The Hills Golf Club
Sir Michael Hill's exclusive alpine course near Arrowtown — a New Zealand Open host set among snow-capped peaks and giant sculptures, open to a lucky few visitors each day.
The Hills Golf Club in photos
Can I play The Hills Golf Club?
The Hills is a private club owned by jeweller Sir Michael Hill, but it accepts a limited number of visitor bookings on most days (except Sunday). Visitor play is typically arranged as a green-fee round including a shared cart, or as part of a stay-and-play or transfer package. The highest-profile route in is via the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open, whose pro-am lets amateurs play the tournament course alongside professionals.
How to book: Book through the club's online enquiry form or via a Queenstown golf-tour operator, who handle much of the visitor traffic. Confirm well ahead, as daily visitor numbers are capped. For the ultimate access, enter the New Zealand Open pro-am, which is co-hosted here each year and pairs amateurs with tour professionals over the championship layout.
About The Hills Golf Club
The Hills was created by jeweller Sir Michael Hill and designed by John Darby, opening in 2007 to host the New Zealand Open. Set across a glacial valley near Arrowtown, its par-72 championship layout weaves around rocky schist outcrops and dramatic elevation changes, all framed by the snow-capped Remarkables and studded with monumental artworks. Though one of New Zealand's most private clubs, it takes a capped number of visitor bookings most days, and the annual NZ Open pro-am — now co-hosted with neighbouring Millbrook — offers amateurs a chance to play the tournament course. A shared cart is included with every round, and the scenery is as much the attraction as the golf. It is a bucket-list day for any golfer visiting Queenstown.
Signature hole
The Hills is defined by its dramatic elevation changes, rocky schist outcrops and framing snow-capped peaks, with monumental sculptures — including Mark Hill's giant 'Walking Woman' figures — set among the holes. The closing stretch across the valley floor is a memorable finish beneath The Remarkables.
What makes it special
New Zealand Open host
Opened in 2007 to stage the NZ Open and still co-hosts the championship, so visitors can play a genuine tour venue.
Golf meets art
Massive sculptures, including Mark Hill's 'Walking Woman' figures, are set among the holes across the alpine valley.
The pro-am route in
Entering the NZ Open pro-am lets amateurs tee it up on the tournament course alongside professionals.
Tournament pedigree
- New Zealand Open (2007-2010; co-host with Millbrook 2015-present)
Need to know
Best time to play
The New Zealand golf season runs roughly October to April, with summer (December-February) offering long daylight and the best weather; the NZ Open is held in late summer. Winters are cold with snow on the surrounding ranges.
Dress code
Smart golf attire — collared shirts and tailored trousers or shorts, soft spikes. Neat casual standards apply in the clubhouse.
Good to know
A shared cart comes with every green fee, useful given the significant elevation change across the site. Visitors get use of the clubhouse, locker rooms and driving range on the day. Allow around four to four and a half hours, and bring a camera for the alpine scenery and sculpture park.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Queenstown (ZQN) ~20 min.
On arrival
The Hills sits just outside historic Arrowtown, about 20 minutes by car from Queenstown Airport and the Queenstown township. Visitors usually drive, rideshare or take a golf-tour transfer through the Wakatipu Basin to reach the club on McDonnell Road.
Stay near the course
Base yourself in Queenstown for lakefront hotels, nightlife and easy access to multiple courses, or in charming Arrowtown for a quieter, boutique stay minutes from the gate. Luxury lodges around the Wakatipu Basin also cater to golf travellers.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa
Queenstown
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Eichardt's Private Hotel
Queenstown
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Hotel St Moritz, Queenstown - MGallery
Queenstown
A taste of the luxury stays near The Hills Golf Club — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Arrowtown — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Arrowtown.
Explore ArrowtownFrequently asked questions
Can visitors play The Hills?
Yes, in limited numbers. The Hills is a private club but accepts a capped number of visitor bookings most days except Sunday, usually as a green-fee round with cart or a package. Book ahead through the club or a Queenstown tour operator.
How much does it cost to play?
Indicatively around NZ$750-950 per round with a shared cart included. Rates vary by season and package, so confirm current pricing when you book.
Do I need to be a member or have a handicap?
You do not need to be a member. Visitor play is open by arrangement; a reasonable standard of golf is expected but access is via booking, not handicap certificate.
When is the best time to play?
The New Zealand summer, roughly December to March, gives the warmest weather and longest days; the NZ Open is staged in late summer. Winters are cold with alpine snow.
More golf courses to play
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Kauri Cliffs
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Jack's Point Golf Course
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Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
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Millbrook Resort
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Pebble Beach Golf Links
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Golf guideSources & pricing note
Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Guide updated 2026-07-27.