Arthurs Point: River History and Canyon Experiences

Get to know Arthurs Point through a range of experiences: gold-mining history on the Shotover River, trails ranging from short walks to designated routes, jet boat rides, and hot pools. If you’re looking for a hotel in Arthurs Point, it helps to distinguish activities by their character and specific locations. That way, you can plan your stay around the things that matter to you.

River History and Jet Boat Rides

In November 1862, Thomas Arthur discovered gold in the Shotover River. The discovery was made on the beach where Shotover Jet operates. You can see another trace of the river’s history on the Oxenbridge Tunnel Track: it starts in Arthurs Point and leads along a short, easy walking track to a viewpoint overlooking the historic river diversion at the Oxenbridge Tunnel and an old steam engine.

Shotover Jet offers a fast jet boat ride through the narrow Shotover Canyons, including 360-degree spins. The purpose-built boats reach speeds of up to 90 km/h as they glide through the canyons. This makes for a very different experience from quietly taking in the river’s historic features.

Walks, Gorge, and Trail

The Shotover Gorge Trail runs 5.5 kilometres one way from Arthurs Point to Tucker Beach. It is rated Grade 3, with short Grade 4 sections at the Hugo Tunnel. The distance is one way, not a return trip. The section from Arthurs Point to the Hugo Tunnel is suitable for families and less experienced cyclists. The 108-metre-long Hugo Tunnel leads directly into the gorge and offers a glimpse into the region’s mining history. Trail conditions and closures can change; check for current updates before setting out.

The Wharehuanui Trail offers a different kind of scenery. At the Arthurs Point end, it starts beside Gantley’s Tavern and heads east along Arthurs Point Road. Along the way, it passes through a variety of wetlands and riparian areas and runs through the foothills of Coronet Peak.

Activities and Practical Differences

The Shotover Canyon Swing’s operating site is in Arthurs Point, while its booking and check-in location is at 34 Shotover Street in central Queenstown. It’s important to distinguish between these two locations when planning. The experience includes a 60-metre free fall from a 109-metre-high platform, followed by a 200-metre pendulum swing.

Onsen Hot Pools is located in Arthurs Point. The Original Onsen is a 60-minute bathing experience in a cedar-lined hot tub for one to four guests, with views of the Alps. The “Pool for Charity” experience also lasts 60 minutes; 100 percent of its proceeds are donated to a local charity. The duration is the same for both, but the tub format, guest capacity, and view or charitable purpose differ. Experience details may change; check the latest information before booking.

Discover more destinations: Queenstown, Wanaka, Speargrass Flat, Gibbston, Lower Shotover, Hawea Flat, Arrowtown, Mount Nicholas.

For the broader travel overview: Queenstown Lakes District.