Arrowtown in Autumn with Kids: A Perfect Family Day in New Zealand
- rachnamone
- Jun 3, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 30, 2025
If there’s one place you absolutely shouldn’t skip on a South Island itinerary, it’s Arrowtown—especially in autumn. Just a short drive from Queenstown, this little historic town completely surprised us with its golden trees, peaceful river walks, and relaxed vibe. Autumn turns Arrowtown into a postcard, and it’s the kind of place where you can slow down, wander without a plan, and still have the best time. We visited with our kids and loved how easy and enjoyable everything felt—from exploring the old streets to spending time by the Arrow River. It’s hands down one of those stops that works perfectly for families and deserves a spot on every South Island road trip during fall.
Where is Arrowtown located?
Arrowtown is a historic town in the Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island, located just 20 minutes from Queenstown and about one hour from Wanaka, making it an ideal day trip destination for families.
Why is Arrowtown famous?
Arrowtown is best known for its gold rush history, well-preserved 19th-century buildings, and early Chinese settlements along the Arrow River. Gold was discovered here in the late 1800s, shaping the town’s heritage and culture.
Why visit Arrowtown in autumn?
Arrowtown is especially beautiful in autumn (March to May), when the entire town is transformed by golden, red, and amber foliage. The calm atmosphere, scenic river walks, and compact town layout make it perfect for exploring Arrowtown with kids.
Planning a New Zealand adventure with kids? Check out our South Island New Zealand Road Trip in 15 Days: Ultimate Itinerary & Family Travel Guide
Things to Do in Arrowtown in Autumn with Kids
Walking Tracks in Arrowtown
Arrowtown offers a variety of walking tracks for all fitness levels, making it a fantastic place to explore on foot—especially when visiting with kids. From short, easy strolls to longer half-day hikes, there’s a trail to suit every schedule and energy level. Whether you’re after autumn views, riverside walks, or a touch of gold mining history, Arrowtown’s walking tracks won’t disappoint.
Arrow River Trail
We chose to explore the Arrow River Trail, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our day in Arrowtown. This is a gentle and mostly flat walk that runs alongside the Arrow River, with sections offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills and glowing autumn foliage.
Despite Arrowtown being busy during fall, the Arrow River Trail felt like a peaceful escape. We encountered very few people, which allowed us to slow down and truly enjoy the scenery. A lovely bonus along the way was spotting a small waterfall, which the kids absolutely loved.
The Arrow River Trail is easy and family-friendly, making it perfect for a relaxed walk with children. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and if you’re travelling with kids, it’s always a good idea to carry water and snacks, especially during longer strolls.
👧🧒 Kids Learn: Arrowtown Walking Tracks
Kids learn that walking trails can be fun and relaxing, not just exercise. Exploring nature helps them slow down, observe their surroundings, and enjoy the outdoors as a family.
Other Walking Tracks in Arrowtown
For those looking for different experiences, here are a few more tracks to consider:
Sawpit Gully Track: A more challenging walk that takes about 2-3 hours, offering great views and a taste of the local gold mining history.
Bush Creek Trail: A moderate track that takes around 1.5 hours, passing through beautiful bushland and offering a peaceful nature experience.
Macetown Track: For the more adventurous, this half-day hike takes you to the historic gold mining ghost town of Macetown. The track follows the Arrow River and requires some stream crossings.
Biking in Arrowtown
Exploring Arrowtown by bike is a fantastic way to soak in the scenery while covering more ground—especially when travelling with kids. The town’s flat trails and well-marked paths make cycling easy and enjoyable for families. Bikes can be rented locally, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and stop whenever something catches your eye. Cycling through Arrowtown in autumn, with golden trees lining the trails, was one of our favourite ways to experience the town as a family.
Chinese Settlement in Arrowtown
In the late 1870s, Chinese miners arrived in Arrowtown after being invited by the New Zealand government to work in the goldfields, following the departure of many European miners to the West Coast. These miners settled along the banks of the Arrow River, creating what is now known as the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement.
