Milford Sound
Arrowtown is one of the South Island’s best-preserved gold rush villages, tucked into the hills 20 minutes from Queenstown. In autumn, the poplars, sycamores and larches that line the Arrow River turn gold, russet and crimson, making it one of New Zealand’s most photographed walking destinations.
But Arrowtown is more than an autumn postcard. Its network of tracks links historic goldfields, riverside paths and tussock-covered ranges, with options for every fitness level. Here are the best walks in and around Arrowtown.
Arrow River Trail: the heart of Arrowtown
The Arrow River Trail is the classic Arrowtown walk. Starting from Buckingham Street, a gentle gravel path follows the Arrow River past the restored Chinese Settlement, under willows and poplars, and out toward Macetown country.
A 45-minute return stroll takes you as far as the Bush Creek confluence, past interpretive signs about the Chinese gold miners who lived here in the 1860s. Extend the walk as far as you like, the trail eventually becomes a serious backcountry route to the ghost town of Macetown, 15km upstream.
This is the walk to do in autumn. Mid-April through early May is peak colour, with the Arrowtown Autumn Festival typically falling in late April. Expect crowds at midday, early mornings reward you with mist on the river and empty paths.
Tobins Track: the classic Arrowtown lookout
Tobins Track is the short, sharp climb above town. A 3km return walk up a 4WD track gains around 240 metres and emerges on a tussock saddle with sweeping views over Arrowtown, the Wakatipu basin and The Remarkables.
Allow 1.5 hours return. The track starts from the top of McDonnell Road and can be extended by continuing along the ridge toward German Hill. It’s one of the most popular walks in Arrowtown for good reason, big views for a modest effort.
Sawpit Gully: a half-day loop
For a more substantial outing, the Sawpit Gully Loop is Arrowtown’s finest day walk. The 7km circuit climbs from the Chinese Settlement up an old gold-mining gully, over a saddle and down Bush Creek back to town, taking three to four hours with around 400 metres of climb.
Expect schist outcrops, thyme-scented hillsides and remnants of stone huts and water races from the mining era. It’s one of the best walks around Arrowtown for anyone who wants to combine history, views and a proper leg-stretch.
Go early in summer, the gully can bake in the afternoon sun and water is scarce on the ridge.
Lake Hayes Loop: easy walking between the lakes
Just outside Arrowtown, the Lake Hayes Loop is a flat 8km circuit around one of the South Island’s most photogenic lakes. Willows, poplars and reed beds line the shore, with Coronet Peak and the Crown Range forming the backdrop.
Allow two to three hours walking, or an hour on a bike. The loop is part of the Queenstown Trail network and can be combined with a ride or walk into Arrowtown itself via the Arrow River Bridges Trail.
Autumn colour rivals Arrowtown’s, and winter frosts here are spectacular.
Macetown: the full-day adventure
For experienced walkers, the 30km return walk to Macetown is a full-day backcountry outing through the Arrow Gorge. Once a gold-mining settlement of 1,500 people, Macetown is now a scattering of stone ruins and apricot trees.
The track crosses the Arrow River more than 20 times, unsuitable after rain, and only for walkers comfortable with river fords. Allow eight to 10 hours, or split it over two days with a tent. Many visitors now take a 4WD tour to see Macetown without the river crossings.
Big Hill Track and Coronet Loop
For a high-country option, the Big Hill Track climbs from Arrowtown’s Butel Park up onto the tussock tops with views across to Coronet Peak. The full loop is around 10km with significant climb, taking four to five hours.
This is exposed high-country walking, go prepared for wind, sun and changing conditions.
When to walk Arrowtown
Arrowtown’s walks are accessible year-round, but each season has its moment. Autumn (April to May) is the marquee event for colour. Summer offers long evenings for post-dinner strolls. Winter brings frosts and occasional snow on the higher tracks. Spring sees the return of thyme and wildflowers across the hillsides.
Always check Department of Conservation (DOC) and local council alerts for track conditions, and carry water on anything above Tobins Track level.
Pairing Arrowtown with the rest of the region
Arrowtown makes a great base for exploring the wider Wakatipu. After a morning on the Sawpit Gully Loop, many of our guests continue into Queenstown for an afternoon on our Queenstown Wine Tour through neighbouring Gibbston Valley, a natural pairing of history, landscape and local produce.
From gold-rush gullies to ridgeline lookouts, Arrowtown’s tracks offer some of the most atmospheric walking in the South Island. Lace up and follow the miners’ footsteps.
Ready to swap boots for a wine glass?
After a morning on the Arrowtown tracks, we’d love to host you for an afternoon in the vines next door. Our Queenstown Wine Tour spends the day across Gibbston Valley and Arrowtown, with private tastings at four boutique wineries and a platter to match. We can’t wait to show you around.
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