Arrowtown is officially New Zealand’s most beautiful small town.

Scooping the 2023 Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards comes after the historic village also took out the award in 2020.

Arrowtown claimed the title over Turangi and Keep New Zealand Beautiful chief executive and awards judge Heather Saunderson says the town has “an unwavering vibrancy of community that leans beautifully into its heritage.”

She was also impressed with the vast environmental improvement and sustainability schemes implemented in Arrowtown during the last three years.

“It is admirable how the town is re-establishing self sufficiency by growing and living off their own produce and focusing on sustainability through initiatives such as their Single Use Cup Free Arrowtown.”

In keeping with recognising the town’s beauty Buckingham Street won the award for the best street in New Zealand.

Arrowtown Promotion & Business Association manager Nicky Busst paid tribute to the local community for achieving the awards.

“Arrowtown is not just a picturesque town, it is a community dedicated to preserving the natural beauty that surrounds us. Winning the Most Beautiful Small Town award in 2020 and again in 2023 is testimony to the commitment by our business and residents’ communities to sustainability and environmental excellency.”

Arrowtown’s Matariki Arrowtown Lights event was also a finalist for the 2023 Best Not for Profit Community Event over 3000 people.