Canterbury Trails · Private Queenstown tours
Arrowtown Walking Tour
Trails, gold and a town with a story.
The experience
A day on foot through gold-rush country, shaped to exactly the pace you want.
Arrowtown’s network of trails ranges from a gentle riverside path to longer climbs into the hills, all carrying the marks of the gold rush against a backdrop of alpine forest and tussock. This full day is shaped to your party’s fitness, from an easy stroll to a more ambitious walk with sweeping views.
The day
The trail, then the town
A short drive brings you to Arrowtown and onto the trail, the route matched to your party, from the easy Arrow River path to a longer climb such as Sawpit Gully into the hills. Gold-rush heritage lines the way, the old workings and relics among the tussock, and the high ground opens to wide views over the Wakatipu Basin. The day finishes in Arrowtown itself, its historic streets and cafes, with a relaxed lunch if you wish before the return to Queenstown.
Along the way
The day in pictures
Historic Arrowtown
The Arrow Riverand riverside path
Gold-rush relicsalong the trail
A high viewpointover the Wakatipu Basin
What to expect
Your route, your pace
The day is entirely private: a premium vehicle and one dedicated guide, door-to-door from Queenstown, with snacks and water on the trail and a route chosen on the day to suit your fitness, from easy to demanding. Sturdy shoes are wise for the longer walks, and Arrowtown is spectacular in autumn, when the hills turn gold.
Private guided walks from NZD $350 per person.A full day on foot from Queenstown, through Arrowtown’s gold-rush trails.
What our guests say
“A fantastic guide, the exact combination of informative, entertaining and patient.”Nick H, April 2026
Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Google & TripAdvisor
Good to know
A few questions answered
How long is the day, and how far do we walk?
A full day, around six hours, with the walking distance and difficulty matched to your party, and private door-to-door collection from your Queenstown accommodation.
How difficult is the walking?
Anywhere from an easy riverside stroll to a more demanding hill climb. We choose the route on the day to suit your fitness.
Is lunch included?
Snacks and water are provided on the trail, and there is time for a cafe lunch in Arrowtown at your own cost.
When is it at its best?
Autumn, when the hills and streets turn gold, though it is rewarding year round.
Plan your journey
Walk the goldfields in style
Tell us your dates and your party, and we will shape the day around you.
Email info@trails.co.nz · Phone +64 3 384 6148
