While beauty is subjective and New Zealand possesses an abundance of stunning settlements, Arrowtown is frequently crowned the prettiest historic town in the country. Located near Queenstown, Arrowtown charms visitors with its remarkably preserved 19th-century gold-mining cottages, tree-lined streets bursting with vibrant golden foliage during autumn, and backdrop of rugged mountains. Other contenders frequently praised for their picturesque aesthetics include Wanaka with its iconic lakeside views, Russell in the Bay of Islands with its maritime heritage, and Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula, known for its French colonial architecture.