Millbrook expansion plan unveiled

An aerial view of the planned Millbrook expansion.

Plans for a huge expansion of New Zealand's most luxurious golfing and lifestyle resort have been unveiled today.

Millbrook near Queenstown could push out onto an adjacent 66ha block if plans go ahead, adding a further nine holes to its golf offering.

Ben O'Malley, property and development manager, said a public consultation process had started on the expansion.

In November, the Overseas Investment Office approved Millbrook's purchase of the former Dalgleish Farm land on the western boundary and O'Malley said Millbrook was now working with the Queenstown Lakes District Council to review plans.

Image 1 of 5: Millbrook Resort offers luxury accommodation within easy reach of Queenstown and Arrowtown. Photo / Supplied

People with an interest in the expansion are being invited to one of three 'drop-in' sessions on today and tomorrow from 1pm to 3pm, and Saturday from 9 to 11am at Millbrook's Kobe Restaurant.

O'Malley said a Tourism NZ working group - Golf Tourism New Zealand - had identified significant growth opportunities for high-yielding golf tourism in New Zealand, particularly the Queenstown Lakes area.

Golf Tourism New Zealand supports Millbrook's plans to add the nine holes and described Queenstown as the most mature golf destination within New Zealand, but the lack of capacity in the area is a threat to realising significant growth opportunities.

Millbrook now has 27 holes of golf but in practice can only operate a single 18-hole course on any given day, O'Malley said.