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18 BEST Things to do in Arrowtown, New Zealand

18 BEST Things to do in Arrowtown, New Zealand

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Are you looking to escape the busy city life and explore one New Zealand’s cutest towns? Let me introduce Arrowtown to you!

It’s been one of my favorite retreats ever since I made the permanent move to Queenstown. But with that said, Arrowtown really is a destination all on its own, with its laid-back atmosphere and surprisingly long list of things to do.

I know all too well that it can be tricky figuring out what to do when you visit somewhere for the first time, so I hope that this guide of the 18 best activities to do in Arrowtown will end your search. So, let’s get stuck in!

Arrowtown FAQS

Bailey smiles at the Camera in Arrowtown, New Zealand
Arrowtown in the summer is so beautiful!

Things to do in Arrowtown

1. Wander the main street of Arrowtown

Buckingham Street in Arrowtown, New Zealand
Shop till you drop!

Every trip to Arrowtown should involve a wander down Buckingham Street. This vibrant street is home to many of Arrowtown’s best places to visit, including restaurants, bars, and plenty of unique architecture. I often come here to enjoy the warm weather on a nice day and visit a restaurant or bar for a drink under the sun.

If you want to pick up a souvenir or two, Arrowtown is the place to be! There are almost more souvenir shops in Arrowtown than in Queenstown, and they are all stacked with plenty of cool gifts to take back home.

There are also a ton of small boutique stores selling high-quality products, such as clothing made of cozy New Zealand wool and plenty of handcrafted goods. What I love so much about shopping in Arrowtown is that you can pretty much see it all on one street – it’s basically an outdoor mall!

As for the architecture, well, it’s everywhere! Just look around, take in the views, and be sure to visit the old post office and telephone box – I bet lots of kids these days would’ve never seen one!

2. Visit the Chinese Settlement

Bailey stands in the doorway of one of the Chinese Settlement houses in Arrowtown, NZ
The houses are tiny!
An old house from the Chinese Settlement in Arrowtown, NZ
The winters must have been so cold!

Buckingham Street was the place where Europeans wanted to live back in the gold mining days. However, Chinese miners were forced to live in small huts along Bush Creek just outside the main town. These huts certainly weren’t fancy, and the comparison of how both cultures lived in Arrowtown is easy to see.

The Arrowtown Chinese Settlement showcases this, with actual huts from those days still standing today. Some of the huts have also been restored, so visitors can step back in time and see just how hard Chinese settlers had it back then. Just imagine the cold nights!

You can reach the settlement by walking along Buckingham Street toward Bush Creek. The Chinese Settlement is located on the grassed area, and it’s completely free to visit.

3. Hike Big Hill

Bailey stands on the summit of Big Hill in Arrowtown, New Zealand
I love this trail because no one does it!

One of the best hikes in Arrowtown is Big Hill. Famous for tussock grass, breathtaking views, and the fact it remains off the beaten path, Big Hill Trail is a must-do for those who love hiking.

Big Hill Trail starts at the end of Buckingham Street in Arrowtown and follows the Te Araroa Trail until you reach Eichardt’s Flats. Here, you continue on to the Big Hill Saddle.

After reaching the saddle, you can either hike back down or take the trail to Sawpit Gully. Personally, I think that hiking up to the saddle and back down the way you came is a great hike with stunning views over Arrowtown and the surrounding mountains.

There are also options to hike a full loop that walks the ridgeline toward Coronet Peak or over to Macetown. Honestly, I’ve never done these trails, and instead I opt to hike up and back down the way I came!

This trail can be a little confusing to hike, so it’s not recommended for young families or those with no experience in backcountry hiking.

Related Read: Big Hill is also considered one of the best hikes in Queenstown.

4. Drink craft beer at Slow Cuts

Pouring a bottle of Lake and Wood Beer Co at Slow Cuts in Arrowtown
Get in my belly!

