Arrowtown

Where the Countryside Trail connects with the Arrow River Bridges Trail

No visit to the Queenstown area is complete without a trip to beautiful, historic Arrowtown. An eclectic mix of cobbled alleyways, award-winning cafés and restaurants, galleries, traditional pubs and designer boutiques, Arrowtown is a perfect place to start your ride - and a destination in itself.

Arrowtown is one of New Zealand’s greatest treasures. Settled in 1862 during the goldrush, the little stone and wood cottages, churches and avenues of English Oaks and Sycamore trees have been beautifully preserved to remind us of this bygone era. The main street almost looks like a film set and when incredible colours blaze on the hillsides during Autumn, this quirky little town really comes to life.

For a taste of early life in the Wakatipu District, be sure to pay a visit to the Lakes District Museum. Displays portray pre-European Maori, European settlement and the excitement of the 1800s goldrush!

Start by picking up a delicious snack from one of the local cafés and hit the trail from here (you may never want to leave!)