red and amber and frame the historic streets, the Arrow River and the hillsides, it starts to get hard to take a bad photo. Favourite spots for autumnal colour include the old Police Hut near Dudley’s Green, the trees at Library Green and the avenue of trees at Millbrook Resort. This scenery has inspired many local artists and sculptors and their creations are a must-see. Many artists do commissions and also open their studios for viewings so you can view them at work and ask questions. Some places to check out include Jenny Mehrtens Artist, Fiona Garlick Gallery and Giraffe Art Gallery.
4. Explore the outdoors
The cooler autumn weather makes it the perfect time to hike, bike or play golf whilst enjoying the scenery. Head to one of the golf courses on Arrowtown’s doorstep – The Hills, Millbrook Resort, and Arrowtown Golf Club. Bring your bike or hire one and explore the bike trails around Arrowtown. Ride along the purpose-built Arrow River Bridges Trail to the wineries at Gibbston and taste the latest vintage from places like Kinross and Gibbston Valley. Take a gentle spin beside the Arrow River or around Lake Hayes. If walking or hiking is more your thing, there are many walks from straightforward ambles to advanced expeditions and you will be rewarded with breathtaking views down into the Whakatipu Basin or across the mountains and valleys of Mahu Whenua.
5. Taste the region
Arrowtown is a foodie’s heaven and the local culture is entwined in it. Do as the locals do and come together with family and friends to enjoy the variety of delicious local food and drink on offer. Although the town is small, you will find fine-dining establishments, gastropubs, cafés and coffee as well as Asian-fusion cuisine, wineries and bars. Some autumnal options that blend both seasonal food and local wine include Amisfield, Ayrburn, and Mora. Other highlights include Royalburn Farm Shop for fresh local produce and meats straight off Royalburn Station farm, and Rifters Gin for locally made small batch gins, but there are so many options.
Visit the Events page to find out more about what’s happening in autumn in Arrowtown.
Author: APBA
