The Mill House Historic Lodge and Motels offers guests peaceful, comfortable accommodation in a historic former flourmill on the banks of the beautiful Waianakarua River, situated just south of New Zealand's premier heritage town of Oamaru.
Eat, sleep and relax in the genuine, old world atmosphere of a 130 year old stone flour mill, set in extensive, well-established riverside gardens overlooking the oldest bridge still remaining on New Zealand's State Highway One.
The Mill House accommodation is an ideal stopping spot between Oamaru and Dunedin, close to attractions such as Moeraki Boulders, penguin and wildlife viewing sites and heritage walks.
Choose from a colonial-style room in the 1879 Lodge, or a motel-style unit situated in our beautiful gardens.
The Mill House is also the ideal location for functions in a beautiful heritage setting, such as weddings, family reunions or small conferences and corporate retreats.
Our fully-licensed bar and bistro can cater for your function, as well as providing breakfast for in-house guests, an all-day snack menu and evening dining on Fridays and Saturdays.
About The Mill
The stone Mill House was built in 1879 by German settler Ernst Diehl, with the huge stone blocks quarried locally and hauled onto the site by bullock wagon.
Despite a fire in its early life, the building continued operating as a flourmill up until the 1940s. It gradually fell into disrepair until it was bought in 1969 and renovated into the accommodation and restaurant complex it is today.
The Mill House's former life is reflected in the colonial-style furnishings and dcor. In the foyer you can see the huge scales used to weigh wheat and flour, while one of the massive original mill stones features in the garden outside.
About The Bridge
Our beautiful two-acre gardens provide the best vantage point for admiring the graceful Otepopo Bridge over the Waianakarua River.
Opened in 1874, the bridge is registered with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a monument of national importance. Designed by John Turnbull Thompson, it is famous for its graceful, tapered stone arches, built of local Kakanui stone.
About Us
Current owners of The Mill House, Sue and Alex Fraser, took over the property in July 2007.
As former residents of the South Island's West Coast, they have found Waianakarua and the North Otago district have much in common with their former home, including stunning natural beauty and friendly locals - both of which could account for the growing popularity of the area with visitors from around New Zealand and overseas.
