With longer days and warmer weather, there’s more time to enjoy all that Arrowtown has to offer in springtime.
Arrowtown in spring means blue skies, blossoms and blooms, lush green hillsides and snowy peaks. Outdoor activities abound but there are also plenty of things to do if there is a spring shower – here are some ideas.
- Take in the culture
Explore and learn during your time in Arrowtown and uncover the rich mining history of the town and the vibrant community here today. Wander through the Lakes District Museum and find out about the early social and cultural history of the Whakatipu region. The Museum has artefacts and interactive displays and you can also ask the Museum staff for a tour of the old Gaol, or a gold pan to try panning at the Arrow River (Haehaenui).
Connect with a local guide and they can talk to you about the history of the town and the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. They can also show you some local hotspots and suggest activities for the rest of your stay.
Explore the growing art scene of Arrowtown and venture to one of the local sculptor or artist studios. There are many talented locals who love to talk about their craft and show their latest creations (many are available for purchase in-studio and most artists also do commissions). Some places to check out include Birdwoods Gallery, Astor Bristed, Jenny Mehrtens, and Fiona Garlick.
- Dine al fresco and taste local
Savour the spring sunshine over a delicious meal or drink at one of our many incredible eateries. Options that are perfect for al fresco dining include Postmasters Gastropub, The Dishery, Provisions, and Bendix Stables, or one of the eateries at Millbrook Resort.
Or BYO picnic and head to the hills or river. Get sushi or a bento box from Cave, a sandwich from Arrowtown Bakery, fish & chips from The Shed, a burger from Ferg Butcher, a curry or salad from Arrow Thai, or takeaway from one of the other many cafés in town. Just remember if you do picnic, please take your rubbish away with you.
- Go shopping
Arrowtown is renowned for its boutique locally-owned shops in addition to its artist studios. There are clothing stores like GOALS which offers luxury leisure and activewear as well as children’s clothing, Seletti and Angel Divine who stock designer fashion brands, Smith & Western which offers locally-designed clothing as well as décor, and Bunnies which stocks new & pre-loved designer clothing, shoes, bags and accessories. There are also stores with New Zealand knitwear including Golden Fleece and Te Huia, while Wilson & Dorset stocks a wide range of luxurious sheepskin rugs, beanbags and footstools.
Ogle and Francis Patterson offer homewares as well as delightful gift ideas for all ages. There are gift stores including The Gold Nugget which has been around since 1952 and stocks souvenirs, art and clothing, Lucy King Candles which offers locally made candles, and Rainbow Doorways which is a treasure trove of crystals, gemstones and gifts. If you are after books, peruse the Lakes District Museum, Arrowtown Post Office or Dorothy Browns.
- Enjoy a round of golf
Arrowtown is an absolute golfer’s dream with three golf courses on its doorstep and one more in development. Rent or bring your clubs to Arrowtown Golf Club, a local favourite and the oldest course in the area; or experience one of Arrowtown’s championship golf courses, Millbrook Resort or The Hills Golf Club. Millbrook is ranked #9 while The Hills is ranked #3.
- Head for the hills
Arrowtown has an extensive network of trails radiating from its centre – from easy riverside walks to serious alpine outings. October and November are ideal months for walking and hiking [link to hiking page] as the weather is temperate, trails are drying out after winter snow and the longer daylight hours make epic day trips possible. Depending on your ability, hikes along Sawpit Gully, New Chums Gully, or Miner’s Trail.
Chat to the team at the Information Centre for some tips, maps, and then make a plan. Take a picnic with you or some binoculars and immerse yourself in nature. If you are lucky, you might spot native birdlife like the New Zealand falcon (kārearea), fantails (piwakawaka), or bellbirds (korimako).
- Get involved with the community
Arrowtown locals are passionate about our town and in spring you will find them enjoying the outdoors and also attending community events like the Arrowtown Farmers Market and community planting days . Take a look at the Get Involved page if you are looking to give back during your stay.
- Ride the trails
Hire a bike or e-bike from Arrowtown Bike Hire or Better By Bikes and explore the wide variety of trails surrounding Arrowtown. Take a leisurely loop around the river trails or venture further towards the vines of Gibbston Valley, or cycle through Millbrook and around the Lake Hayes loop. Or if you are after something more exciting and challenging, head to the hills and ride the Bush Creek XC Loop, Murphys Run, or the Macetown Mountain Bike Trail. For advanced mountain bikers, there’s also the adrenalin pumping Corotown enduro trail.
- Enjoy the river
As the spring weather warms up, many locals and visitors enjoy the Arrow River (Haehaenui). Rent a gold pan and try your luck panning for gold, go for a splash, or simply bask in the spring sunshine at the river’s edge after collecting an ice-cream from the award-winning Patagonia Chocolates. From 1 November, it is also possible to fish for trout in the middle reaches of the river (as long as you have a permit).
- Go indoors
If you get caught out with a spring shower, there are a range of indoor activities to keep you entertained. In addition to the Lakes District Museum, shopping, art galleries and dining, there is the delightful Dorothy Browns which offers a variety of independent and mainstream movies as well as a book shop and gin bar. Or if you’re feeling indulgent, treat yourself with a spa treatment at Millbrook Resort or a new hairstyle at D’Or Hairstylists or Arrowtown Hair Co, or head to Remarkable Sweet Shop and have a Willy Wonka moment lost in the world of lollies, sweets and fudge.
Author: whitelawmitchell
