{"id":18307,"date":"2025-11-21T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/2025\/11\/21\/queenstown-and-arrowtown-local-guide-feels-like-youre-walking-onto-a-movie-set-new-zealand-public-holidays\/"},"modified":"2025-11-21T14:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T14:00:00","slug":"queenstown-and-arrowtown-local-guide-feels-like-youre-walking-onto-a-movie-set-new-zealand-public-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/ur\/2025\/11\/21\/queenstown-and-arrowtown-local-guide-feels-like-youre-walking-onto-a-movie-set-new-zealand-public-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"Queenstown and Arrowtown local guide: &#8216;Feels like you&#8217;re walking onto a movie set&#8217; | New Zealand public holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">I have lived in Arrowtown\/K\u0101-muriwai for 13 years. It&#8217;s beautifully preserved, like walking onto a gold mining movie set, but Queenstown International Airport is right on your doorstep.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"disclaimer\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.DisclaimerBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><span class=\"dcr-1iz7gbk\"><\/p>\n<aside data-testid=\"affiliate-disclaimer-inline\" data-component=\"affiliate-disclaimer-inline\" class=\"dcr-189ogop\">\n<p>The Guardian&#8217;s journalism is independent. If you purchase something through an affiliate link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<p><\/span><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Arrowtown is slower than Queenstown\/T\u0101huna. It&#8217;s 20 minutes away and there&#8217;s a real desire to keep things slow. However, we welcome tourists from New Zealand\/Aotearoa as well as international guests.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">April brings the grand Arrowtown Fall Festival. What a wonderful time ahead. It looks as if the hill is on fire. This is the same as the flower blooming season in Japan.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"queenstown-food\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">queenstown food<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"c5284fe8-7c1f-4ac6-b70d-60899471ecfe\" data-spacefinder-role=\"showcase\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-5h0uf4\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-9ktzqp\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Amisfield winery was named one of the world&#8217;s top 50 restaurants this year. <\/span> Photo: Miles Holden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The Cow in Queenstown is hard to find but is an institution. The menu has never changed since opening in 1977, and the Bolognese recipe remains the same. This is a place where you can enjoy very simple pleasures such as spaghetti, pizza and zucchini in a building that was once a stone barn for cattle.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">If you&#8217;re not looking for a formal table, my top tip is bar dining at R\u0101t\u0101. Same great food, but you get to interact with the bartender. I love the starters, which are twists on classic dishes, including the Southland sushi rolls, which are like gourmet cheese toast.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"872fc54a-edd1-41fa-b781-9867f5c93826\" data-spacefinder-role=\"supporting\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-a2pvoh\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-9ktzqp\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">R\u0101t\u0101&#8217;s cuisine.<\/span> Photo: Daz Caulton<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Don&#8217;t miss dinner with wine pairings at Amisfield Winery. It ranked 99th in this year&#8217;s ranking of the world&#8217;s top 50 restaurants. Chef Vaughan Mabee is a crazy hunter-gatherer. Wild boar, elk, sheepfowl and more are all on the menu.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">My partner and I opened La Rumbla, a Spanish-inspired restaurant in Arrowtown 13 years ago. The lights were dimmer, the music was louder, and the flavors were more intense than anything else around. We are open later than other restaurants (our kitchen closes at 10pm).<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Alex Tong of Wolf Coffee, which has branches in Queenstown and Arrowtown, roasts its beans locally. His cafe on Buckingham Street in Arrowtown only serves coffee, while his amazing team of baristas also serve drip coffee, cold brew and more. He&#8217;s always eager to try new single origin beans. Kahwah Cafe also serves Wolf Coffee.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Mora Winery&#8217;s Artisan Kitchen is set in beautiful gardens. Located beneath Queenstown&#8217;s skyline gondola, Bespoke Kitchen prides itself on fresh, raw, local food.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"nature-in-new-zealands-south-island\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">Nature of New Zealand&#8217;s South Island<\/h2>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The Sawpit Gully trail begins at the Arrowtown Chinese settlement site and is well worth a visit. It&#8217;s a steep 7.9km climb, but the views are amazing. There are beautiful natural rivers and the entire Remarkables\/Kawarau Range is your oyster. Hiking there can take anywhere from three hours to a full week.