Craft beer and amazing food in a cute town? It really doesn’t get better than that, and sometimes, the best thing to do in any city or town is just to sit back and people-watch while enjoying the atmosphere and good vibes.

By far the best place to do that is at Slow Cuts in Arrowtown. Not only is the food to die for, but they also serve Lake and Wood Brew Co beer, which is from a local brewery here in Arrowtown. This small brewery doesn’t have a taproom just yet, so the only place to try their delicious craft beer is at restaurants around Arrowtown and Queenstown.

If you get to Slow Cuts before the lunch rush, grab a seat outside. It’s really the perfect place for a relaxed lunch in Arrowtown! In fact, it even tops my list of the best restaurants in Arrowtown!

Slow Cuts is open from 12 pm to 9 pm Saturday to Tuesday, and 4 pm to 9 pm Wednesday to Friday.

5. Explore Arrowtown in the fall

A street in Arrowtown in the fall showing beautiful colors
Arrowtown is so beautiful in the fall!

There isn’t a more beautiful place to visit in the South Island during fall than Arrowtown. In the months between March and May, the trees around Arrowtown turn into a sea of yellow, red, and orange. Visiting Arrowtown in the fall is actually a well-known New Zealand bucket list experience, and I visit on multiple occasions every year.

For the best colors, be sure to arrive around mid-April. During this time, the colors really are insane, and you’ll be able to explore the cute streets and historic buildings surrounded by Autumn leaves. It’s so beautiful and makes one of the quietest times to visit Arrowtown even better!

6. Have drinks at The Blue Door Arrowtown

Cocktails from The Blue Door Arrowtown
The cocktails are amazing!
Live music at The Blue Door Arrowtown
This is my favorite bar for live music!

The trendiest place to drink in Arrowtown is at The Blue Door. This cool bar is a local secret you’ll find tucked away down a side alley of Buckingham Street. It’s the place to come for cocktails, wine, and live music.

The bar is really cozy with a fireplace and lounge-style seating for only around 30 people. Cozy up by the fire with a drink in hand – sounds like my kind of night!

Back in the early 1900s, The Blue Door was actually a cold-storage area for food, before being transformed into the secret bar we know today 30 years ago. Their margaritas are fantastic, and you can check out their full drinks menu here.

There are always lots of events on at The Blue Door so be sure to check their Facebook before arriving so you can pick the best night to go. I actually found this place through some friends of mine who used to play live music in Queenstown. Without them, I’d never know about this gem, and maybe neither would you! Regardless, now you do, so don’t miss it!

The Blue Door opens its doors from 5 pm to 1 am Wednesday to Sunday, and is closed Monday and Tuesday.

7. Enjoy a coffee at Provisions

A coffee, smoothie and muffin at Provisions Cafe Queenstown
The perfect meal!

Dining in Arrowtown doesn’t get much better than at Provisions of Arrowtown Café. It’s one of the best cafés in Arrowtown and is located in an old historic building with a beautiful terrace and gardens. They bake their own bread, serve amazing coffee, and the atmosphere is honestly addictive!

My go-to breakfast meal is the “Provisions Benedict.” I’m a sucker for eggs benny (as they call it in New Zealand) and at Provisions, I can have it all day. For a quick meal on the go, I get a coffee, a smoothie, and one of their homemade pastries. Another favorite of mine is the Bombay Bowl, which is vegan and the flavors are to die for.

Meals here at Provisions are also pretty reasonably priced, costing between $18 – $32 NZD for a main, and you can add as many sides as you’d like!

Although Provisions is open from 8 am to 4 pm, they only serve food until 3 pm, so be sure to get there for brunch (my favorite time). With the sun up and the shaded trees, you won’t find a better place to relax with a coffee in Arrowtown.

8. Visit The Remarkable Sweet Shop

Candy at the Remarkable Sweet Shop in Arrowtown
So much to choose from!
Selection of chocolate at the Remarkable Sweet Shop in Arrowtown, NZ
The salted caramel is my favorite!

