Parking spaces were at a premium, businesses were booming and retailers were thrilled with the additional business during a month when everything traditionally tended to taper off.
Aided in no small part by Saturday's Motatapu Icebreaker finishing in the town and the third day of the Michael Hill New Zealand Golf Open, retailers in Arrowtown all reported a week that got busier as it progressed.
Betty's Liquor Arrowtown duty manager Nik Horn said Tuesday was "a big day" with business slowing slightly on Wednesday, picking up again for Thursday and gaining momentum since then.
While the timing of the marathon and the golf might have meant the two events competed, the winner was clearly the town, Mr Horn said.
"Particularly when the weather's good . . . it clearly brings people in and they're spending.
"We've got people staying at Millbrook, some of them are staying in Queenstown, some of them are staying in Arrowtown . . . it's full."
New Orleans manager Carrie Edgerton said the rush started on Monday and by the weekend had showed no sign of slowing.
"We are getting busier and busier as the week goes on. Mostly, it's golf supporters. It seems they're out there during the day and coming in here at night.
"We've still got quite a few locals as well . . . it's great. [Business] starts to quieten off now . . . so any time is good to be promoting."
Ms Edgerton said people spoken to by New Orleans staff loved Arrowtown and its surrounds.
"They're just amazed with the place."
Forget Me Not owner Ann Jones said Saturday morning was particularly busy for the store, partly with supporters and spectators for the Motatapu, but also many spectactors from the Open.
"[On Saturday] morning a lot of them hadn't gone to the golf. A lot of people came in and said they were off to the golf in time for lunch, which surprised me."
Mrs Jones said while the store had "quite a good run" in 2007, it was noticeably busier in Arrowtown this year, possibly due to the unseasonal cold snap last week.
"It was certainly cool. If you talk to anybody who's a woollen goods shopkeeper, they'll all tell you it's fantastic.
"On Tuesday, Arrowtown just about sold out of gloves and socks. I believe they've been rushed off their feet, they've been so busy."
Arrowtown Brewing Company director Darryl Jones said the cold weather last week did not help business, with visitors opting to stay indoors rather than venture out to the restaurant and bar, but as the skies cleared, the bar stools had filled.
To help draw in crowds the brewery had crafted a special beer in honour of the Motatapu.
The Motatapu Thirst Buster, created by brewmaster John Timpany, was on tap until the 1400 litres ran out, Mr Jones said.
The community was cashing in on the weekend by holding the Arrowtown Street Party from 5.30pm until 10.30pm on Saturday, coinciding with the Motatapu and the Open.
Hundreds flocked to the main street of Arrowtown, taking in the sights, sounds, smells and quenching their thirst.
