Things to do in Arrowtown
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Chinese Settlement
Arrowtown has NZ’s best example of a gold-era Chinese settlement. Interpretive signs explain the lives of Chinese ‘diggers’ during and after the gold rush, while restored huts and shops make the story more tangible. Subjected to significant racism, the Chinese often had little choice but to rework old tailings rather than seek new claims. The Chinese settlement is off Buckingham St.
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Stables
With courtyard tables adjoining a grassy square, Stables is a good spot to share a tasting platter ($29.50) with your closest travelling companion. Have a local Brewski beer from Wanaka, or a glass of Central Otago wine. Later at night, step inside the 1860s stone building for a more intimate dining experience.
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Dorothy Browns
This is what a cinema should be. Ultra-comfortable seating with the option to cuddle with your neighbour. Fine wine and cheese boards are available to accompany the mostly art-house films on offer. Every screening has an intermission – a perfect opportunity to tuck into a tub of gourmet ice cream.
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Blue Door
Hidden away behind a tricky-to-find, yet perfectly appropriate, blue door. The low ceilings, low light and abundant candles make for an intimate quaffing location. Blue Door has a formidable wine list and enough rustic ambience to keep you entertained for the evening.
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Lake District Museum and Gallery
The Lake District Museum and Gallery has exhibits on the gold-rush era. Younger travellers will enjoy the Museum Fun Pack ($5), which includes activity sheets, museum treasure hunts, stickers and a few flecks of gold.
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Bonjour Cafe
Authentic French cuisine direct from the continent. Come for breakfast and tuck into one of the 17 different crepe options – you’ll struggle to choose, that we guarantee. Come back for dinner to treat yourself to cheese fondue.
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Pesto
This candlelit restaurant serves Italian food with a contemporary spin. It’s Saffron’s slightly rowdier, younger, family-friendly sibling, and the culinary expectations are kept high with good pasta and gourmet pizzas.
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Café Mondo
In a courtyard, this place is an excellent spot for a relaxed breakfast. Have coffee and a snack if you’re in a hurry, or linger with a wine from a range of local tipples. There’s a good kids’ menu, too.
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Saffron
One of the South Island’s best restaurants, Saffron has grown-up food including duck cassoulet and a trio of curries featuring pork, duck and king prawns. The ambience is more sophisticated than Pesto’s.
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Arrowtown Bakery
Once the Arrowtown Bakery has lured you with yummy aromas, you’ll be powerless. We can recommend the smoked fish or satay chicken pies. Don’t blame us if you order a second.
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New Orleans Hotel
With looks transplanted more from the Wild West than the Deep South, this heritage pub is a good escape from Arrowtown’s growing array of expensive designer shops.
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Tap
The Tap dates back to the gold rush. Inside, there are wines, a pool table, pub grub and liquid gold on tap. Sit outside and slow down to Arrowtown’s languid pace.
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