The restored huts and accommodation are remarkably well preserved and offer a moving insight into the lives of the Chinese miners and the hardships they endured while living far from home. Visiting the Chinese Settlement is a meaningful experience, even for kids, as it provides a simple and powerful way to understand Arrowtown’s multicultural history and the realities of life during the gold rush era.
👧🧒 Kids Learn: Chinese Settlement in Arrowtown
Kids learn about history, migration, and resilience by seeing how people lived during the gold rush. It’s a simple way to understand life long ago and respect different cultures.
Lake District Museum
The Lake District Museum is an excellent place to immerse yourself in the history of Arrowtown and experience the excitement of its gold rush past. The museum houses artifacts from the gold rush era, offering a glimpse into the lives of the miners and settlers who once thrived in Arrowtown. Exhibits detail how locals lived during the gold rush and how the town has evolved into modern times. Visitors can hire pans and try their luck at gold panning in the Arrow River, a fun and engaging way to connect with the town's gold mining heritage.
Offroading
For those seeking adventure, offroading along the Arrow River is a thrilling activity.
Buckingham Street -
Buckingham Street, once home to merchant houses during the gold rush era, now features an array of restaurants, boutique shops, and gold shops. Walking along Buckingham Street feels like stepping back in time, with its well-preserved buildings and historic ambiance. Enjoy lunch at one of the cozy cafes lining the street, offering a variety of delicious options.
Explore boutique shops for unique souvenirs, local crafts, and even gold items.
Arrow River -
We revisited the Arrow River to soak in the stunning autumn colors along its banks. It's a perfect, easy activity to do with little kids. They loved throwing pebbles into the shallow riverbed, which kept them busy and happy. The tranquil beauty of the river, framed by vibrant foliage, was simply mesmerizing and a highlight of our day in Arrowtown.
Patagonia Ice Cream -
Who doesn’t love to end a perfect day with a scoop of delicious ice cream? Before heading back to your accommodation, treat yourself to some delightful flavors at Patagonia Ice Cream.
How to get to Arrowtown?
Arrowtown is conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown and approximately an hour's drive from Wanaka, along the scenic Crown Range.
Planning a self-drive adventure? Read our essential family guide to Renting a Car in New Zealand: The Essential Family Guide & Driving Tips
When is the best Time to Visit Arrowtown -
Arrowtown is a year-round destination, but it truly shines during the autumn season . The stunning autumn foliage makes it an ideal time for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. It can be visited all around the year to learn more about the gold mining history of this region and the great lid friendly walking tracks in this area.
No matter when you visit, Arrowtown promises a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and small-town charm.Whether you're exploring the historic Chinese settlements, wandering along Buckingham Street, or admiring the stunning autumn colors along the Arrow River, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
First time visiting New Zealand? Don’t miss our guide: 10 Essential Things to Know Before Traveling to New Zealand
Planning a trip to Milford sound? all you need to know : Milford Sound Travel Guide With Kids: How to Plan the Perfect Trip
We hope this guide helps you plan your own exciting adventure in Arrowtown, and we're sure you'll create unforgettable memories just like we did. Happy travels, and we can't wait to hear about your experiences!
FAQ - Arrowtown with kids
1. What makes Arrowtown a great destination for families in autumn?
Arrowtown’s vibrant autumn colors, kid-friendly walking trails, and gold-rush history make it perfect for a memorable family day in New Zealand.
2. How long should we spend in Arrowtown with kids?
Most families enjoy 3–5 hours exploring Arrowtown’s charming streets, lakes, and historical attractions at a relaxed pace.
3. Are there fun activities for children in Arrowtown?
Yes! Kids can try gold-panning, visit the Lakes District Museum, walk scenic trails, or enjoy the playgrounds and picnic spots.
4. When is the best time to visit Arrowtown in autumn?
Late April to early May is peak autumn in Arrowtown, with stunning golden and red foliage, perfect for family photos.
5. Can we combine Arrowtown with other nearby attractions?
Absolutely! Arrowtown is just a short drive from Queenstown, Lake Hayes, and Gibbston Valley, ideal for a full family adventure.
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