Golfing in Queenstown, New Zealand

George Smith Jul 14, 2023
16 People Read
Queenstown Millbrook Resort New Zealand
Table of Contents
  1. Where to stay
  2. Why Millbrook Resort is a must-play golf course in Queenstown
  3. The course design
  4. The facilities
  5. The location
  6. How Hard is it to Get Tee Times
  7. How to get Around
  8. What to do off the beaten path

Queenstown is New Zealand’s premier golfing destination, with seven spectacular golf courses to choose from, including three championship courses and four experience courses. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find a course that suits your style and skill level in this stunning alpine setting. Here are some tips on how to plan your luxury golf trip to Queenstown, including where to stay, how to get around, and what to do off the beaten path.

Where to stay

If you’re looking for a luxury accommodation option for your Queenstown golf holiday, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can stay at one of the award-winning golf resorts, such as Millbrook Resort1 or The Hills2, where you can enjoy world-class facilities, amenities, and service. You can also opt for a boutique hotel, a lakeside lodge, or a private villa with stunning views of the mountains and the lake. Some of the top luxury places to stay in Queenstown are:

  • Azur Lodge3: A collection of nine private villas overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Each villa features a king-sized bed, a fireplace, a spa bath, and a private deck. You’ll also enjoy complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, pre-dinner drinks and canapes, and transfers to and from town.

  • Eichardt’s Private Hotel4: A historic hotel in the heart of Queenstown, offering elegant suites and apartments with lake or mountain views. You’ll have access to the hotel’s bar, restaurant, spa, and concierge service. You’ll also receive a welcome drink, a gourmet breakfast, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

  • Matakauri Lodge: A luxury lodge on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, offering spacious suites and cottages with panoramic views. You’ll have access to the lodge’s pool, spa, gym, library, and dining room. You’ll also enjoy a pre-dinner drink and canapes, a four-course dinner, and a full breakfast.

Why Millbrook Resort is a must-play golf course in Queenstown

Queenstown is a paradise for golfers, with seven stunning courses to choose from, each offering a unique challenge and spectacular views. But if you’re looking for the ultimate golfing experience in Queenstown, you can’t go past Millbrook Resort, the home of the New Zealand Open and one of the best golf resorts in the world. Here are some of the reasons why Millbrook Resort is a must-play golf course in Queenstown.

The course design

Millbrook Resort boasts two 18-hole courses, each named after a local landmark: Coronet 18 and Remarkables 18. The courses were designed by renowned architects Sir Bob Charles, Greg Turner, and Scott Macpherson, who blended the natural features of the land with strategic bunkering, water hazards, and undulating greens. The result is a course that is challenging and rewarding for players of all levels, with multiple tees to suit different abilities. The courses also offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and lakes, creating a memorable golfing experience.

The facilities

Millbrook Resort is not just a golf course, but a luxury lifestyle resort that offers everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. You can choose from a range of accommodation options, from elegant studios and suites to spacious resort homes, all with clear views of the scenery. You can also enjoy the resort’s health and fitness centre, which includes three outdoor hot pools, a gym, a spa, and a range of fitness classes. You can also dine at one of the resort’s four restaurants, which offer a variety of cuisines and atmospheres. And if you need any assistance with your golf game, you can visit the pro shop, the covered driving range, or book a lesson with one of the PGA professionals.

The location

Millbrook Resort is located in the historic Arrowtown basin, which is one of the most exclusive and charming suburbs in Queenstown. Arrowtown is famous for its gold mining history and its quaint village atmosphere, with boutique shops, cafes, galleries, and museums to explore. You can also enjoy some of the best walking and cycling trails in the region, such as the Arrow River Trail and the Queenstown Trail. And if you want to venture further afield, you can easily access some of the other attractions in Queenstown, such as the ski fields, the adventure activities, or the wineries.

Millbrook Resort is a golf destination that will exceed your expectations. With its superb course design, its luxurious facilities, and its convenient location, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular and prestigious golf courses in Queenstown. Whether you’re a casual golfer or a serious competitor, you’ll find something to love at Millbrook Resort. Book your tee time today and discover why Millbrook Resort is a must-play golf course in Queenstown.

