Learn all the gold-hunting tricks from the experts at Arrowtown Gold Panning Co, before trying your luck at the Arrow River. Photo / supplied
Learn all the gold-hunting tricks from the experts at Arrowtown Gold Panning Co, before trying your luck at the Arrow River. Photo / supplied
The perfect spot for a lazy weekend, a quick detour to Arrowtown, even with the kids in tow, is a great way to make some long-cherished family memories, writes Alexia Santamaria.
Heading to Queenstown with the kids? Why not take a brisk 20-minute detour to Arrowtown while you’re there? Although it’s definitely a lovely place with a few days at your disposal, one is still plenty of time to have heaps of fun with the family on the banks of the Arrow River. Although the miners have long-departed this beautifully-preserved historic town, what happened in those gold-obsessed years in the late 1800s is still very evident, and spending even just 12 hours there will allow you to travel back in time. Here’s a trialed-and-tested itinerary that will get the thumbs up from the whole family and be reminisced for years to come.
Morning
Begin your day with a stroll around the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. The kids will love exploring the landscape, even if it makes your heart sink a little to think of the harsh conditions these poor migrants lived in. When comparing with the main street, where wealthy banks and merchants traded, you can see there were two distinct sides to the gold rush tale. Despite the sad feeling in your belly, it’s a lovely walk through a fascinating mix of stabilised hut ruins, reconstructions and restorations (the most prominent being the old Ah Lum’s Store) and a great opportunity to explain historical inequity to your children so they can understand why their generation should never let it happen again.
Charming Arrowtown is packed with stories from New Zealand's past, plus plenty of modern eateries and boutique shops to keep the family entertained. Photo / supplied
Right next door is The Dishery, where your children will be obsessed by their own special menu with pikelets, eggs and soldiers, mousetraps and other kid-friendly food and you’ll be just as enamoured with breakfast options like chorizo hash; mango, turmeric and coconut smoothie bowl and sesame banana bread.
Even better, it’s right next to Arrowtown Gold Panning Co (also in the Dudley’s Cottage Precinct), where you can go and have a lesson on how to fossick for a share of the action. It’s such an incredible experience learning the technique in a trough with an expert, and going away with a small vial of some precious sparkly matter, even if it’s only tiny flecks. The lesson includes pan hire, meaning you can head out to the river afterwards and have a go in the real-life environment. Our children loved it and it was pretty hard to tear them away as they got into it.
Afternoon
If you’re looking for a lunch spot, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat. The Chop Shop Food Merchants are renowned for their flavour bomb brunches and lunches with a difference; Ben Bayly has just opened Little Aosta - which will keep both parents and kiddos fed and delighted - and if the thought of dining in with children is too much to hadnle, hit up Arrowtown Bakery for something to take on the go (be prepared to queue as it’s crazily popular). The pies and custard slices have a large and loyal following and you’ll understand why when trying for yourself.
The Remarkable Sweet Shop is a well-stocked spot for a sugary treat. Photo / supplied
After a leisurely lunch, a mooch around town is much-needed. Children will be wide-eyed and bushy-tailed when checking out the displays of “real live gold” nuggets in the jewellers and you’ll be lucky if you manage to escape Arrowtown without stopping in at the Remarkable Sweet Shop for lollies or Patagonia for hot chocolates or ice-creams. You may personally want to stop in at the Gibbston Valley Cheese Cafe for something less sugar-laden.
The Lakes District Museum and Gallery tells the gold rush story through interesting and interactive displays. Photo / supplied
If you have time, the Lakes District Museum and Gallery is definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re exploring more of the region. The gold story runs through everything you see in this part of Aotearoa and this highly entertaining, interesting and interactive museum is an easy way to teach your children about the discovery story of this precious metal and the madness that ensued. If you fancy giving cocky tweens a fright - or a laugh - tell them to open the toilet door in the street scene downstairs. The museum is really well-curated - and the children aren’t the only ones who’ll learn a thing or two about this intense and pivotal period in New Zealand history.
If you haven’t strolled by the river, grab your chance now in that magical late afternoon golden hour - it makes the already-beautiful haven even more ethereal. Finish off the day by heading to Slow Cuts for family-friendly portions that are both big and tasty. Think great burgers, slow cuts and steaks, rotisserie chook and sides like smashed potatoes and mac & cheese. Comfort food heaven.
It's easy to cover a lot in a short time in picturesque, charming Arrowtown. You'll finish your day full of good vibes, great food an increased knowledge of our gold tinged past - the good, the bad and the ugly.
