Arrowtown is the perfect base for a family winter adventure – it’s close to the mountains with a vibrant village to entertain you when you’re having time away from the snow.
Whether you’re looking to replenish or burn off some energy, here are some of our top winter family-friendly activities.
1. Eat at a family-friendly restaurant
The whole family will be happy at the many Arrowtown eateries that have children’s menus. That’s not to say youngsters won’t find something to suit them everywhere, it’s just that some go the extra mile. Check out the menus at Slow Cuts, Postmasters Kitchen + Bar, The Dishery or the Hole in One Café at Millbrook Resort. Bendix Stables has a children’s menu and kids can also toast marshmallows and make their own s’mores at the outdoor fireplace before running around Buckingham Green.
2. Explore the outdoors
Arrowtown is in a prime position right next to a crystal-clear river and a vast mountain wilderness crisscrossed by tracks. The trail next to the Arrow River is ideal for family walks – it’s a gentle gravel trail that you can push a pram along. Bush Creek is another popular walking spot that begins at the historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. The kids will love exploring the tiny, ramshackle huts which date back to the 1860s gold rush. If you want to travel further afield, rent a bike, e-bike, kid’s trailer or seat from Better By Bike or Arrowtown Bike Hire. Make sure you dress warm and wear appropriate shoes, as the winter weather can change quickly in our alpine environment.
3. Stock up for a day in the snow
Arrowtown is just 20-minutes from Coronet Peak or take a drive up the Crown Range to Cardrona Resort and Snow Farm. Make your snow day easier by stocking up before you leave Arrowtown. Head to the Arrowtown Four Square or Night n Day for supplies or bring some takeaways with you. Many local eateries offer takeaway and some options include crib, Arrowtown Bakery, and Fergbutcher. If you need winter layers, many Arrowtown shops sell merino and warm clothes for all ages including Outside Sports, Golden Fleece, and The Woolpress.
4. Enjoy a treat or two
There are several places to indulge on a busy winter’s day. Wolf Coffee is a local coffee roastery with a cabinet filled with freshly made bomboloni donuts. Head there early to grab one. Patagonia Chocolates is an Arrowtown institution which offers handcrafted chocolates and truffles, as well as a wide range of ice creams and desserts. Remarkable Sweet Shop is a confectionery wonderland with treats from all reaches of the world on its shelves. They make their nougat and fudge locally in Arrowtown and flavours include nods to Kiwi favourites like Jelli Tip, Coconut Rough, Hokey Pokey, as well as the hugely popular Crème Brulee. The Arrowtown Pharmacy and the Post Office are also some of the stores which stock a wide range of children’s gifts and toys.
5. Relax indoors
Dorothy Browns is an independent, boutique picture theatre (and bookstore). The cinemas have large comfortable armchairs, beanbags and blankets so you can get cosy. They also have popcorn, ice cream and sweets for the kids and cheeseboards and drinks for the adults. Or head to the Arrowtown Library and relax with a book or join a child-friendly activity during term time.
6. Pan for gold
If you’re up to it, winter can be a great time to pan for gold in the cold waters of the Arrow River (Haehaenui), especially after a recent rainfall. Dress warm, hire a gold pan from the Lakes District Museum for just a few dollars and try out your luck. You can also ask a local guide to show you how to do it or visit the RAW gold panning trough by Rainbow Doorways to experience panning without getting wet.
7. Explore the Lakes District Museum
The Lakes District Museum is a treasure-trove of historical artefacts and the displays are interactive and designed in a way to make history approachable for all ages. One of these displays is a replica classroom where your kids can don some clothing from the dress-up box and pretend they are part of a class from the 19th century. At the front desk, ask about their treasure hunts and explore the museum together in a fun, entertaining way as you find out the stories behind the gold rush that turned Queenstown and Arrowtown into a frenzy.
Visit our Arrowtown in winter page or view our other winter articles for more inspiration.
Author: APBA
