Luxury Golf & Travel To New Zealand
Luxury Golf & Travel To New Zealand
If you’re heading to Queenstown and thinking about squeezing in a round, The Hills Golf Club should be on your list. This isn’t just any course. It’s part championship golf, part outdoor art gallery, and 100% a Kiwi original. Whether you’re a serious golfer or just keen to experience something unique, here’s what you need to know before you tee off.
Learn more about The Hills Golf Club here
The Hills started as a backyard project. Sir Michael Hill wanted a place to practice his short game on his old deer farm. A few greens turned into a few holes, and with the help of course designer John Darby, it evolved into a world-class 18-hole course. Today, The Hills hosts the New Zealand Open and welcomes golfers from around the world looking for a truly local experience.
Once you step onto the first tee, you’ll quickly notice how different this place feels. The course spreads across a wide glacial valley just outside Arrowtown. Think jagged peaks, open skies, and fairways shaped by the natural land.
The layout uses elevation changes and schist rock outcrops to keep things interesting. You’ll need to think your way around, especially on the par-5s and shorter par-4s. It’s a course that rewards strategy just as much as distance.
Greens are quick and well-guarded, but they roll true. There’s no trickery, just solid golf with stunning views in every direction.
This part usually catches visitors off guard in the best way. As you make your way around the course, you’ll come across large-scale sculptures tucked into the landscape. These aren’t just for show—they become part of the round.
Look out for a group of charging bronze horses mid-round or a pack of wolves near the 18th green. They’re striking, a bit quirky, and something you’ll definitely be talking about afterwards. If you’re into photography, bring your camera.
The 7th: A short par-3 that plays over water to a small green. You’ll want the right club here—there’s not much room to miss.
The 12th: A par-4 that bends right around water. Accuracy off the tee matters more than distance.
The 18th: A dramatic finishing hole. It’s a reachable par-5 but only if you avoid the bunkers and nail your approach over the lake.
Yes, but it’s a private club with limited tee times available to visitors. We recommend booking well in advance, especially during the summer months. The round includes access to the clubhouse and practice areas, plus carts are typically required due to the terrain.
You’ll find the course about 20 minutes from Queenstown Airport, which makes it easy to fit into most South Island itineraries.
The Hills isn’t just about golf. It’s a full experience. You’ll get championship-level play, a dose of creativity thanks to the art, and a true feel for the South Island landscape. It’s one of those rounds that sticks with you long after the scorecard’s put away.
Planning a golf trip to New Zealand? Let us help you get on the tee sheet at The Hills and build an itinerary that works for your travel style. Get in touch and we’ll take care of the details.
