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Because many visitors will spend some time in Queenstown during their New Zealand travels, we like to share information on Queenstown activities.
While the area and its surroundings offer visitors countless experiences throughout the year, April brings something special to nearby Arrowtown.
As autumn paints the historic gold mining town in brilliant reds and golds, the Arrowtown Autumn Festival transforms the charming town into a celebration of community, heritage, and seasonal colour.
Running from April 24-27th 2025, this festival offers visitors a perfect opportunity to experience local culture while enjoying one of New Zealand's most vibrant autumn displays.
Key Takeaways
Festival runs April 24-27th 2025
Many events are free or gold coin donation with some ticketed special events
Mix of adult-only and family-friendly events
Easy access from Queenstown (25 minutes by car or bus)
Advance booking recommended for special events
Some free and low-cost events require booking to reserve a spot
Program release and ticket sales begin in February
Restaurant bookings are usually required during the festival period
Festival Overview
The 2025 Arrowtown Autumn Festival runs from April 24-27th. Now in its 39th year, this community-run festival showcases local talents while celebrating the town's historical and cultural heritage.
What began in 1985 as a modest promotional event has evolved into an annual celebration featuring over 50 events across multiple days.
The festival coincides with ANZAC Day (April 25th), a significant day of remembrance in New Zealand and Australia, honoring the servicemen and women of both nations, particularly those who first served together at Gallipoli during World War I.
Arrowtown's ANZAC Day commemorations, including a dawn service and parade, form an important part of the festival program.
Festival Location
The Arrowtown Autumn Festival takes place in the heart of Arrowtown, a historic gold mining town established in 1862. Nestled in a river valley surrounded by mountains, the town creates a stunning festival backdrop, especially when its tree-lined streets and heritage buildings are adorned in autumn colours.
Located around a 25-minute drive from Queenstown, Arrowtown is easily accessible by both car and public transport, making it a perfect destination for visitors based in the Queenstown area.
Festival History
When the Queenstown Promotion Bureau planned the first Arrowtown Autumn Festival, they envisioned a low-key celebration that would complement the town's historical character. The first festival opened on April 20th 1985 to capacity audiences, setting the foundation for the cherished annual tradition.
The festival provided an opportunity for the local farming community to come to town and join in the festivities. It has never been a profit-making venture, but rather a community celebration marking the end of summer, the arrival of autumn colors, and the conclusion of the busy tourist season.
Original events included:
Opening day market
Street parade
Barbershop quartet competitions
Variety concerts
Street entertainment
Unique events like sheep races and wheelbarrow races
Many of these traditions continue today, alongside new additions that keep the festival fresh and engaging for today’s audiences.
Getting to the Festival
While Arrowtown offers multiple accommodation options, they usually book up months ahead of the festival, so Arrowtown accommodation at festival time requires advanced planning.
Many Autumn Festival-goers are based in Queenstown and travel to the festival by car or public transport.
By Car
Two scenic routes connect Queenstown to Arrowtown, each taking 20-25 minutes:
The "back way" through Arthurs Point and past Coronet Peak, offering views of farmland and mountains
The main route via Frankton Road and Lake Hayes
Despite its small size, Arrowtown has good car parking availability, primarily in the main Buckingham Street Carpark.
This carpark is free and available throughout most of the festival, but it is closed for the street market event. Many visitors choose to park along the residential side streets of Arrowtown and walk down to the town centre to ensure easy parking.
By Public Bus
The Orbus #2 loop (Arthurs Point to Arrowtown route) provides regular connections from Queenstown and Frankton:
Cost: $2 with a Bee Card, $4 cash
Regular service throughout the day
You can purchase a Bee Card for $5 which must then be topped up with a minimum of $5. The Bee Cards can be purchased from:
Paper Plus in Queenstown Airport
Queenstown i-SITE at 22 Shotover Street
RealNZ kiosk at Queenstown’s Earnslaw Park
Hilton Queenstown
By Taxi
Multiple taxi services operate between Queenstown and Arrowtown, offering flexibility for festival attendance. You can catch a taxi from the taxi stand in the centre of Queenstown, or you can easily look up Queenstown taxi services online to book.
Events Overview
While the festival program evolves each year, several signature events remain constant. These core events include:
Family-Friendly Events:
Outdoor movie night (gold coin entry, bookings required)
ANZAC Day parade and remembrance service (free)
Saturday market day (gold coin entry)
Street parade (free)
Historic tree walk (free)
Chinese settlement tour (free)
Dog show (free)
Rubber duck race ($10 to enter a duck)
Adult Events (R18, Ticketed):
Quiz night
Comedy night
Pie, Pint & Pinot event
Throughout the festival, several free events run daily, such as the Arrowtown Art and Photography Competition, which don't require bookings. While many events are free, some have limited capacity and require online booking to secure your spot.
For specific times, dates, and booking information for the 2025 festival program, visit the festival events page.
Tips for Visitors
Restaurant bookings are usually required during the festival - research Arrowtown eateries and reserve your table online in advance if you’d like to eat at a restaurant
Check the weather forecast and dress in layers for Arrowtown's autumn conditions
Bring cash for the market day, as not all stalls have card facilities
Take time between events to explore the Arrow River walking trail, where autumn colors are particularly stunning
Book tickets for special events early through the festival website, as popular events sell out quickly
Looking for another MUST DO in Queenstown? 👇
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book tickets to the Arrowtown Autumn Festival in advance?
While many festival events are free or only require a gold coin donation, special events need tickets and require advance booking to ensure a spot. Some free and low-cost events don’t need tickets, but they need to be booked due to limited capacity at some venues.
The full program, ticket sales, and booking details are released in early February and can be found here.
Can I attend the Arrowtown Autumn Festival for one day?
Yes, many visitors attend just for specific events or the street market. Check the program to plan your visit.
Is the Arrowtown Autumn Festival suitable for families?
Yes, the festival includes many family-friendly events and activities, making it an ideal outing for all ages. Any adult-only events are specified on the festival’s progam and booking pages.
How long do most Arrowtown Autumn Festival events last?
Event durations vary - the street market runs most of Saturday, while specific events like concerts or tours typically last 1-2 hours. The full program has details of exact timings for each event.
Is there food available at the Arrowtown Autumn Festival?
Beyond local restaurants, the street market features food stalls, and some events include refreshments. However, booking restaurants in advance is highly recommended as they get very busy during the festival.
What should I wear to the Arrowtown Autumn Festival?
Arrowtown can be quite cool in late April, with daytime temperatures reaching around 12°C and dropping to about 3°C in the evenings. Since many events take place outdoors, dressing for changeable autumn weather will help you enjoy the festival comfortably.While there's no dress code for the festival, we’d recommend:
Wearing warm layers that you can add or remove
Bringing a warm jacket for evening events
Having a hat or beanie handy
Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the festival
What if it rains at the Arrowtown Autumn Festival?
Many events have indoor venues or wet weather alternatives.The street market also still ahead in wet weather, as most of the vendors have cover over their stalls. Check the weather forecast and bring a jacket and umbrella with you if there’s a chance of rain.
The Arrowtown Autumn Festival showcases the best of this historic town during its most colorful season. Whether you're interested in cultural events, family activities, or simply soaking in the autumn atmosphere, the festival offers something for everyone.
From its humble beginnings to today's comprehensive program, it remains true to its community roots while providing visitors with an authentic taste of local culture and heritage.