Queenstown to Arrowtown Drive: Best Route & Scenic Stops

Arrowtown is a historic gold mining village located just a 20-minute drive from Queenstown.

This charming town sits beside a peaceful river and is surrounded by tree-covered hills laced with hiking and biking trails. The main street is filled with boutique shops and cosy eateries, and it’s a lovely place to wander, grab a coffee, or enjoy a good meal.

I live in Queenstown and visit Arrowtown often. It’s easily one of my favourite day trips from Queenstown, and one I always recommend to visitors. To me, Arrowtown feels like something out of a Hallmark movie, and it’s hard not to feel delighted here.

The drive from Queenstown to Arrowtown is short and straightforward, but there are some nice stops along the way that are worth your time.

In this guide, I’ll show you the best route to take, plus the top stops to turn the drive into a mini adventure.

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Queenstown to Arrowtown Drive Map

Need to hire a car or campervan?

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I also really like Apex Rentals—they often have the best-value prices in New Zealand.

🚐 Campervan hire: I use Motorhome Republic to compare prices on campervans and motorhomes in New Zealand.

About the drive from Queenstown to Arrowtown

The Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown with a hill behind it covered in vibrant trees with autumn colours of orange, yellow, and green.

You can drive from Queenstown to Arrowtown via two different routes:

Gorge Road and Malaghan’s Road
Frankton Road, State Highway 6, and Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road

In this guide, I’m focusing on the route via Gorge Road and Malaghan’s Road, which is the most scenic option. It’s also the quickest route if you’re staying in the Queenstown town centre. That said, you can easily turn this into a loop by returning to Queenstown via State Highway 6 and Frankton Road.

The drive itself takes about 20 minutes one way. The road is straightforward and easy to drive, with some gorgeous Central Otago scenery along the way.

Tip: If you don’t feel like driving, you can also take the public Orbus bus to Arrowtown, which is a fantastic option. Just note that it won’t stop at all of the places I’ll mention in the “stops” section below.

Stops on the drive from Queenstown to Arrowtown

Oxenbridge Tunnel Track

The short but scenic Oxenbridge Tunnel Track follows the banks of the Shotover River and leads you to a viewpoint overlooking the historic Oxenbridge Tunnel and steam engine. I think this is a hidden gem of an easy walk in Queenstown.

While you walk, you might also catch a view of a jet boat zipping up the river, as the Shotover Jet is located close by—more on that below!

Shotover Jet

Just after driving over the Edith Cavell Bridge, you’ll reach the turnoff for the Shotover Jet, one of Queenstown’s top attractions.

This famous jet boat ride whisks you down the Shotover River at thrilling speeds.

I’m not usually one for adrenaline activities, but I love the Shotover Jet—it’s so much fun.

I’d compare it to the feeling you get on a roller coaster, but this time, you’ll be on the water surrounded by a stunning river gorge.

If you plan to go on the Shotover Jet, I recommend booking ahead because it’s very popular.

Alternatively, you can simply watch others go on their jet boat rides. There’s a good viewing platform at Canyon Brewing, which also has great craft beers and good food.

Onsen Hot Pools

A cedar Onsen Hot Pool in Queenstown overlooking the Shotover River, with a tray holding a glowing candle and water glasses next to the hot tub.

The Onsen Hot Pools are located in Arthur’s Point and are an easy stop along the drive from Queenstown to Arrowtown.

These private hot pools overlook the Shotover River and are so relaxing. It’s quite magical soaking in your own secluded hot tub while gazing out at the gorgeous countryside.

Make sure to book your hot pool well in advance, as this is one of the most popular activities in Queenstown.

Coronet Peak

Coronet Peak is one of the two main ski fields in Queenstown, and in winter, it will (hopefully) be covered in snow.

No matter the time of year, though, one thing is certain: the views from Coronet Peak are absolutely stellar! In fact, I think the views up here are some of the best in Queenstown.

It’s free to drive up Coronet Peak Road, although do be aware that you might be required to carry or fit chains on your vehicle if you visit in winter.

If you’re in Queenstown in winter or early spring and want to see some snow, you can head up here to play in the snow (or go skiing!).

During summer and autumn, I love driving up to Coronet Peak to just take in the incredible views over Queenstown, Arrowtown, the Remarkables, and Lake Wakatipu. Carpark 4 is a good spot to park during the non-winter season to enjoy the views, and you might be lucky enough to see some people paragliding from here, too!

What to do in Arrowtown

Once you reach Arrowtown, you’ll have so many ways to spend the rest of the day.

My ideal day in Arrowtown would usually include a coffee and treat at a cafe, followed by a walk, hike, or bike ride, then a visit to an eatery or pub. It’s pretty hard to beat that combo if you ask me!

Below I’ll share my favourite Arrowtown activities so you can pick and choose what sounds the most fun to you.

Explore Buckingham Street

Historic buildings with modern shopfronts along Buckingham Street in Arrowtown, with a peek of mountaintops in the backdrop.

Buckingham Street is Arrowtown’s main street, and it feels a bit like you’re stepping back in time. The road is lined with historic buildings, cute shops, and great places to eat and drink.

Just note that it can get really busy along Buckingham Street, so be prepared for some crowds milling around.

