20km northeast of Queenstown, in the valley of the Arrow River and at the foot of the Crown Range, is the old gold-miners' settlement of Arrowtown (pop. 1,000). Due to its charming setting it has now developed into an important tourist center.
Gold was found here in 1862, but only a year later gold mining suffered a severe setback when many prospectors were drowned in a devastating flood.
An unusual feature is the Chinese quarter on the west side of the town. In the late 1860s many east Asians came here to work in the gorges of the Arrow and Shotover rivers. They were undemanding and hard-working, and this involved them in disputes with the white prospectors. As a result they were required to live outside the town. Their little stone houses and brick cottages have now been restored, as has the Chinese shop in Bush Creek.
The former Bank of New Zealand building (1875) now houses a branch of the Lakes District Centennial Museum, which is devoted to the history of the area round Lake Wakatipu. It has displays on gold mining.
Hours:
9am-5pm
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25), Good Friday - Christian
Macetown, another ghost town, lies on the Arrow River 15km upstream. The town was abandoned because of its remote situation and harsh climate, and all that now remains is three buildings and a plant for crushing the gold-bearing ore. The old road through the gorge to Macetown, built in 1883, is suitable only for all-terrain vehicles, on horseback or on foot, and there are many fords to cross. It is advisable to inquire about the state of the road before setting out. There is no overnight accommodation in Macetown.
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Arrowtown