Got a sweet tooth like me? Then you’ll likely almost fall over when you walk through the door at The Remarkable Sweet Shop in Arrowtown. Just picture floor to ceiling shelves of candy and glass cabinets filled with fudge, brownies, and chocolates.

The most famous candy you HAVE to try at The Remarkable Sweet Shop is their homemade fudge. They actually offer free tastings, so you can certainly try before you buy and pick the most delicious flavor. If you’re like me, I’m sure you’ll come out with a few different ones!

Open from 9 am to 5:30 pm daily, the shopfront is located in downtown Arrowtown on Buckingham Street, so it’s almost impossible to miss. But just in case you do, they also have a shop in Queenstown!

banner asking people to click to join the Queenstown Diary Facebook Group

9. Drive up Crown Range Road

Bailey at Crown Range Road Scenic Lookout
It’s the most beautiful view of my home!
Crown Range road in summer in New Zealand looking towards Queenstown
What a spectacular drive!

If you’ve already made it all the way to Arrowtown and you have a car, then be sure to take a drive up to Crown Range Road for an epic view over the Wakatipu Basin. From Arrowtown, you can reach Crown Range Road Scenic Lookout in around 15 minutes, but if you stop along the way (and you should), I’d allow around 30.

Once you’re at the lookout, you can enjoy the view from your vehicle or take a short walk up to Crown Range Summit for an even better view. In the distance, you’ll be able to spot Lake Wakatipu and even Queenstown. Another cool viewpoint on the way up is the Arrow Junction Lookout Point. It’s pictured above, just in case you were wondering if it’s worth checking out (hint, it is)!

If you’ve already planned to drive from Queenstown to Wanaka then you can give this activity a miss as it’s one of the best stops along the way. However, for those not going to Wanaka, don’t miss driving New Zealand’s highest main road.

Related Read: For more nearby road trip ideas, check out my guide to the Queenstown to Glenorchy road trip and Queenstown to Mount Cook Road trip.

10. Walk the Sawpit Gully Track

Views at the top of Sawpit Gully Track, Arrowtown
Views at the top of Sawpit Gully Track

The Sawpit Gully Track is a beautiful short hike in Arrowtown that leads up German Hill before looping back down to Arrowtown. The trail starts just past the Chinese Settlement and in total is 8 kilometers (5 miles) long with a 400-meter (1,312 feet) elevation gain taking around 2.5 hours.

On the trail, you can expect beautiful views over the valley, the Arrow River, and even spot Lake Hayes in the distance. In spring, you can even see lots of lupins in full bloom along the track.

I recommend walking counterclockwise for a more enjoyable hike. Although steeper in parts, you get more rest on the flat areas as opposed to the consistent incline going clockwise. Also, be aware you may get wet feet crossing the river and it does get muddy!

Although there are lots of amazing hikes in Arrowtown I love Sawpit Gully Track for its ideal length and difficulty. Not too hard, not too easy, but a great trail with breathtaking views.

11. Watch a movie at the Dorthy Browns Cinema and Bar

Bailey out the front of Dorthy Browns Cinema and Bar in Arrowtown
Date nights in Arrowtown!

Going to the cinema isn’t the typical activity you’d expect to do on a holiday to New Zealand, but with the unique experience offered at the Dorothy Browns Cinema and Bar in Arrowtown, you might want to consider it.

This boutique cinema takes you back to the old days of watching a movie when it was about the experience, not just the film. Sit back with a glass of wine, cheeseboard, and snacks to watch a classic, enjoying an intermission halfway through for a top-up and break. Expect an intimate setting with large comfy seats and blankets to cozy up with. It’s the old-school cinema experience with plenty of luxuries.

Be sure to check in advance what showings they have on. It regularly changes, so you’re sure to find something you want to see! Tickets cost $19 NZD per adult and $12 NZD for kids. You can also get family tickets for 2 adults and 2 children for $54 NZD.