How Hard is it to Get Tee Times

It depends on the season and the time of the day, but generally, it’s not too hard to get tee times at Millbrook Resort. You can book online up to 7 days in advance on their website1, or you can contact their pro shop or office on +64 3 441 7010 to make a reservation. The green fees vary depending on the course, the date, and the time, but they range from NZ$90 to NZ$180 per person. You can also book a golf package that includes accommodation, breakfast, and green fees for a better value. You can find more information about their golf packages here2.

1. go.teeitup.com2. leadingcourses.com

According to Google Maps, Azur Lodge to Millbrook Resort is about 18 km or 20 minutes by car. You can take the State Highway 6 and Malaghans Road to get there. You can also use MapQuest1 or another online map service to get directions and traffic information. Alternatively, you can book a shuttle service or a taxi from Azur Lodge to Millbrook Resort, or ask the resort staff for assistance.

The night life in Queenstown is vibrant, diverse, and fun. You can find a variety of bars, clubs, restaurants, and entertainment options to suit your mood and taste. Whether you want to enjoy a drink with a view, dance the night away, or try something different, you’ll find it in Queenstown. Here are some of the highlights of the night life in Queenstown:

  • The World Bar1: A popular spot for cocktails in teapots, craft beers, live music, and DJs. They also serve delicious food, such as chicken and waffles, burgers, and pizzas.

  • Minus 5 Ice Bar2: A unique experience where everything is made of ice, including the walls, the furniture, and the glasses. You’ll get a warm jacket, gloves, and boots to keep you cozy while you enjoy a range of ice cocktails.

  • Sundeck Rooftop Bar3: A rooftop bar with stunning views of the lake and the mountains. You can relax on the sun loungers, sip on a cocktail, or share a pizza with your friends.

  • Cowboy’s Bar4: A western-themed bar with a mechanical bull, pool tables, karaoke, and country music. You can dress up in cowboy hats and boots, or just enjoy the friendly atmosphere and cheap drinks.

  • Fear Factory1: A haunted house attraction where you have to walk through dark corridors and face your fears. You can also play laser tag or go karting at the same location.

How to get Around

Getting to Queenstown is easy with direct flights from New Zealand’s main centres, as well as from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Gold Coast in Australia. The Queenstown Airport is just a 15-minute drive from the town centre, and you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or rental car to get there.

To get around Queenstown and explore the different golf courses, you have several options. You can hire a car and drive yourself, or book a golf tour with a local operator who will take care of all the arrangements for you. Some of the top golf tour operators in Queenstown are:

  • Remarkable Golf Tours: A professional golf service that offers customized packages for individuals and groups. They provide transport in luxury vehicles, tee time bookings, equipment hire, coaching sessions, and sightseeing tours.

  • Queenstown Golf Travel: A specialist golf travel company that offers tailor-made itineraries for golfers of all levels. They provide transport in comfortable vehicles, green fee bookings, accommodation options, dining recommendations, and activity suggestions.

  • Golf Southland: A regional golf association that offers guided tours of the best golf courses in Southland and Otago. They provide transport in modern coaches, green fee discounts, club hire options,

What to do off the beaten path

Queenstown is not only a paradise for golfers but also for adventure seekers and nature lovers. There are plenty of things to do off the beaten path in Queenstown that will make your trip unforgettable. Here are some of the best activities to try:

  • Skydiving: Experience the ultimate thrill of freefalling from 15,000 feet above the stunning scenery of Queenstown. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the lake, the mountains, and the glaciers as you soar through the sky with an experienced instructor.

  • Jet boating: Feel the adrenaline rush of speeding through narrow canyons and rapids on a jet boat ride on the Shotover or Kawarau rivers. You’ll experience 360-degree spins, sharp turns, and close encounters with rocks and cliffs as you navigate the waterways with a skilled driver.

  • Wine tasting: Discover the award-winning wines of Central Otago on a wine tasting tour of some of the best vineyards in the region. You’ll sample different varieties of pinot noir, riesling, chardonnay, and more as you learn about the history and culture of wine making in New Zealand.

Queenstown is a destination that will inspire you with its beauty and diversity. Whether you’re golfing on one of its amazing courses, enjoying its luxury accommodation, or exploring its off-the-beaten-path attractions, you’ll have a memorable and enjoyable time in this remarkable place.

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Table of Contents
  1. Where to stay
  2. Why Millbrook Resort is a must-play golf course in Queenstown
  3. The course design
  4. The facilities
  5. The location
  6. How Hard is it to Get Tee Times
  7. How to get Around
  8. What to do off the beaten path