Arrowtown was officially awarded the 2020 title as New Zealand’s most beautiful town and with its world-class golf courses, boutique art galleries, health and wellbeing offerings and easy outdoor access visitor are spoilt for choice this summer.

“ Arrowtown is positioned as a place of wellness and nature where people can easily reconnect and slowdown,” says Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association manager Nicky Busst. “Everything is on our doorstep and within easy walking, biking or driving distance allowing visitors to relax and just take it all in.”

The historic town is recognised as a one-stop destination for high-end homewares, boutique fashion shops, cafés award-winning restaurants and a network of walking, hiking and biking trails. 

“ It is a culturally rich destination with many experiences to enjoy at our local art galleries and artists’ studios with a diverse range of art available,” she says. “ Equally you can easily immerse yourself in nature with trails right on the doorstep and the mountain environment offers opportunities for retreats to get away from it all.”

As a golfing destination Arrowtown benefits from three of New Zealand’s best rated courses within a ten-kilometre radius.

“ Golf tourism is a significant drawcard and we are so lucky to have a luxurious golf resort, private members’ club and the local Arrowtown Golf Club available for locals and visitors to enjoy.”

For those looking to disconnect and destress from daily life Arrowtown has several appealing wellness options.

“Our local day spas and wellness retreats are wonderful places to slow down and relax and are the perfect accompaniment to a golf trip for partners who don’t play or a girls’ weekend away,” says Nicky. “Add in some bike riding or trail walking followed by a long lunch at a café or restaurant and there’s a definite feeling of getting away from it all.”

Going Golfing

The luxury Millbrook Resort is set in a natural alpine amphitheatre with two 18-hole golf courses designed amongst dramatic terrain delivering a world-class golf experience. All visitors are welcome to enjoy a round of golf at Millbrook and the resort offers in-house guest and casual visitor rates to play both championship courses along with golf cart and club hire.

Rated as one of the top ten golf courses in New Zealand, the picturesque Arrowtown Golf Club is located on the outskirts of the town. The 18-hole course has superb views from every fairway and is open to visitors who are welcome to book tee times online. The Clubhouse Kitchen has a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy brunch, snacks and small plates.

Close to Arrowtown The Hills golf course, developed by entrepreneur Sir Michael Hill, has evolved to become an internationally recognised championship golf course. The 18-hole layout was designed by Darby Partners and is operated as a private members’ club.

Gallery Itinerary

Nadene Milne Gallery is a showcase of contemporary New Zealand artists – featuring oil paintings, abstract paintings, sculptures, photography and installations.  Housed in an 1860s colonial building in alleyway off the main street in Arrowtown NMG is a destination for art lovers.

Birdwoods South Gallery is an exciting new gallery displaying unique and beautifully carved stone sculptures, recycled metalwork and photographs from leading African and New Zealand artists. Located at 18 Buckingham Street in the heart of Arrowtown.

Arrowtown artist Jenny Mehrtens’ private artist studio is open daily or by appointment offering a glimpse into her life as an artist and showcasing her intricately detailed portraits, paintings and small objects. Just a short stroll from the main street her studio is at 4 Buckingham Street.

Angus Watson’s eclectic artist studio is a short drive from Arrowtown in Littles Road and is set in an idyllic cottage garden. His watercolours have a strong following and his studio is well worth a visit.

Nurturing Health and Wellness

Arrowtown is good for the soul according to Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association manager Nicky Busst – “there are so many  lovely ways to enjoy this space and nurture yourself back to wellness”.

The newest day spa in the area is Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa set amongst the vines in Gibbston. With three private treatment rooms luxury spa treatments and packages feature high-quality, sustainably and locally made beauty products.

Millbrook Resort’s award-winning day spa has an holistic approach to wellness and relaxation for the mind and body. There is an exclusive range of spa treatments available along with a dedicated health and fitness centre, indoor pool, spa pools, saunas and a dedicated space for Pilates, yoga and fitness classes.