When director-general of the Department of Conservation Lou Sanson tried to cut the chain with bolt cutters he needed a bit of help.
David Clarke, a Wakatipu Heritage Trust trustee, stepped in to lend a hand, officially opening the revamped building.
He joked only one person had ever escaped from the prison, but he was not aware of anyone being unable to get into it.
About 150 people attended the opening of the $215,000 restoration project which is a collaboration between Wakatipu Heritage Trust, the Department of Conservation and Queenstown Lakes District Council.
Arrowtown ward councillor Scott Stevens, who spoke at the opening, talked about the importance of community and congratulated those involved.
The jail, originally opened in 1876, had fallen into disrepair and, while structurally secure, needed significant work done both inside and out, including earthquake proofing.
Information panels have been created so visitors can read about law and order during Arrowtown's early days.
The inside will be a walk-in museum with audio featuring goldrush era stories.
Following the opening, the Queenstown and District Historical Society presented an oral history at St John's Presbyterian Church.
Society member Marion Borrell introduced six characters from the day and explained what life would have been like.
To open the theatrics, Greg Dorn portrayed Sergeant Major Hugh Bracken, the town's first police officer. He told a tale of being charged with looking after a 100lb (45kg) nugget of gold and some of the drunken shenanigans from the gold miners.
Sgt Maj Bracken left his police role and went on to open a hotel in Queenstown.
It is understood he did not want to be judged for moving to a more lucrative career.
Mrs Borrell said some things never changed and remarked it was still very expensive to live in the Wakatipu area.
