Arthurs Point: History and Experiences on the Shotover

Arthurs Point brings together river history and experiences ranging from a short walk to a ride through narrow canyons. Local activities include jet boating, trails, a canyon swing and Onsen Hot Pools. You can choose between adventure, history and a bathing experience. The right accommodation area here depends mainly on whether Arthurs Point’s activities are the focus of your trip.

Gold history and a canyon ride

In November 1862, Thomas Arthur discovered gold on the beach where Shotover Jet operates. Today, the jet boat ride goes through the narrow Shotover Canyons and includes 360-degree spins. The specially built boats reach speeds of up to 90 km/h as they skim across the water. The gold discovery and the ride represent two different aspects of the Shotover: its history and today’s river experience. If you plan to include this activity, check the latest information in advance, as experience details may change.

Trails, tunnels and river scenery

The short, easy Oxenbridge Tunnel Track starts in Arthurs Point. It leads to a lookout over the historic river diversion at the Oxenbridge Tunnel and an old steam engine. Another trail option is the Shotover Gorge Trail: from Arthurs Point to Tucker Beach, it is 5.5 kilometres one way. The trail is rated Grade 3; there are short Grade 4 sections at Hugo Tunnel.

The 108-metre-long Hugo Tunnel leads directly into the gorge and offers a glimpse into the region’s mining history. The section from Arthurs Point to the tunnel is suitable for families and less experienced cyclists. Conditions and closures may change, so check the latest trail notices before setting out. The Wharehuanui Trail offers a different kind of scenery, passing through wetlands and riverside areas as well as the foothills of Coronet Peak. At the Arthurs Point end, it starts beside Gantley's Tavern and heads east along Arthurs Point Road.

Jet boating, canyon swing and bathing experience

The Original Onsen at Onsen Hot Pools is a 60-minute bathing experience in a hot cedar-lined pool for one to four guests, with views of the Alps. The Pool for Charity experience also lasts 60 minutes; 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to a local charity. The experiences therefore differ in more than just their names: the Original Onsen is described in terms of its pool and views, while the charity experience focuses on its donation purpose. As the available experiences may change, check the latest details before booking.

The Shotover Canyon Swing operates from Arthurs Point. The experience features a 60-metre free fall from a 109-metre-high platform, followed by a 200-metre pendulum swing. However, the booking and check-in location is at 34 Shotover Street in central Queenstown. This distinction is important for finding your way: check the latest check-in information before setting off, as operating arrangements may change.

Another perspective on the Queenstown Lakes District

In the wider destination of Queenstown Lakes District, the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement offers a distinct cultural perspective. It is a public historic site, Category 2, and the last relatively intact Chinese settlement in Otago. It also commemorates the Chinese presence on the goldfields of Central Otago. This adds another chapter of regional history to the gold discovery story of Arthurs Point: these are not the same places or events, but different facets of the history surrounding the goldfields.

Choose Arthurs Point as your accommodation destination

If river and canyon experiences, trails or Onsen Hot Pools are at the heart of your trip, search specifically for hotels in Arthurs Point. If cultural history is also important, include the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement in your travel plans as a distinct attraction in the wider Queenstown Lakes District. This lets you choose where to search based on the experiences that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Lower Shotover, Albert Town, Moonlight, Hawea Flat, Arrowtown, Makarora, Speargrass Flat, Mount Nicholas.

Back to the main travel overview: Queenstown Lakes District.