Arthurs Point: Shotover, Tunnels and Trails

Arthurs Point combines the history of the gold discovery on the Shotover River with experiences in a narrow gorge and trails through varied landscapes. You can compare a short, easy walk to a historic viewpoint with longer trail rides and a high-speed jet boat ride. This range of activities makes the area appealing if you want to combine nature, history and action-packed experiences on your trip.

Shotover: Gold history and gorge

In November 1862, Thomas Arthur discovered gold in the Shotover River on the beach where Shotover Jet operates. Shotover Jet offers a very different encounter with the river: the high-speed jet boat ride passes 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 through the canyons.

The Oxenbridge Tunnel Track offers a quieter alternative. This short, easy walking track starts in Arthurs Point and leads to a viewpoint overlooking the historic river diversion at the Oxenbridge Tunnel and an old steam engine. This gives you a short outing with views of reminders of the past alongside a fast ride through the gorge—two very different ways to experience the Shotover.

Trails and landscapes around Arthurs Point

The Shotover Gorge Trail runs from Arthurs Point to Tucker Beach. The easy route is 5.5 kilometres one way; the trail is rated Grade 3, with short Grade 4 sections at the Hugo Tunnel. The section from Arthurs Point to the Hugo Tunnel is suitable for families and less experienced cyclists. The 108-metre-long tunnel leads directly into the gorge and offers a glimpse into the region’s mining history. Trail conditions and possible closures can change; check the latest notices before setting out.

The Wharehuanui Trail showcases a different landscape. At the Arthurs Point end, it starts beside Gantley's Tavern and heads east along Arthurs Point Road. The route passes through wetlands and riparian areas and runs through the foothills of Coronet Peak. When choosing your activities, you can compare the gorge scenery of the Shotover Gorge Trail with the wetlands and riverside areas of the Wharehuanui Trail.

Jet boating, Canyon Swing or Onsen

The Shotover experiences also offer different kinds of thrills. The Canyon Swing has a 60-metre free fall, starting from a 109-metre-high platform before turning into a 200-metre pendulum swing. Its operating site is in Arthurs Point, while the booking and check-in location is at 34 Shotover Street in the centre of Queenstown. This distinction is important for planning; check the latest arrangements before your visit.

At Onsen Hot Pools, two different experiences each last 60 minutes. The Original Onsen is a bathing experience in a cedar-lined hot tub for one to four guests, with views of the Alps. For the “Pool for Charity” experience, 100 percent of the proceeds are donated to a local charity. When weighing up the options, the Original Onsen focuses on the tub and the view, while the other experience centres on its charitable purpose. Experience formats and programme details can change; check the latest information before planning.

More perspectives in the Queenstown Lakes District

As a broader travel destination, the Queenstown Lakes District offers other themes that are distinct from Arthurs Point. Its three main lakes are Lake Whakatipu, Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, which are used for boating, swimming and other water sports. The region also has points of interest for those interested in cultural history: the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement is a public historic site, Category 2, and the last relatively intact Chinese settlement remaining in Otago. It commemorates the Chinese presence on the Central Otago goldfields. The Lakes District Museum houses artefacts, photographs and films about Māori and Chinese settlers as well as the pioneering gold rush; a visit offers insight into the history of Queenstown and the Southern Lakes District.

Choose the right holiday rental for your trip

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first decide which experiences you want to shape your trip. If Shotover Jet, the Canyon Swing, Onsen Hot Pools and local trails are your priorities, focus your search on Arthurs Point. If you also want to explore the lakes and cultural sites of the Queenstown Lakes District, include these as separate regional highlights in your plans.

Discover more destinations: Gibbston, Dingle Burn, Mount Nicholas, Cardrona, Albert Town, Queenstown, Makarora, Closeburn.

For the broader travel overview: Queenstown Lakes District.