It provides easy access, ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Wakitipu but only have half a day to spare.
The Arrowtown Chinese Settlement is routinely hailed as one of the very best preserved examples of the gold-mining era in New Zealand.
Gold was first discovered in Otago in 1861 and by 1864 the gold rush had swelled the Wakatipu population to 30,000.
Growth was soon followed by decline as prospectors sought fresh fields on the West Coast from 1865.
Concerned by the sudden population drought and flagging economy, the Otago Provincial Council and business community invited Chinese miners from the Australian state of Victoria to the region.
The settlement that survives in Arrowtown gives a valuable insight into the accommodation and mercantile activities of the 1200 Chinese in Otago by the 1870s.
Arriving late in the gold rush era, the Chinese found more lucrative success in market gardening and commerce stores.
Department of Conservation Queenstown regional visitor centre supervisor Andrew Evans said the stores became the hub of the community from the 1870s until the 1890s.
"Doc regards the Arrowtown Chinese settlement as having the highest historical and cultural value of any conservation site in Central Otago," Mr Evans said.
"The Land and Survey Department, a precursor to Doc, partially restored and excavated the site in 1983. Further conservation work on the store of Ah Lum [a Chinese pioneer and store-owner] was carried out in 1985-86, which is Central Otago's only remaining 19th-century Chinese store.
"This site was restored by Doc in 2003 as part of the Government's apology for historic legal discrimination against Chinese settlers, so it's a symbol of reconciliation in the region."
The settlement is at Bush Creek beside the Arrow River.
To start the Sawpit Gully Track, walkers follow the signposts and head up along the river to the northeast for 2km.
The track is owned by Coronet Peak Station, although it features Doc signage.
"The track reaches a junction, turns left and begins an immediate steep climb into the Sawpit Gully itself," Mr Evans said.
"The gully is steep-sided and offers panoramic views back to the Remarkables behind you. Following the trail for another 2km, the gorge begins to widen and descend into Eichardts Flat, an area ringed by peaks such as Big Hill and Brow Peak."
Mr Evans said the trail descends from the flat back to Arrowtown.
It was worth noting the isolated patches of beech forest, a rarity so far east, especially given the low rainfall and human activity.
There follows another 2km moderate descent which returns walkers to Bush Creek and the settlement.
Mr Evans said it was about a two-hour round trip.
"Apart from the steep climb from the Arrow River into Sawpit Gully, this walk poses no problems for a weekend walker. The ease of access makes it a nice, peaceful getaway for those with limited time."