12. Enjoy amazing views on the Tobins Track

Views at the top of the Tobins Track in Arrowtown
What a view!

For a short but breathtaking hike, jump onto the Tobins Track. The trail starts at the end of Ford Street and leads up a steep trail to a viewpoint over the Wakatipu Basin with views of Lake Hayes and Lake Wakatipu. At the top, there are some benches to relax on, so you can enjoy the magnificent views.

It takes just over an hour to walk the track up and back the way you came, without allowing for a break up at the top. The trail is also used by 4WD vehicles, so keep an eye out and keep kids close by. If you want, you can also join this trail with the New Chums Gully Track (around the halfway point) and loop yourself back to Arrowtown via the Arrow River. This takes another 1.5 hours.

At 4.5 km (2.8 mi) out and back. the Tobins Track is easily the best short hike in Arrowtown and perfect for those who want to enjoy amazing views without a huge amount of effort.

13. Visit a winery

a lady pours some wine at Akura Wines near Queenstown
Try before you buy? Yes, please!

Wine is a huge part of the Otago Region where Arrowtown is located. In fact, the nearby Gibbston Valley is one of the best boutique wine regions in New Zealand and a place I absolutely love to visit. However, you don’t have to drive all the way to the Gibbston Valley to taste amazing wine. Within a short drive of Arrowtown, you can explore lots of different wineries.

One of my favorites is Akarua Wines located only 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from Arrowtown. This winery is located in a beautiful garden only a short walk from Lake Hayes. I actually visited this winery on a wine tour, but now make regular trips there to pick up a bottle or two.

This half-day wine tour that I just mentioned actually visits four different boutique wineries and is limited to just 12 people per group, which helps the entire experience feel much more personalized and intimate. Getting to know the group is a big part of any wine tour, and to me, this is the perfect group size. This tour also includes a fantastic light platter lunch as well as transport including pick up from Arrowtown, all for $239 NZD per person!

If you’re looking for a full-day wine tour, then this gourmet food and wine tour will be right up your street. You’ll visit multiple wineries over the course of 6 and a half hours – I’m sure by the end of it you’ll be our latest Otago wine expert! It also includes a final mini-tour of Arrowtown, as well as a delicious lunch plus pick-up and drop-off from Arrowtown and Queenstown.

If you don’t want to go on a tour, then in Arrowtown you could also head directly to The Winery Arrowtown. Although not actually a winery, you can taste a huge selection of Otago wines and also spirits here.

Related Read: If you want to visit Lake Hayes after visiting Akarua wines, check out my guide to the Lake Hayes Loop.

14. Play a round of golf

The Millbrook Golf Course in Arrowtown
Not a bad place to play a round of golf! Too bad I suck!

If you’re a golf lover, it’s likely you’ll already know that the Wakatipu Basin is home to lots of amazing golf courses. Near Arrowtown, there are actually three world-class courses to choose from, making Arrowtown a great place for golfers to stay.

The closest to town is Millbrook Resort which is famous in the area and has won a ton of awards. They actually have a whopping 27 holes, so you certainly won’t get bored on the course. Although open all year round, the best time to go is from October to April, and during this time, green fees are $215 NZD for 18 holes! It’s certainly not the cheapest, but with epic views, it’ll be one truly memorable experience.

If the price is a concern to you, then the best option is Arrowtown Golf Club. Green fees here are only $140 NZD for visitors, and for that, you’ll get to enjoy 18 holes with breathtaking scenery. They also have both men’s and mixed competitions on the weekends that you can join!

If you’re a bucket list golfer traveling the world to visit the best courses, then Hills Golf Club is the best choice – if you can even play, that is. Because the club is so exclusive, only members can play, with the exception of a few visitor time slots. If you want to play, book well in advance!

