Arrowtown
One golden village, two tales
This charming town reveals the stories of two very different goldrush communities: the preserved avenue where wealthy European banks and merchants traded, and the restored huts of Chinese miners who lived a much more modest lifestyle.
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Arrowtown's many histories
The reo Māori name for Arrowtown is Kā Muriwai, referring to the three rivers that run through the area.
The rush for gold begins
Arrowtown’s gold rush started when Jack Tewa, a Māori shearer, found gold here in 1862. Soon, 1500 miners were camped beside the Arrow River. 12,000 ounces (340 kgs) of gold were transported out by the first gold escort in January 1863. This load alone was worth $18 million at today’s prices. The quaint cottages and buildings in historic Buckingham Street represent the original core of economic activity.
The contribution of Chinese miners
When many of the European gold miners were lured in 1865 by gold discoveries on Te Tai Poutini the West Coast, the Otago Provincial Government invited Chinese miners to work in Arrowtown. The mostly Cantonese migrants were almost entirely male (in 1881, just nine of the 5004 Chinese living in Otago were women). In Arrowtown, they were forced to reside in huts at the edge of town along isolated gullies on the banks of Bush Creek. The small village they created was in use until 1928. Some of the huts have been restored and are free to visit today.
The Arrowtown Chinese Settlement is proudly cared for by the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai.
What to see and do in beautiful Arrowtown
Wander the historic streets
Take time to explore Arrowtown’s picturesque, tree-lined avenues that retain more than 60 of their original gold-rush buildings, including an old gaol.
Feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you meander past the historic facades on Buckingham Street.
Visit the Chinese miners' village
Explore the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement and step into the restored huts that Chinese miners once called home.
Entertainment and shopping
Visit one of several award-winning restaurants, cafés, galleries and shops, watch a movie at the boutique cinema and explore the Lakes District Museum.
Enjoy the excellent walking and biking trails
Arrowtown’s walking tracks take you along rivers, up into mountains and through alpine forests. Traces of the town’s gold mining history can be seen on many of the trails alongside the colourful foliage the town is famous for.
Arrowtown is also surrounded by excellent bike trails including the famous Queenstown Trail.
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