Sophisticated in its appeal, Arrowtown's historic main street, fine clothing stores, art studios and galleries, outstanding café and restaurant culture, unique accommodation, traditional pubs and boutique bars create an ambience that is sought out by both visitors and residents.

The village is a golf lover's paradise, bounded by three superb golf courses – Millbrook, The Hills and the stunning Arrowtown Golf Course. Snow enthusiasts will particularly enjoy Arrowtown in winter as it is within 2 hours' drive of five ski areas, the closest of them just 25 minutes away. Walkers and cyclists are also well catered for with a huge network of scenic trails that expand into the hills, along rivers and beside lakes.

The Lakes District Museum is a major attraction. Established in 1948, it is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading small museums, attracting over 40,000 visitors a year. The museum also houses an art gallery, bookshop, archives and research facility and has a busy education programme, as well as operating Arrowtown’s historic post office. In addition the local visitor information centre is located in the museum.

You won't need – or necessarily want – to leave Arrowtown as despite its permanent population of only 3000, it is more-or-less self-sufficient with a fuel stop, two mini-supermarkets, liquor outlets, a butcher's shop as well as a farmer’s market over summer; pharmacy, doctors' surgery, physiotherapy clinic, pilates studio and a gym; library, post centre; clothing stores, gift shops, two garages and even a bike shop and bike hire places. For arts lovers Arrowtown can supply a cinema, several galleries and shows and concerts at the Athenaeum Hall. And if you do want to spread your wings, an affordable bus service links Arrowtown with Queenstown, Frankton, Kelvin Heights, Jacks Point and Arthurs Point.

Arrowtown is increasingly popular with young families as it is the perfect place to bring up kids. Arrowtown Primary School is very highly rated, there is a low crime rate and the outdoor lifestyle means there's plenty to keep kids occupied.

Arrowtown is the only town adjoining, and providing easy access to, the large Mahu Whenua QEII covenant, which protects and preserves large areas of iconic high country land with its associated biodiversity.