Check out the Historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement

A rustic stone hut and trees in autumn colours at the Historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement.

Just a short walk from Buckingham Street is the Historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. This site was a mining village for Chinese goldminers in the 1880s, and it’s pretty eye-opening to see how they had to live.

It’s completely free to visit this historic site and from here, you can continue walking along the Arrow River if you’d like—more on that below.

Walk the Arrowtown Millennium Walk

The Arrow River Trail next to the Arrow River, with trees lining the trail and a mountain in the background.

The Arrowtown Millennium Walk is a gentle walking and biking track that follows the peaceful Arrow River. If you’d like to get some fresh air and exercise but don’t feel like anything too strenuous, this is the walk for you.

The walk takes about one hour return and is well-signed along the way.

Hike the Sawpit Gully Track

A view over the Arrow River and bush-covered mountains along the Sawpit Gully Track in Arrowtown, one of the best day hikes around Queenstown.

The Sawpit Gully Track is a varied loop trail that showcases a river, forest, tussock-covered hills, and great views.

The walk covers around 8 km and usually takes between 2-3 hours.

Wear sturdy boots for this one as there are a couple of small stream crossings.

I like doing this trail counterclockwise to get the steepest bits over with at the beginning.

Enjoy good food and drinks

A pint of craft beer on an outdoor table at Slow Cuts in Arrowtown.

There is so much good food around Arrowtown, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when you visit!

If you’re after a cafe, I recommend Wolf Coffee Roasters for a coffee, and Provisions Cafe or Dishery for a delicious brunch.

For lunch, dinner, or a drink and snack, I like the Fork & Tap for a drink and nibbles, or Slow Cuts for the best burgers and craft beer.

Hit the bike trails

The Better by Bike shop in Arrowtown, with a row of rental bikes in front of the building. — Better by Bike is a great place to hire bikes in Arrowtown.

From Arrowtown, you can take off on a number of scenic bike trails.

You can hire bikes right in town. Better by Bike is a great choice, with e-bikes and shuttle options that will make riding the trails a breeze.

My favourite bike ride around Arrowtown is the Arrow River Bridges Trail to Gibbston, also known as the “winery ride.”

This 25 km (one-way) trail follows the Arrow River and crosses three suspension bridges before connecting to the Gibbston River Trail, where you’ll find gorgeous vineyards to admire and wineries to call into.

Source local food at the Royalburn Farm Shop

If you enjoy sourcing local food like I do, you’ll want to visit the Royalburn Farm Shop.

This lovely shop sells seasonal produce, locally raised lamb, and pastured eggs. They also stock a range of gourmet pantry items, beautiful flowers, and fresh local bread.

You could pick up ingredients to cook a delicious meal back at your accommodation, or grab some New Zealand honey, sea salt, or other goodies to bring home as souvenirs.

See the autumn colours

A glimpse of Queenstown in April via the Arrow River surrounded by trees in autumn colours in shades of yellow, orange and red.

If you visit Queenstown in April, you’ll be greeted by a kaleidoscope of autumn colours in the hills surrounding Arrowtown.

You can simply walk around town and/or along any of the walks or hikes mentioned in this guide, and you’ll see trees in vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red.

While it varies a bit from year to year, the autumn colours tend to peak around mid to late April most years.

Walk the Lake Hayes Loop Track

Views across Lake Hayes over the the mountains surrounding Arrowtown as seen from the Lake Hayes Loop Track, an easy hike in the Queenstown area.

Just a short drive from Arrowtown, you’ll find peaceful Lake Hayes.

This small, tranquil lake is encircled in a mellow walking and biking trail and it’s a lovely place to get some fresh air.

The full walk covers 8 km and usually takes between 2-3 hours to complete.

Visit Ayrburn

Statues of a horse and sheep on a lawn by an eatery at Ayrburn, a food and wine destination near Queenstown and Arrowtown.

Ayrburn is a destination-worthy food and wine precinct located near Lake Hayes.

There are multiple venues to choose from at Ayrburn, ranging from casual to fine dining, plus a wine tasting venue where you can sample Ayrburn’s own range of wines.

Even if you don’t plan to drink or dine at Ayrburn, it’s still fun to walk around the grounds, which are impressive.

Where to stay in Queenstown

The stone exterior of the Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel, with trees in autumn colours surrounding the frame. — The Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel is a luxurious place to stay in Queenstown.

Budget ($) – Tahuna Pod Hostel
Mid-range ($$) – Garden Court Suites & Apartments
Luxury ($$$) – Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Camping in Queenstown – Creeksyde or Driftaway are great for campervans

Thanks for reading my guide to the drive from Queenstown to Arrowtown!

I hope this has helped you plan a fun day trip to Arrowtown.

It’s honestly one of my favourite spots in the Queenstown area, and I hope you enjoy visiting as much as I do.

As always, if you have any questions or feedback for me, please leave a comment. I really love hearing from you!

More South Island road trips for you

Looking for more road trips from Queenstown? Check out these drives and itineraries for some inspiration:

Queenstown to Glenorchy drive (another fantastic day trip from Queenstown)
Queenstown to Milford Sound drive (2 days)
Christchurch to Queenstown road trip (7 days)
10-day South Island itinerary from Queenstown