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Arrowtown Millennium Trail

This trail is extremely popular but don't let that put you off

This trail was built by Otago Regional Council in 1998 to commemorate 150 years of European Settlement in Otago and is a must do short walk or ride when visiting Arrowtown.

About this Trail

  • GETTING THERE
  • PLAN AND PREPARE
  • TRAIL CODE
  • GUIDED OPTIONS
  • NATURE AND HISTORY
  • FAQ'S

GETTING THERE

You'll find plenty of parking in Arrowtown including a large carpark just off Ramshaw Lane and another adjacent to Dudley's Cottage (accessible from Buckingham St).

The Millennium Trail is part of the Arrow River Bridges Trail, and connects to both the Countryside Trail at Arrowtown (towards Lower Shotover and Frankton) and the Gibbston River Trail (towards Gibbston

Transport is readily available to and from Arrowtown for you and your bikes - get in touch with one of our Official Partners for bike hire, transport options or to book a guided tour.

PLAN AND PREPARE

This site is loaded with maps, information and advice

Here’s how to get the most out of it:
1.       Choose your ride: You’ll be spoilt for choice – so many options, so many trails.
Find rides to suit your experience and timeframes.

2.       Plan your adventure: To find local places to eat, stay and discover, check out our Official Partners directory listings. You’ll find tour operators, transport providers, cafes, wineries and activities and so much more.

3.       Download a map or the Great Rides app

4.       Explore the Queenstown Trail video

For more information on how to stay safe on your trip go here 

TRAIL CODE

Here are a few important pointers to foster positive attitudes between different trail users and remember we are lucky that many local landowners have given us access to their private property.

  • Share the trail with care and use a bell
  • Keep to the left and pass on the right
  • Bikers give way to walkers
  • Stay in control so you can safely avoid other users and keep yourself safe
  • Be patient behind slower riders and pull over where practical to let faster riders pass
  • Keep to the trail, don’t trespass on private land
  • Horses are generally not permitted on the Queenstown Trail, except for approved shared-use sections
  • Dogs need to be under control at all times - check out QLDC's rules and regs around dog walking in the district here
  • Light no fires
  • Report all hazards
  • Keep streams and lakes clean
  • Bury toilet waste
  • Take your rubbish home with you
  • Protect plants and animals

GUIDED OPTIONS

Many of our Official Partners offer guided tours and shuttles to and from the start and end points of the trails - allowing you to ultimately tailor your trail experience and pick up tons of local knowledge and discover secret spots along the way!

Click here to see our Trail Directory.

NATURE AND HISTORY

The historical note which propelled the Arrow Basin to fame was the discovery of gold in 1862. You'll find an ‘X marks the spot’ sign which indicates where Jack Tewa (Maori Jack) found the first flecks, shining in the Arrow River. Two mining parties followed, one led by Thomas Low and John MacGregor, the other by William Fox and John O’Callaghan. Both managed to keep the find under wraps. It was not until they had loaded over 54kg between them that the rush was on. A year later, over 1500 miners swarmed the basin, including the upper settlement of Macetown.

By 1874, Cardrona was also in boom times and a track was constructed over the Crown Range to the Cardrona Valley. Tobins Track, named after Thomas Tobin an Irishman who won the roading contract, follows the old road and the hillside is awash with colour.

FAQ'S

Go to the Frequently Asked Questions page to find answers to any questions you may have before you head out onto the trail.

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