1 / 2Dorothy Browns cinema, bar and bookstore
📍 Arrowtown, Otago
Boutique cinema, bookshop, and bar in a small Arrowtown alley. Two intimate screens with around 20 seats each, a reading nook, and a balcony with town views. Wine, cheese boards, and snacks can be taken into the theater.
Came across this hidden gem from a sign on the street and very glad we did! Very cute bookshop/bar/cinema! Balcony area extremely relaxing with great views and lots of comfortable places to relax. We were served a small bowl of popcorn with each round of drinks which was a lovely touch! Service was wonderful and we were made to feel very at home here for a few quiet hours and the host was lovely to chat to. We came back a few days later we enjoyed our time here so much and would recommend this place to anyone wanting a quiet respite from the busyness of Arrowtown or Queenstowns bars!
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Staff at Dorothy Browns make guests feel completely at home — chatting about films on, what to do around Arrowtown, and checking in between sessions. It's the kind of cinema where people come back two days running because the atmosphere is that rare.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →298 Google reviews
Jangcrow
4 months ago
“Came across this hidden gem from a sign on the street and very glad we did! Very cute bookshop/bar/cinema! Balcony area extremely relaxing with great views and lots of comfortable places to relax. We were served a small bowl of popcorn with each round of drinks which was a lovely touch! Service was wonderful and we were made to feel very at home here for a few quiet hours and the host was lovely to chat to. We came back a few days later we enjoyed our time here so much and would recommend this place to anyone wanting a quiet respite from the busyness of Arrowtown or Queenstowns bars!”
Krish
a year ago
“Dorothy Browns Cinema is an absolute delight. This quaint little theater, nestled in the heart of Arrowtown, offers a truly unique cinematic experience. With just two screens, it exudes a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for a relaxing movie outing. The small bar and inviting reading nook add to the charm. Beyond the cozy ambiance, the staff at Dorothy Browns deserve special mention. Their passion for film and the local area is evident in their engaging conversations. They provided invaluable insights into what to see and do in Arrowtown, making the visit even more enjoyable.”
Bronz
5 months ago
“A different quieter experience then the traditional adrenaline filled activities. Located up a little alley in Arrowtown is this little boutique theater. Nice to relax in comfy seats and have some chill time. Traditional movie fare on offer along with cheese boards and wine and other alcoholic bevvies to take into the theater. The Den was a lovely small theater with only around 20 seats. Lots of dining options nearby as well to utilize before and after the movies.”
Marleen Rinderknecht
a month ago
“The cutest vintage cinema I ever saw. You can read a book or buy, have a nice drink and sit outside on the balcony. After perfect for watching a movie, It almost feels like watching a movie at home because the atmosphere is so cozy and intimate. And the cheese platter? Simply delicious. Super friendly stuff I’ll definitely be coming back much more often 🩵”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Dorothy Browns occupies a charming alley space in historic Arrowtown, combining a curated bookshop, an intimate two-screen cinema, and a balcony bar with Arrowtown views. Each screen holds around 20 seats and runs a hand-picked program of current and quality releases. Guests carry wine, cheese boards, and snacks from the bar into the theater. The reading nook rewards arriving early. Staff are relaxed, film-literate, and happy to share recommendations for the area. Pram access available.