15. Explore the Lakes District Museum & Gallery

For the history buffs among us, the Lakes District Museum & Gallery should be high on your Arrowtown bucket list. The museum has lots of displays and information on early Maori life in the area, something that I believe Queenstown needs more of. On top of that, it shows the hardships faced by the early European settlers and also the crazy days of the Otago gold rush.

Entrance to the museum is only $12 NZD for adults and $5 NZD for children still at school (kids under 5 go free).

16. Pan for gold

Panning for old in Arrowtown, New Zealand
No nuggets this time!

For visitors looking for a fun activity in Queenstown that just might pay off (quite literally), gold panning is very popular. You can rent gold pans from the Lakes District Museum & Gallery for only $5 NZD and take the kids down to the Arrow River to pan for gold. It’s a relaxing activity that’s fun for the family and really cheap.

Gold was first found in the Arrow River in 1862 and that discovery started a huge gold rush in the area that attracted miners from all over the world, including Australia and the United States. As they rushed to the area to find gold, miners set up make-shift towns filled with tents, bars, and shops. These towns would later be called Arrowtown and Queenstown.

It’s safe to say gold put Arrowtown on the map and played a hugely important role in developing the area into what it is today. However, as the gold dried up, the gold miners left. The funny thing is though, the gold isn’t gone, it just became unprofitable to mine, so you can definitely still find some!

This half-day gold panning experience is the perfect way to immerse yourself in this fascinating chapter of history, and who knows, you might get lucky! The tour visits some of the most important locations in the gold rush period, and I’m sure by the end of it you’ll have learned a ton about all things gold in Arrowtown!

Tickets for this experience cost $194 NZD per person, with pick-up and drop-off from Queenstown and Arrowtown included. You’ll also get to visit key areas around Arrowtown, including the Chinese Settlement, making this a fantastic tour of Arrowtown too! You can check availability and book your spot on this tour here.

17. Bike ride from Arrowtown to the Gibbston Valley

Arrow River, New Zealand

Two of the best bike trails in the area are the Arrow River Bridges Trail and Gibbston River Wine Trail. The two trails actually link up with the Arrow River Bridges Trail that starts in Arrowtown.

On the trail, you’ll cycle along the Arrow River, crossing five bridges and finishing at the Kawarau Bridge where the Gibbston River Wine Trail begins. It’s 13 kilometers (8 miles) to the bridge and only takes one hour to reach. Once on the Gibbston River Trail, you can visit wineries including Gibbston Valley Winery and Peregrine Winery on the 11-kilometer-long (6.8-mile) trail (one-way).

To cycle both trails and explore the Gibbston Valley on a bike, you’ll need most of the day. Of course, you only have to go as far as you want before turning back, and riding the full Gibbston River Trail isn’t necessary to visit a few wineries.

This is two bike trails combined to make one fun day out, but for those traveling with kids, even the Arrow River Bridges Trail is worth doing on its own!

For a totally seamless experience, I’d highly recommend this full-day bike and winery tour, which follows the exact route I’ve mentioned above, including bike and helmet rental, discounts at the wineries, as well as a shuttle at the beginning and end of the trail. Now that’s what I call efficient!

Tickets for this experience cost $100 NZD per person, with pick-up and drop-off from Queenstown. You’ll also get to visit Arrowtown along the way, making this a day out to remember! You can check availability and book your self-guided tour online here.

18. Take a stroll along the Arrow River

Bailey enjoys a walk along the Arrow River in Arrowtown, New Zealand
Such a lovely place to take a stroll!
The Arrow River in Arrowtown, New Zealand
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for gold!

The Arrow River runs right through Arrowtown, making for a very scenic place to take a walk, have a picnic, and just enjoy the great outdoors. The river is beautiful, especially where it runs through Arrowtown so don’t miss the chance to enjoy the views and even let the kids feed the ducks.

This is a short activity, but for those on a budget who brought a packed lunch, it’s the perfect place to relax. Better yet, it’s completely free! If you plan on doing gold panning, be sure to rent your pan before you head down, that way you can enjoy two fantastic activities in one.