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"09ee1287-df49-438e-9767-68e343cfc1d8\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">&#8216;Everyone&#8217;s got to take a steamboat&#8217;: TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu.<\/span> Photo: Arthur Greenberg\/Alamy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">From Glenorchy\/Tahuna I love walking to the first hut on the Routeburn Track (one of New Zealand&#8217;s Great Walks) in Fiordland National Park. It&#8217;s a 16km round trip with a beautiful swimming pool next to an old forge. I really like the scent of native trees.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Everyone should take the steamer TSS Earnslaw from Queenstown across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Alpine Farm. The farmhouse offers delicious barbecue and farm-to-table experiences, and you can even watch the shearing dogs or collies at work. I think everyone should see what it&#8217;s like to work on a New Zealand upland farm.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"queenstown-and-arrowtown-nightlife\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">Nightlife in Queenstown and Arrowtown<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"2dc9021a-f193-472e-ac35-80c16a2b813a\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">&#8216;Yonder serves great food during the day and transforms into a really great music and comedy venue at night.&#8217;<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Queenstown has some fantastic bars that are hard to find. I love the amazing cocktails at Soda and the waterfront vibe at The Lodge Queenstown.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"2e2371d7-4a3f-4bc1-8fd2-f3a4bb007820\" data-spacefinder-role=\"richLink\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-47fhrn\"><gu-island name=\"RichLinkComponent\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{\"richLinkIndex\":21,\"element\":{\"_type\":\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\",\"prefix\":\"Related: \",\"text\":\"\u2018Nature is abundant\u2019: a local\u2019s guide to Auckland\/T\u0101maki Makaurau\",\"elementId\":\"2e2371d7-4a3f-4bc1-8fd2-f3a4bb007820\",\"role\":\"richLink\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/lifeandstyle\/2025\/oct\/31\/locals-guide-auckland-visit-things-to-do-food-daytrips-walks\"},\"ajaxUrl\":\"https:\/\/api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk\",\"format\":{\"design\":10,\"display\":2,\"theme\":4}}\"\/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The Winery is a fun self-serve wine bar. Turn your credit card into a wine tasting card and enjoy your own tour, choosing from a selection of reserve wines from across New Zealand, including single vineyards and those without a cellar door. The tasting card records how much you drink, either a half or full glass, and you pay when you leave. The Queenstown branch is open until 9.30pm. Arrowtown closes a little early.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">If you&#8217;re a music fan, don&#8217;t miss the Yonder performance. It serves great food during the day and turns into a really great music and comedy venue at night.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Arrowtown also operates Slow Cuts. We have live jam sessions on Fridays from 7pm to midnight. It&#8217;s a really fun night of burgers, beer and music. The band plays in front of the kitchen and is hosted by Nemo Gent (David Gent, son of New Zealand band Expoints). Mostly covers Fleetwood Mac, Roger Miller and Eagles.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"inspiration\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">inspiration<\/h2>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">It has a wonderful art gallery showcasing New Zealand artists. I love NMG (Nadene Milne Gallery) and Astor Bristed Gallery in Arrowtown, and the Starkwhite and Milford Galleries in Queenstown. They are all excellent at discovering and nurturing emerging talent. There will usually be an opening ceremony or lecture at one of these galleries, so check their websites before you visit.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"d43eb182-0f42-49e2-af6d-5bb682c592af\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">The Remarkables Market operates on Saturday mornings throughout the summer. <\/span> Photo: Neville Potter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The Lakes District Museum and Gallery is a treasure trove of the gold mining era. It may be a cliche, but it&#8217;s so well done that it&#8217;s a great inexpensive family outing when the weather isn&#8217;t so nice. There are rooms set up from previous eras, as well as photos, maps and books. You can explore for 15 minutes or stay for 2-3 hours.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">You can rent pans from the museum for gold panning on the Arrow River. This is one of the only places where no charging (similar to a licence) is required and a huge 70g nugget was recently discovered. The Remarkables market on Saturday mornings is a really cool place. I love white meat stands, local eggs, hazelnut oil, and Branch Creek honey.