The Hills Golf Club

The brainchild of owner Sir Michael Hill, this golf course merges sport and art via its on-course sculpture park. The result is a special experience for players looking for a unique round of golf on the South Island.

The Hills was designed by Darby Partners and opened in 2007 to host the New Zealand Open. Set over 500 acres across a glacial valley, the layout highlights the dramatic elevation changes and rocky schist outcrops that are a feature of the area.

This championship layout provides a serious challenge for accomplished players while thoughtful and considerate design means that the golf course is equally enjoyable for golfers of all abilities. The beauty of the lakes, waterways and wetland areas are complimented by a stunning array of sculptures made by local and international artists.

The Hills was somewhat of an organic build from the outset. The story goes that Sir Michel was looking out on the former deer farm one morning and thought it would be to have his own putting green. He asked good friend and course designer John Darby to assist, and one green became another, then another...

Completed with a clubhouse designed by NZ Architect Andrew Patterson the result is a design "in harmony with the landscape" and given "a presence of religious proportions that stops people in their tracks."

Today, The Hills is quintessential Kiwi in its combination of ruggedness and beauty. This course provides golfers a unique experience, not only through the many sculptures which line the course itself, but for its all-inclusive tariff for guests. Playing here is certainly something that one will not be able to experience anywhere else in the world, and a treat for those searching for something outside the norm.

- Please Contact Us for special pricing inquiries and golf package information

Customer reviews

From all of us, thank you for a fabulous trip to New Zealand! We cannot begin to tell you how much we loved everything you put together for us! Every detail ran like clock work and each lodge was better than the last! A highlight was our daughter’s engagement at Cape Kidnappers where we were spoiled by the staff to a lovely wine cellar dinner! But add that to all the heli fishing and fine golf everywhere, we could not have had a more memorable, special trip! Many thanks for a great job on the part of you and your team.
Leslie and Michael L., Texas, USA

—Leslie L., Texas, USA

We had a spectacular time on our trip after leaving Port Douglas and all the arrangements that you made for us came off without a hitch. All flights and transportation that you arranged were on time and we were well taken care of at all the places we went to.

The Boatshed was incredible. We met Johnathan and had a small dinner with him on our second night. We were the only guests at the hotel and he and his staff just made us feel right at home. Jack and Jen, Johnathan’s staff, took us out to a couple of wineries and we had lunch together. When we got back Johnathan treated us to dinner prepared by his own self. Fantastic.

Next up was Napier/Hastings and the Craggy Range cottage. Excellent choice for us. We were close enough to Havelock North to be able to easily drive into the town and wander around. We went and played Cape Kidnapers as well. The course was wet so no carts were allowed out. Craggy Range winery was great to us and we had dinner at Terroire. Great staff and good eats to be sure. On to Queenstown.

What a wonderfully European feel Queenstown had. Small intimate streets and people all over the place. The Spire was perfect for us. Florence greeted us and was superlative in her suggestions and ideas for us to do. We did take a plane ride out to Milford Sound and the cruise. We went wine tasting and went to Amisfield for lunch where there was a spectacular sunset. It was so good that the staff came outside to take pictures. Simply wonderful. We took the gondola ride up the hill and enjoyed a glass of champagne while we took in the view. That was our last day and really enjoyable. We left the next day and flew back home.

Again, all the arrangements you made of us came off without a hitch. I even drove on the left side of the road without incident. It’s not so bad once you figure out the roundabouts. Thanks to you and your team for setting this up. Will highly recommend this service to our friends should they need to journey down under.

—​Bob E & Sharyn B, San Francisco