How to Get to Arrowtown

the outside of a public bus in Queenstown driving on the street
The public bus is one of your best options.

Being just a 20-minute, 20-km (12.4-mile) drive from Queenstown, it’s easy to see why so many locals and tourists like to visit and spend the day in Arrowtown. Before we hop into all the fun activities there are to do in this cute little town, let’s take a look at the different ways you can get here!

Bus

One of the most affordable ways to travel from Queenstown to Arrowtown (and back again), is by bus. From the Stanley Street Bus Hub B, you can grab the line 2 bus toward Arrowtown, which departs every half an hour from 6:05 am to 10:05 pm. As there’s a stop at Frankton on the way, the journey takes around 40 minutes in total. You can even track your bus over on the Orbus website!

Fares cost around $8-10 NZD per person, however if you grab yourself a Bee Card you can get to Arrowtown for just $2 NZD! A Bee Card costs just $5 NZD, so if you use it just once to get to Arrowtown you’ve already paid off the price of the card. It’s a great buy for using public transport in and around Queenstown.

The last bus back to Queenstown leaves Arrowtown at 9:55 pm, but if you don’t want the fun to stop, there are a bunch of great hotels in Arrowtown where you can spend the night.

Important note: You can only use cash or a Bee card to pay for the bus, so make sure to bring some change with you if you haven’t grabbed a card yet.

Driving

Driving to Arrowtown is definitely the most flexible option, and the drive is pretty straightforward! You can either head north out of Queenstown along Gorge Road, or head east out of town along Frankton Road. I usually take Gorge Road to avoid traffic, but depending on the time of day, either is a pretty good option.

If you don’t have a car, then renting a car is a great idea, especially if you’re planning a road trip! You’re also not limited to the bus timetable.

On a tour

Don’t want to worry about the hassle of arranging transport and deciding which activities to try? Well, going on an organized tour to Arrowtown handles all those things for you! For the easiest and most seamless experience, you can’t beat going on a tour.

Of course, organized tours are pricier than simply arranging transport for yourself, but they also include a ton of fun activities, as well as guidance from an expert local. You’ll get to learn a bunch of fun facts and stories, as well as have any questions you have answered, all in one complete package.

One of the most highly reviewed Arrowtown tours (and one I’ve tried myself!), is this half-day Arrowtown and Wanaka highlights tour that visits some of the very best spots, from Arrowtown’s charming main street to the famous Cardrona Hotel, and much more! Tickets cost $209 NZD per person, which includes pick-up and drop-off from central Queenstown.

Another popular experience that includes stops at Arrowtown is this half-day small-group tour, and if you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings, you’ll love this one! Limited to just 11 people, you’ll travel in a minivan to explore Lake Hayes, Arrowtown, a honey farm, and a few famous filming locations from the original trilogy. You can join this tour for just $139 NZD per person.

Bicycle

Last, but definitely not least, you can also bike from Queenstown to Arrowtown! There are some fantastic trails between the two towns, and you can easily make a day out of riding the trails while fitting in some urban exploration – my tip would be to bring a picnic lunch with you and stop off by the scenic Lake Hayes.

If you haven’t brought a bike with you – no problem! There are plenty of great places where you can rent out bikes in Queenstown and Arrowtown. My top picks from Queenstown would be Vertigo Bikes on Brecon Street and Outside Sports on Shotover Street. From Arrowtown, you can rent out bikes from Arrowtown Bike Hire on Buckingham Street!

This full-day self-guided mountain biking tour would be my top pick if you’re looking for an organized bike experience. It begins with a short shuttle from Queenstown to Arrowtown, where you’ll have a little time to explore the town, before you pick up your bike and set off on the trails.

With loads of fantastic stopping points (photo opportunities galore!), you’ll end your day back in Queenstown, dropping off your bike at their shop.

