Arrowtown in Pictures

We really wanted to showcase the beauty of Arrowtown that we've decided to dedicate a whole post on pictures.

We were there towards the end of Winter, hence why there is not much colour. Rest assured, Arrowtown looks just as marvellous no matter which season you visit.

World Colours - #PURPLE (#worldcolors #worldcolours)

We're still catching up on our worldcolours postings.

For the month of August, the colour we are showcasing is PURPLE!!!

Enjoy the selection of pictures I have chosen to showcase the colour blue.

For previous WorldColour posts, click here.

Purple Orchids, seen at Sentosa Flowers 2013

"Open for business" sign seen at Akaroa Harbour, NZ

Photoshoot being held at Club Street, Singapore

Gallipoli Medallion of Rewiri Ihaka and Dardnanelles Medal Ribbon
- Auckland War Memorial Museum, NZ

Arrowtown and Historic Chinese Settlement

Arrowtown is a charming, quirky and delightful gold rush village located via a scenic 20 minute drive from Queenstown.

In the heart of Arrowtown lies Buckingham Street.  It contains small town heritage buildings that stretch out into a tree-lined avenue of tiny miner's cottages. It is also home to the Lake District's Museum; which contains a memorable exhibition, depicting what life was like in the goldfields town.

Buckingham Street

There are shops, galleries, bars and restaurants along this stretch of road. All have their own individual style and not one International chain can be found here.

One of the enclaves of shops in Arrowtown

Gibbston Valley Cafe

There are a lot of picturesque walking and cycling trails in Arrowtown and these are well worth doing. The trails vary in length from ones that take a few hours, through to ones that take a few days. The ones that take a few days are great for fans of camping.

Historic Chinese Settlement 

Photo Credit: NZ History Online

On the banks of Bush Creek, you can find the partially restored Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. This is a reminder and tribute to the contribution made by the Chinese goldminers; and business people, to the region's goldmining, cultural and business history.

Here you will discover how the Chinese settlers lived during the goldmining days during the late 1880's.

Census figures for 1874 reveal that there were 3,564 Chinese in Otago. Often victims of discrimination they lived on the fringes of European settlements and in isolated gullies close to their mining claims. Chinese that died were either buried in graves in a Chinese section or just outside the cemetery. 

- Source: NZ Department of Conservation Website

Ah Lum's store was built from mortared stone rubble and has an iron roof. Inside, there are five rooms, as well as a loft space. This is one of the few original buildings to remain standing. Ah Lum acquired the store in 1909, and the building began to serve as a shop, a bank, a place for socialising and accommodation for both travellers and visitors. The store stocked both Asian and European supplies.

Ah Lum's store

A path within the Chinese Settlement

Chinese Settlement, Arrowtown, NZ

Chinese Settlement, Arrowtown, NZ

This hut is carved into the side of the mountain

A Miner's Hut

For more information on what there is to do in Arrowtown, check out the following website.

To view more pictures taken in Arrowtown, click here

Fine dining at the Swissotel, Singapore

Jaan is an intimate 40-seat restaurant located on the 70th floor of the Swissotel and it showcases modern Fresnch Cuisine.

It was our first fine dining experience, and was well worth it.

For Living in Sin's amazing review of the afternoon - CLICK HERE.

Happy Reading . . .

New Zealand's Largest Wine Cave

Gibbston Valley Wines is located in the southernmost wine-producing region in the world, and is home to New Zealand's Largest Wine Cave.

The cave has been blasted 80 meters into solid schist of the Central Otago mountains, which provides a perfect backdrop for the vineyard.

The tour we went on costs about NZ$15, and includes tasting :)

You start off the Wine Cave Tour in their vineyard, which gives you the opportunity to learn more about the history of the region and winemaking journey.

The tour then takes you to the entrance of the cave.

Entrance to the Wine Cave

This underground cave is an ideal natural environment to mature award-winning wine . . .

As you enter the Cave, you are flanked by some 400 Pinot Noir barrels

. . .  and is a perfect setting to enjoy tastings of Gibbston Valley's three current release wines. As you enter the Wine Cave, the smell of the fermenting Wine is amazing; a very rich, aromatic smell. The Oak Barrels also give off a rich Wood smell which reminds you of a flickering Fireplace filled with fragant Logs and Pine Cones. In summary, it smelt amazing in the cave. 

Wine tasting in a cave . . . can't get any better than this!

 

After the tour, don't forget that there is a Gift Shop, and Winery Restaurant on site too where you can pair their food and wine for a chill out meal. The food is very good and the waiters are as knowledgeable as ever about their products.

Gibbston Valley Wines is located 20 minutes from Queenstown, on State Highway 6. For more information, check out their website.