Arrowtown, locality in Queenstown-Lakes District, Otago Region, New Zealand
Arrowtown is a small settlement in the Queenstown-Lakes district of New Zealand. The village sits along the Arrow River in a wide valley surrounded by mountains, with low-rise buildings of historical character arranged along a few main streets.
The settlement began during the gold rush in the 1860s when prospectors discovered gold in the Arrow River. It developed quickly as a supply center for gold seekers and has kept many buildings from that early era.
The place is best explored on foot since the main streets are close together and most destinations are within a few minutes walk. The valley has limited parking, so it makes sense to arrive early or park at the edge of the village.
The valley is known for its autumn foliage, especially the red and orange colors of the trees along the river that provide rare color for New Zealand. Visitors who hike into the surrounding hills discover old mines and shafts left from the gold mining days.
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