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Arrowtown
6 km
1 hour 30 minutes
278 metres
If you are visiting the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown, you really can’t leave without heading up Tobin's Track. It is the quintessential local walk—the kind of trail where you’ll see residents power-walking with their dogs before work, and visitors pausing every few minutes to gasp at the increasingly dramatic views of the Wakatipu Basin.
At 6km return, it strikes that perfect balance: it’s challenging enough to get your heart rate up and earn you a big lunch afterward, but accessible enough that you don't need a pack full of survival gear to enjoy it. It is a steady, honest climb on a well-maintained surface that rewards you with some of the best "bang-for-your-buck" vistas in the Otago region.
The journey begins at the edge of the Arrow River, near the bottom of Ford Street. As you cross the bridge, you’ll likely hear the gentle rush of the river, a sound that has defined this valley since the gold rush days. The initial section of the track is pleasantly shaded by a canopy of trees, offering a gentle warm-up before the real work begins.
The terrain itself is a wide, well-formed gravel 4WD track. This makes it a fantastic choice for groups who want to walk side-by-side and chat, or for parents with adventurous kids. However, don't let the "well-formed" description fool you—the incline is consistent. You’ll be climbing a total of 278 metres over the course of the ascent. It’s a steady "grunt" that will definitely get the legs burning, but because the footing is so secure, you can focus more on the scenery and less on where you’re placing your feet.
As you climb, the trees begin to thin out, and the landscape truly opens up. With every hairpin turn, the village of Arrowtown shrinks beneath you, looking like a miniature toy town nestled among the trees. Soon, the full majesty of the Wakatipu Basin reveals itself. You’ll see the glint of Lake Hayes in the distance, the sprawling farmlands of Speargrass Flat, and the jagged, iconic silhouettes of the Remarkables and the Crown Ranges piercing the skyline.
Because this is a shared track, you’ll often see mountain bikers zooming down or grinding their way up. It’s a friendly atmosphere, but do keep an ear out for the whirr of a free-hub and stay to the left to let them pass. If you're walking with your dog, this is a great spot for them to get some exercise, provided they are under control when bikers approach.
Free parking is available at the reserve near the Arrow River bridge, located at the bottom of Ford Street. Additional parking can be found in central Arrowtown, just a few minutes' walk from the trailhead.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
500m away
A charming cafe nestled in a historic miner's cottage, offering delicious seasonal fare, home-baked treats, and Allpress coffee in a beautiful garden setting. Perfect for post-hike refuelling.
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Out and back
One of the most charming aspects of Tobin's Track is its connection to the past. Just about 300 metres into the walk, keep your eyes peeled for the remnants of Thomas Tobin’s old cottage. Tobin was the man who originally carved this path in the 1870s as a bridle way to Wanaka. Standing by these stone ruins, it’s easy to imagine the rugged life of a 19th-century pioneer overlooking the bustling gold-fevered town below.
The ultimate goal, of course, is the summit. Once you reach the top, you’ll find a trig station and several well-placed benches. This is the spot to sit down, grab your water bottle, and simply soak it all in. The panoramic views from here are nothing short of spectacular, especially when the light hits the schist rock of the surrounding mountains, turning them shades of purple and gold.
Finding the trailhead is straightforward. If you are driving, head to the bottom of Ford Street in Arrowtown. There is a free parking reserve right near the Arrow River bridge. If that’s full—which can happen on sunny weekends or during the busy autumn season—you can find plenty of additional parking in central Arrowtown. From the main street, it’s only a 5-to-10-minute stroll through the historic village to reach the start of the track.
While the views are the main event, the local birdlife provides a wonderful soundtrack to your hike. As you move through the lower wooded sections, you are almost guaranteed to be greeted by the Fantail (Pīwakawaka). These cheeky little birds love to follow hikers, flitting around your feet to catch the insects you disturb as you walk.
Listen out for the melodic, bell-like chime of the Tūī and the Bellbird (Korimako), both of which are common in the area year-round. If you are lucky, you might see a Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon) perched heavily on a branch; they are easy to spot thanks to their iridescent green feathers and white "singlets."
Keep an eye on the sky as well. The New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea) is a rare but occasional visitor to these heights. Unlike the common harrier hawk, the Falcon is smaller, faster, and incredibly agile—a true treat for any birdwatcher.
The land you are walking on is steeped in both Māori and colonial history. Long before the gold rush, the Arrow River (known to Māori as Haehaeata) was part of a network of trails used by southern iwi (tribes) as they travelled inland to gather pounamu (greenstone) and hunt moa.
In the 1860s, the area was transformed by the discovery of gold. Thomas Tobin, for whom the track is named, was a key figure in the early development of the region. By building this bridle path, he helped connect the isolated mining camps of Arrowtown with the farming communities toward Wanaka. Today, the track serves as a reminder of that transition from a rugged frontier to one of New Zealand's most beloved tourism and lifestyle destinations.
One of the best things about hiking in Arrowtown is that the trailhead is just minutes away from some of the best food and coffee in the country.
Whether you're looking for a quick workout, a bit of history, or just a place to take some incredible photos, Tobin's Track delivers every time. It’s a simple, beautiful walk that perfectly captures the spirit of Arrowtown.
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Falco novaeseelandiae
Also known as Kārearea. Fast and agile raptor found in both forest and open country.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
600m away
A beloved gastropub in a 150-year-old historic building, known for fresh, uncomplicated food, 19 local craft beers on tap, and a spacious, dog-friendly outdoor garden. Great for a hearty meal and a pint after a walk.
600m away
A vibrant cafe opened in 2024, offering delicious twists on breakfast and brunch, including Shakshuka and an 'Arrowtown Breakfast'. Known for WOLF coffee and a lively courtyard.
700m away
Offers a refined Northern Italian dining experience, blending Italian traditions with local Central Otago produce. Perfect for a more upscale post-hike treat.