Arrowtown is a gold rush village 20 minute drive from Queenstown. It is a living historic settlement established in 1862 during the height of the Otago gold rush. The gold mining days are long over but there are touristy bit of gold panning if one is interested. In fact, this Dudley's Cottage offers gold panning activity.
Duddley's Cottage was built during the gold rush, making it one of the historic cottages. It is situated at the main junction, near the main street in Arrowtown. The parking area near this cottage, an easy distance to the start of the famous Chinese settlement was a welcoming sight. This was especially on a rainy day, like the day we were there. It started drizzling as we pulled out of hotel carpark and pouring heavily when we were on the way. We parked the car, donned on our waterproof jackets and make our way to the cosy, comfortable Dudley's Cottage.
Technically, I would say this is a part cafe, part souvenir shop. Fairly interesting though, what were on the rack. The price doesn't strike as cheap at sight but sis bought a hand lotion, to which I later found out that it is cheaper than the retail price in the said duty free shops in the airport.
When the rain was less heavy, we explored a little of the Chinese Settlement.
The Chinese settlement is found at the edge of the river - a cluster of gold rush era homes built and inhabited by Chinese miners who travelled to New Zealand to join in the search for gold, from 1868. This area of restored shelters and buildings paints a picture of earlier times.
There are many walking trails and cycle tracks around the area but we were there on a rainy day in New Zealand. We decided against tracking on those lovely trails, and went on a lazier version of this - walking down the main shopping street and ended with a brunch at Arrowtown Bakery.
My choice of a hearty steak and mushroom pie, accompanied with mashed potato and green peas, washed down with coffee.
Side note: No more public holidays in VIC till Melbourne Cup Day in November *horror*
