The Hills Golf Club — Local services in South Island

Arrived here during winter 3 days before our booking to have a look around, after our identity was checked we were buzzed in through the automatic gates & proceeded to the clubhouse. After a short intro we were told due to the weather course was closed due to snow & that our round was being rescheduled to the Monday as rain was expected over weekend that should melt the snow. We were permitted to have a look around, the 18 was covered with snow & bunkers also lined with snow, looked pretty but not so for golf? Returned Monday after weekend rain which had melted the snow, we were set to play but due to rain were told no carts ($375 NZD ea/round) pull buggies only, play 4 holes if we weren’t happy to return to clubhouse at no charge. We were 2 of 5 on this magnificent course which was showing no signs of snow, surface water nor even a damp patch! A short stint on practice range to warm up & off we went. Being low markers we pressed on playing from the Black plates, truely awesome, greens were dry & slick with lots of subtle breaks but running true, bunkers deep, quality sand & also a challenge. If you appreciate good golf holes there are several on this layout all offering there own challenges, some with huge elevation changes & simply stunning views. Course has also strategically placed animal art statues which is also interesting viewing. After 18 holes we returned to be told that management weren’t happy in the way the course was presented to us so have reduced cost to $150 NZD - awesome. The staff are lovely & very helpful, we couldn’t fault the course it was beautifully manicured, which left us commenting “that if when we played it was supposed to be not up to scratch, how good it must be when management are happy with its presentation. I’ll definitely be back...

⛳ The Hills Golf Club – New Zealand’s Championship Gem

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

The Hills Golf Club is not just a golf course — it's a masterpiece set in the heart of New Zealand’s Queenstown Lakes District. Surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery, this world-class championship course offers a rare mix of challenge, luxury, and natural beauty. 🏞️⛳

From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the clean air, perfectly manicured greens, and the feeling of being in a private sanctuary. Designed by Darby Partners, The Hills is an exclusive course that balances elite sporting experience with environmental harmony.

🏌️‍♂️ Course Highlights:

18 holes, par 72 — every hole has a unique scenic backdrop

Rolling fairways, water hazards, and native tussock grass

Sculpture installations throughout the course — art meets sport 🎨

Regular host of the New Zealand Open

The best part? The clubhouse architecture is as award-winning as the greens — sleek, modern, and surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass.

💸 Tips:

This is a private members-only club, so book in advance or come during open events. Expensive but worth every dollar for serious golfers and photographers alike. 📸

Would you like the next one on:

🌊 Wai Waterfront Restaurant (scenic lake dining)

🏨 The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne (Miami)

🦍 Vakona Lemur Island (wildlife in Madagascar)

🍔 J.S. Burger Café (Tokyo street...

I believe The Hills is one of the most thoughtfully crafted golf courses in New Zealand. It may not have the widespread views that Jack’s Point boasts, but it wins on so many other levels. Every hole has its quirks, every undulation has careful thought behind it, and every shot deserves consideration. I do feel this course has been designed to cater to most skill levels (tee based), without sacrificing anything in the process. The greenkeeping team are world class and work tirelessly to give all golfers the best experience possible. You wouldn’t class this as a course for long hitters or for straight hitters. It’s been designed in a fashion that will test every facet of the game, with the key factor being if you can’t deliver when required, there’s a good chance you’ll pay the price. Whether you’re putting top to bottom across a multi-tiered green, or have been left in the 2nd cut with minimal green to work with, risk/reward is the factor at play here (Hole 5 is the perfect example of this). Every member of the team here are true professionals and are always keen to shed some light on how they like to approach each hole. If the opportunity arises to play here and you don’t welcome it, you will live to regret it.

Hamish Dorrington Kakapo...