Blanketed by a thick coat of white powder, Queenstown may be celebrated as a popular skiing village during the winter months, but during the warmer seasons the lush green landscapes are a golfer’s paradise.

Set against the backdrop of the Remarkables Mountain Range, Millbrook Resort boasts one of the most scenic and widely recognised golf courses in the world.

The 27-hole course was designed by famous New Zealand professional Sir Bob Charles and was renovated in 2010 by Greg Turner, with the addition of the Coronet Nine.

Millbrook affords players a challenging golf experience, complete with natural hazards and an ingeniously planned layout across all three nine-hole courses – aptly named after local prominent Queenstown landmarks.

Millbrook was voted ‘Best Golf Resort’ in Australasia and New Zealand at the 2011 World Travel Awards.

Lining up to tee off at any one of the spectacular holes, you’re surrounded by some of the most captivating and breathtaking views imaginable, as well as a mix of local flora and fauna.

Each of the three courses offer players plenty of variety with undulating fairways, strategic hole placements, demanding sand and water hazards and impeccably groomed greens.

Millbrook Resort, just 20 minutes from Queenstown, is home to 500 acres of relaxation; five-star luxury accommodation, an award-winning spa, stunning and delectable restaurants, hot pools and conference facilities.

I was privileged to shoot a few rounds with Millbrook chief financial officer Brian Spicer.

“It’s such an impressive resort and the course absolutely complements the natural environment,” he said.

“Millbrook was originally a wheat farm, opened in the 1860’s and we’ve managed to restore the old buildings, maintaining a sense of originality and a tribute to the past.”

NZPGA qualified coaches are on-hand to help improve your game, together with dedicated golf schools for groups or individuals and a fully stocked pro-shop housing quality golfing apparel.

Having such a popular course, the Resort hosts many tournaments including the annual Millbrook Masters, NZ PGA Pro-Am Championship and the Southern Gem Golf Tournament, to name just a few.

“Our multi-million-dollar investment in the golf course and its outstanding facilities, including our innovative covered driving range converted from a former woolshed, has been recognized by visitors who play some of the best courses around the world,” Mr Spicer said.

Millbrook’s new Japanese restaurant has Queenstown’s only Teppanyaki grill, serving the highest quality wagyu beef available in New Zealand.

Queenstown’s reputation as a winter wonderland may be forever fixed but it’s the vibrancy and vitality of summertime that’s the standout.

When you next visit New Zealand don’t pass up the opportunity to play this incredible course.