The experience costs just $90 NZD per person, and I love that you can travel entirely at your own pace. It includes bike use as well as a helmet for no extra cost, plus a detailed map of the bike trails in the area! You can check availability and book your spot online here.

Where to Stay in Arrowtown

tables along a river's edge at the Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown
The nicest place to stay in Arrowtown is definitely The Millbrook Resort. Photo Credit: Millbrook Resort

Arrowtown is a really cool place to stay in the Wakatipu Basin for those in the medium to high budget, with lots of great hotels to pick from. There are also lots of Airbnbs and bach/holiday homes available!

Arrowtown Holiday Park – $

While Arrowtown has lots of fantastic choices when it comes to midrange and luxury hotels, unfortunately there isn’t a great selection of budget options! That said, I’d class Arrowtown Holiday Park as budget-friendly, especially if you’re staying in a campervan or motorhome, or don’t mind camping in a tent.

A one-night stay in one of their Oregon lodges costs $92 NZD per night, however a tent site starts at $45 NZD, and a powered site costs $58 NZD per night. You can check availability and reserve your accommodation here on Booking.com.

Settlers Cottage Motel – $$

One of my favorite mid-range hotels is Settlers Cottage Motel. This boutique motel is located in a historic building that’s only a 5-minute walk from downtown Arrowtown. They have a limited selection of rooms that come in either studios or two-bedroom cottages and have free parking included.

Every room or cottage includes a kitchenette as well as a fridge – perfect for a short stay where you can prepare your lunches for the busy days ahead! Prices start at $199 NZD for a studio, and $319 NZD for a family of 4 in one of their bespoke cottages – you can check availability and book your room online here.

Millbrook Resort – $$$

For a more luxurious stay, consider spending a few nights at the Millbrook Resort (yep, remember the golf course with the epic views?). The resort is located on the outskirts of town and is pure luxury. With an indoor pool, outdoor jacuzzi, and the golf course at your front door, it’s easily one of the most luxurious places to stay in Arrowtown.

Rooms here at the Millbrook Resort aren’t cheap, starting at $560 NZD per night, but if you’re looking to spend some quality time in a super luxurious environment (and maybe a little golf!), then this might just be the accommodation you’re looking for. It is a popular resort though, so don’t forget to book your room in advance to secure your dates.

Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand

Bailey stands and smiles with a JUCY Campervan New Zealand
Bailey sits in a Star RV campervan in New Zealand with mountain in the background-2

Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!

You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:

  • Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
  • Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what most budget travelers use for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here. Alternatively, you can easily compare all campervans available in NZ on Motorhome Republic here.

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: I’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for my readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, I currently use and recommend SafetyWing. I’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had my back when I needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference I’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. I’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum and you get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped me out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given me peace of mind. Read my full review on if you should get travel insurance in NZ for more info!

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Bailey poses for a photo in Arrowtown, New Zealand
Thanks for reading!

I’ll say it, Arrowtown doesn’t get enough of the spotlight when compared to Queenstown! For those wanting a more tranquil experience away from the large crowds and hectic streets, Arrowtown really is the perfect place to visit. And with so many amazing things to do in Arrowtown, it’s a no-brainer when deciding whether to visit or not!

Thanks so much for reading! I sincerely hope this blog has helped shape your trip to Arrowtown and will make it one to remember. If you did love this blog, then you may want to browse around for lots more blogs about Queenstown and the surrounding area! I’ve also included a few guides below that I think you might like:

75 EPIC Things to do in Queenstown, NZ (2024 Guide!)

9 Best in Hikes in Glenorchy, New Zealand

ULTIMATE Guide to Visiting Queenstown in December

Elaine O'Rourke

Thursday 8th of February 2024

Thank you for all of your wonderful information. I am looking forward to Queenstown , Glenorchy and Arrowtown. Plus will look for other places you describe!

MUHAMMAD Zakria

Monday 17th of May 2021

Thanks for sharing very interesting and informative article.I have keen interest to visit Arrowtown (Queenstown).