Millbrook Resort is Queenstown’s best-known resort stay, set in rolling parkland on the outskirts of Arrowtown rather than in the town itself. The property is built around a championship golf course and a landscape of schist hills, willow-lined creeks and mountain views, and the setting feels more like a private estate than a hotel. Guests choose from hotel-style rooms and larger apartments and villas, which suit families, groups and longer stays, and the resort has restaurants and bars on site, so you can eat well without driving into town. A spa and fitness facilities add to the appeal for travellers who want to unwind between adventures. The resort is a short drive from Arrowtown’s historic main street and from the vineyards of the Gibbston Valley, which makes it a convenient base for wine tours and day trips. It is particularly popular with golfers, couples on special trips and families who prefer space and quiet to the buzz of the lakefront.
Location and getting around
Millbrook sits off Malaghans Road, a short drive from Arrowtown and about twenty minutes from the centre of Queenstown by car. That distance is the main trade-off, because you will want a rental car or regular taxis and shuttles for dinners and activities in town. Many adventure operators offer pick-ups from Queenstown hotels only, so check whether they will collect from the resort when you book. On the plus side, the surroundings are peaceful, parking is straightforward and you are close to Arrowtown’s cafés and walks.
Rooms
Accommodation ranges from hotel rooms to apartments and villas with kitchens, living areas and outdoor space. The larger units suit families or groups travelling together, while couples may prefer the rooms with views over the course or the mountains. Rates and room types change with the season, so compare a few options and confirm bed arrangements, kitchen facilities and cancellation terms when you book.
Who it suits
Golfers, couples seeking a retreat, families who want more space and travellers who plan to spend time in Arrowtown and the wine country. It is less convenient for visitors who want to walk to bars and restaurants at night or who rely on early shuttles for activities such as the Shotover Jet or the bungy.
Good to know
Golf bookings, spa treatments and restaurant tables are best reserved ahead, especially in summer and during holiday periods. Winter brings a quieter feel and the chance to combine a stay with skiing at the nearby fields, although you will need to arrange transport. Check the facilities on offer for your dates, because some amenities, such as pools or courses, may have seasonal hours or maintenance closures.
Neighbourhood notes
Arrowtown, a few minutes away, has bakeries, a good selection of restaurants and the Chinese miners’ settlement, and the Arrow River tracks are popular for evening walks. The Gibbston Valley wineries are a short drive in the other direction, so a stay here pairs naturally with the Queenstown wine trail tour. In winter, ask the resort about transport to the ski fields, since road conditions and parking at the fields change through the season.
Facilities and seasonal hours can vary, so confirm the details of the spa, restaurants and recreation areas with the resort when you book, and ask about the best way to reach the town centre each day.
Why stay here
- ✓Golf course on site
- ✓Spa
- ✓Restaurants and bars on site
- ✓Rooms, apartments and villas
- ✓Close to Arrowtown
- ✓Mountain and parkland views
- ✓Parking on site
- ✓Quiet countryside setting
Good questions
Where is Millbrook Resort?+
It is in the Wakatipu Basin near Arrowtown, about twenty minutes by car from central Queenstown.
Do I need a car at Millbrook?+
A car is very helpful, because the resort is outside town. Otherwise you will rely on taxis, shuttles or pre-arranged transfers.
Is Millbrook good for families?+
Apartments and villas give space for families and groups, but check the facilities and age policies for the activities you want when you book.
