autumn adventure.
After our small taste of autumn last year in Palmerston North we were hungry for more. After some sleuthing I discovered an autumn festival in Arrowtown, a small town a short drive from touristy Queenstown.
Arrowtown is an old mining town that cropped up after gold was discovered in 1862. Many people rushed to the region including immigrants from China who received a mix welcome from European settlers. They built their own village along the banks of the rivers, away from the main settlement. You can still see the mark they left on the area by visiting the restored huts and ruins.
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| gold panning competition |
The Arrowtown Autumn Festival has been running for 33 years and boasts multiple events spanning six days. Saturday is truly the main event though, when main street is closed down for pedestrians. There are food trucks, a parade, and live music to enjoy.
Saturday is also the Arts and Crafts Market in the Village Green. We have been to many festivals and outdoor markets in New Zealand, but even the Medieval Festival disappointed us with cheap, mass-produced plastic wares. This market was completely different and true to it’s name. Everything was handmade and there were three (yes, three!) cheese booths, complete with samples. The market really lent to the autumn-in-the-country feel.
Apart from the festival Arrowtown has plenty to offer. The shopping district consists of just two streets, but they pack a lot in. You can pick up fresh bread in the mornings from Arrowtown Bakery then try some crepes at Bonjour (the staff wear shirts stating if they are French or not). Admire the old world charm of all the buildings as you shop or attend a movie at Dorothy Browns. Hit up the Fork & Tap for drinks and a burger, then finish off your day with a walnut brownie by a warm fire at The Postmasters.
No matter what you choose to do, you must stop at The Remarkable Sweet Shop. Everyone who has ever been a child longs for the perfect sweet shop, one that embodies the magic of Willy Wonka. With wooden shelves reaching to the ceiling, each one stuffed full of glass containers brimming with sweets spanning multiple countries. It seems like an impossible dream of times gone by. Well, children of the world rejoice, for your dreams can be found in Arrowtown! There were lemon sherbets, sugar mice, and yes, even a Hershey Bar. (PENNSYLVANIA REPRESENT!) The Remarkable Sweet Shop even makes it’s own fudge! It is easy to empty out your bank account in this amazing store, but there is a coupon for 10% off in the Arrowtown guide.
For the duration of our stay we lodged at Settlers Cottage, just a short walk from the main centre. There is really no need to drive once you get into town, so the cottage’s designated off-street parking really comes in handy. The room itself had two beds, a small table, couch, and TV. There was also a little kitchenette which we stocked after a quick trip to the local Four Square. The Four Square is a small grocery store so you won’t find much variety, but it’s good for the staples (do try the Lewis Road Creamery butter!). The bed was like a giant marshmallow and kept us plenty warm, though there is a wall heater if you need more heat.
Perhaps most surprising was the free WiFi! Even at expensive, city hotels they make you pay for in-room internet, but Settlers Cottage had unlimited WiFi which was quite welcome.
Mornings and evenings in Arrowtown can be quite chilly, though things warm up with the sun. It is good to dress in layers especially if you plan to go for a hike. As this is New Zealand, sunscreen, even in the autumn, is a necessity.
There are countless walks to enjoy, from leisurely strolls along the river to longer alpine walks that require a good level of physical fitness and hiking gear. If you feel up to the challenge you can visit the uninhabited settlement of Macetown, a 3-4 hour walk (one way). Camping is permitted on the site so you can make a whole event of it.
If you’re looking for a nice autumn adventure Arrowtown is definitely the place to go!
