We took the public bus out to the delightfully quaint Arrowtown (40 mins), the former site of the Great Gold Rush (1862) years that helped establish the area. We visit the old Chinese settlement on the banks of the Arrow River.  The Arrowtown Chinese Settlement is a heritage listed, historic village which was set up by Chinese immigrants during the Otago gold rush of the 1860’s.  

The Arrow River was the River of Bruinen in the Fellowship of the Ring where filming also took place for The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. We took some time to walk along the Arrow River trails which were lined with lupines.

Upon our return we toured the Queenstown Gardens which was a bit of a bust compared to Christchurch, but still lovely.

The shark like boat seen below is a ride that shoots through the water porpoising up and down and underneath. We are told that bags for stomach distress are included with the ride!