Tracing Arrowtown’s Past: A Self Guided Audio Tour

South Island , New Zealand

Tracing Arrowtown’s Past: A Self Guided Audio Tour

Active

1h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Beyond Arrowtown’s idyllic setting along the Arrow River, there’s a complex story of hardship and transformation.

On this walking tour, you’ll find out how a quiet pastoral valley became one of the richest goldfields in the world, where a diverse community took root.

As you explore the historic main street, secluded pathways, and the remarkable Chinese Settlement, you’ll detect echoes of its dramatic past. You’ll also meet the characters that shaped this unique Central Otago town.

The tour begins at the striking ’X Marks the Spot’ sculpture, where you’ll find out how it symbolically anchors Arrowtown’s gold-rush story. You’ll trace the early township layout, wandering streets lined with cottages from the 1800s, and stand where the first gold discoveries triggered a rush that reshaped the region almost overnight.

Available options

Tracing Arrowtown’s Past: A Self Guided Audio Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Our starting location, X Marks the Spot, the very beginning of the gold rush in Arrowtown.

The church is open every day and visitors are very welcome. There is no charge. Enter to see where Australasia’s first saint, Mary of the Cross MacKillop prayed for a short time.

We pass by St John's Presbytarian Church. The church is open most days for viewing.

It is the oldest Church in continuous use in Arrowtown and has served the local Anglican Community for many years.

The church is on the main road into Arrowtown and is open for visitors.

A must visit at the end of the tour. The museum costs to enter but it is well worth the visit if you would like to learn more about Arrowtown and it's surrounding areas.

It is free to walk around the Chinese Settlement, we talk about it as the tour walks through the site.

A yummy place to pick up a picnic and stop off in a park along the tour, or by the river.

A great place to stop in and grab a coffee or some lunch.

A great place to cool off in the shade or browse if the market is on.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

Meeting point

This tour starts at X Marks the Spot. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About South Island

The South Island of New Zealand is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Southern Alps, fiords, and vast stretches of untouched wilderness. It offers a diverse range of outdoor activities and adventure tourism opportunities, making it a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Top Attractions

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a stunning fiord known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and rich wildlife. It's a must-visit for its breathtaking scenery and boat tours.

Nature Full day Moderate to Expensive

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Home to New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook, this national park offers stunning alpine scenery, hiking trails, and stargazing opportunities.

Nature Full day or overnight Free to enter, but activities may have fees

Queenstown

Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world, offering a wide range of thrilling activities such as bungee jumping, skiing, and jet boating.

Adventure Multiple days Moderate to Expensive

Must-Try Local Dishes

Green-Lipped Mussels

A New Zealand delicacy, these mussels are larger and have a distinct green lip. They are often steamed and served with garlic and white wine.

Main Course Contains shellfish

Hokey Pokey Ice Cream

A popular New Zealand ice cream flavor made with vanilla ice cream and honeycomb toffee pieces.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Popular Activities

Bungee jumping Skydiving Jet boating Hiking Skiing Wine tasting Spa treatments Scenic drives

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season, offering warm weather perfect for hiking, water sports, and exploring the great outdoors. The days are long, and the weather is generally stable.

20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Māori
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The South Island is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it's important to be aware of natural hazards and take precautions when engaging in outdoor activities.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of weather conditions, especially in mountainous areas
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Christchurch International Airport • 12 km from city center
Queenstown International Airport • 6 km from city center

By train

Picton Railway Station

By bus

Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport, offering comfortable and affordable travel between destinations.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Otago Christchurch

Day trips

Arrowtown

20 km from Queenstown • Half day

Arrowtown is a charming historic gold mining town with well-preserved buildings, museums, and scenic walking trails.

Lake Tekapo

230 km from Christchurch • Full day

Lake Tekapo is known for its turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop. It's a popular spot for stargazing, hiking, and water activities.

Festivals

Queenstown Winter Festival • June Bluff Oyster Festival • May

Pro tips

Rent a car for flexibility and to explore remote areas
Check weather conditions before heading out, especially in mountainous regions
Book popular activities and accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season
Pack layers and be prepared for variable weather conditions
Try local foods and wines, and visit local markets for a taste of the region's flavors