TRAVEL DIARY: DAY 9
DAYTRIP TO ARROWTOWN
Arrowtown is a small town near Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island. It began as a gold mining town, and you can still see that history in its old cottages and stone buildings. Many of the houses were built in the 1860s, when Chinese miners and European settlers came looking for gold.
We were a few weeks early for peak autumn, but the tree-lined streets still looked beautiful, and the mountain views added to the charm.
At first, I was just drawn to how pretty the cottages looked—pastel colours, lace curtains, and neat little gardens under the trees.
Later, I found out they were actually heritage homes, carefully kept to remember the town’s past.
One of our favourite stops was the Arrowtown Bakery. The smell of fresh pies and pastries filled the air, and we enjoyed cool drinks outside in the sunshine. It was the perfect spot on a warm day.
The main street has a lovely view—autumn leaves, mountain backdrops, and old shops that add to its charm.
Local shops are full of character—with pieces that reflect the town’s style.
Cafés spill onto the street with chairs and benches that invite you to sit and relax. There are also quiet alleyways with wooden benches, perfect for a peaceful rest.
Each shop feels a little different. One might sell wool throws and candles, another might have old books or artwork. You never quite know what you’ll find behind each door.
Public art is scattered around town—small sculptures and murals tucked into laneways or perched in surprising spots. They show off Arrowtown’s creative and historical spirit.
Arrowtown’s heart beats strongest in its history of gold. While the rush has long gone, gold still glints in its stories and its museum collections.
On one quiet back street, I came across a plaque about Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint. In the late 1800s, she and the Josephite sisters came to Arrowtown to support small communities with education and care.
Mary MacKillop was an Australian religious sister of Scottish descent who has been declared a saint by the Catholic Church. She was born in Melbourne but is best known for her activities in South Australia and Arrowtown NZ.
Mary MacKillop cottage is located in the grounds of St Patrick’s Catholic Church.
As we left town, we passed the Arrowtown Cemetery. It sits quietly under the trees, with old gravestones marking the names of miners, settlers, and families—some long remembered, others nearly forgotten.
I am linking this to:
Jo’s Monday Walk
Dan’s Thursday Doors
Natalie’s Photographing Public Art Challenge
Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge
This was from my trip last April 2025.
We loved Arrowtown!!! Nice post.
Thanks, such a laid back kind of town.
It looks a charming place, Teresa. Always good to preserve the past. I’d really like one of those giraffes for my patio. Thanks for sharing xx
Oh yes, the giraffe’s are cute but so tall.
Like me! xx
Haha
Excellent quadruple dipping! This looks such a relaxing and pleasant place to spend some time.
I always love quadruple dipping…it is much fun.
What an absolute gem of a town, just the sort of place I know I would love to visit, although Australia is a little out of my reach at the moment. Some lovely doors and a wonderful atmosphere.
Thanks for the thought scooj. This is in New Zealand but I guess it is also far to a lot of people.
OOps, a detail I should have been more mindful of…
That’s alright Scooj!
What a lovely spot to spend a day (or longer). I love how well preserved the cottages are and I like knowing the history. I think the sweet shop with the corner door might be a favorite – it certainly would be a stop on my tour.
Glad to have shared it here with you, Dan. You must be a sweet tooth and a door lover at the same time.
Guilty as charged 😉
😂😂😂
This is just the sort of place I’d like to spend a morning and/or afternoon wandering around 🙂 I love all the quirky details like the giraffes, the sense of the past and what look like interesting shops to browse.
Definitely a joy to browse and to walk the streets. The trees are a bonus.
Teresa, What a charming and picturesque town. I’d really like that red and white duck and the giraffe in my garden. Thank you for your public art share.
Haha many will be sharing that giraffe. Thanks Natalie.
Beautiful captures. It looks so charming. Thanks for the tour. We simply drove through Arrowtown as our little one was sleeping and we didn’t want to wake her.
Well you gotta do what you have to do. At least I was able to share with you some of the things you can see in the town.
Thank you Teresa for this marvelous tour to this charming and well maintained (history) place. I got the sense of relaxation from your wonderful photos. Thank you too for the history and bits of trivia you added. A great share.
P.S. Love the street art as always I enjoy seeing outdoor murals and the fanciful giraffes are delightful.
I always love your insights Suzette. Thanks for stopping by.
You are very welcome, Teresa. Have a wonderful day.
Sending it back to you.
What an inviting town. You sure had a beautiful day to explore it.
Certainly did. Thanks Mama.