The Miners' Cottages of Arrowtown.

The main street of Arrowtown, famous for its tree-lined avenue, is one of the most photographed picture postcard scenes in New Zealand.

But when the miners' cottages became overwhelmed by tree roots, the absentee landlord failed to take action. Director of the Lake District Museum, David Clarke, said locals could see that it was time to give the decaying buildings serious attention and when all else failed they went to the media. Soon a campaign to save the miners' cottages was underway and their plight became national news.

Spectrum meets Arrowtown heritage builders Roy Bagley and Lindsay Bellamy, who restored Granny Jones, Adams and Romans cottages. The two are now modifying a nearby historic church.

Arrowtown Trust Chairman David Clarke looks at past history and future plans for the precinct, and co owner Jane Shaw takes a tour through the newly opened Artisan Bakery Café and Store. This was the most seriously damaged cottage, now fully restored and selling 'obscenely good' sticky buns, and much more.

Lindsay Bellamy(Left), Roy Bagley and David Clarke