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"neighbourhood\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">neighbor<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"098cf0cf-c003-4cbb-9eca-4d0a4b0482f3\" data-spacefinder-role=\"showcase\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-5h0uf4\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-9ktzqp\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">At Glenorchy you can spot wetland birds including stilts, swans, oystercatchers and swamp harriers.<\/span> Photo: Imago\/Alamy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Glenorchy is at the other end of Lake Wakatipu, just past Queenstown. The 45-minute drive from Queenstown is incredibly picturesque with plenty of photo opportunities. Stop by Mrs Woolly&#8217;s General Store for some baked goods (the sweet pastries are really delicious) and enjoy a picnic lunch on the quay.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">The Glenorch Lagoon Walkway is an easy 3.2km walk that, on calm days, offers great photos of the snow-capped peaks reflected in the lagoon. You may also see wetland birds including stilts, swans, oystercatchers and swamp harriers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">We&#8217;re really proud of the bike paths around here. Tour the wine region on an electric bike and stop in Gibbston for a fun day with stunning scenery. It is famous for Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Pinot Gris. There are some hills, but no extreme fitness is required. Better by Bike and Arrowtown bike rentals are both good. I recommend stopping by Gibbston Valley Winery, Coal Pit Vineyard and Winery, Gibbston Tavern, and Mount Rosa Wines for some food.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"arrowtown-accommodation\" class=\"dcr-n4qeq9\">Arrowtown Accommodation<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"1b06196f-5e73-4220-9a39-415ad07c824d\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\"><figcaption data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-fd61eq\"><span class=\"dcr-1inf02i\"><svg width=\"18\" height=\"13\" viewbox=\"0 0 18 13\"><path d=\"M18 3.5v8l-1.5 1.5h-15l-1.5-1.5v-8l1.5-1.5h3.5l2-2h4l2 2h3.5l1.5 1.5zm-9 7.5c1.9 0 3.5-1.6 3.5-3.5s-1.6-3.5-3.5-3.5-3.5 1.6-3.5 3.5 1.6 3.5 3.5 3.5z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Kinross Vineyard Cottage: &#8216;Wake up, open the door and you&#8217;re inside the winery vines.&#8217;<\/span> Photo: Miles Holden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Paul Stevenson, owner of Arrowtown Lodge (from NZD$220 per night), is a hospitality legend famous for his home-cooked breakfasts. He was also a keen gardener and the land was excellent. You can sit outside by the fire pit and look out over the village.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">When you wake up at Kinross Vineyard Cottages (from NZD$459 per night), open the door and you&#8217;re in the winery&#8217;s vineyards. Serves great food and wine.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-130mj7b\">Everything is within walking distance at Hampshire Holiday Parks \u2013 Arrowtown (from NZ$38 per night for non-powered sites). Beautiful open space with great views of the hills and close to the Arrowtown River Walk. Shades of Arrowtown (from NZ$144 per night for studio units) is located in the historic district and the owners have a wealth of local knowledge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I have lived in Arrowtown\/K\u0101-muriwai for 13 years. It&#8217;s beautifully preserved, like walking onto a gold mining movie set, but Queenstown International Airport is right on your doorstep. The Guardian&#8217;s journalism is independent. If you purchase something through an affiliate link, we may receive a commission. Learn more. Arrowtown is slower than Queenstown\/T\u0101huna. It&#8217;s 20 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[48319,48318,3277,5354,9544,48317,16289,48322,48321,48320],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18307","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-australasia-holidays","category-australian-lifestyle","category-cycling","category-food-and-drink","category-life-and-style","category-new-zealand-holidays","category-travel","category-walking","category-wine","category-wine-holidays"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/ur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18307","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/ur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/ur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/ur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/ur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18307"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/ur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18307\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/ur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18307"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/ur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18307"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umang.pk\/ur\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18307"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}