The Vibe
Jack's Point is what happens when extraordinary terrain meets a designer who understands that his job is to not get in the way. John Darby's 2008 layout sits between the Remarkables mountain range — one of the most dramatic skylines in the Southern Hemisphere — and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Named New Zealand's best course at the 2020 World Golf Awards and winner of the IAGTO 2019 Sustainability Award for Nature Protection, it integrates native tussock, wetlands, schist rock, and the glacier-carved topography into a routing that plays as compelling as it looks. And crucially, uniquely among the elite South Island courses, it is fully open to visitors year-round from November through May.
The Vault Line — The Infinity Green Effect
Three holes at Jack's Point achieve the 'infinity green' effect — where the putting surface appears to dissolve into the lake with no visible boundary between green and water. The 6th, 9th, and 14th all use deliberate elevation management: the green is set precisely at the height where the fringe disappears below the sightline and the water behind appears continuous with the putting surface. Standing over a 40-foot putt on the 9th green with the Remarkables behind you, you will understand why this course wins awards that the more exclusive courses sometimes do not.
Quick-Glance Summary
Par
72
Yardage
7,209
Architect
John Darby
Region
Queenstown Lakes
The Access Masterclass
How To Book
Open to Visitors — Nov to May
Open to visitors seven days a week from approximately November through May. Closed June and July (winter). Visitor green fee approximately NZ$300 including GPS cart or trundler. Book directly via jackspoint.com. Advance booking essential in high season (December-February).
Tactical Strategy Guide
Build Your Card on the Outward Nine
The course routes out from the Rata Track area toward the lake then returns. The outward nine has the mountains directly ahead — a remarkable and motivating sight. Wind is predominantly from the west, off the lake, and affects the inward nine far more than the outward. The inward nine in a crosswind is where scores deteriorate on first visits. Build your card on the front nine with the mountain backdrop. The back nine in wind is where good scores are defended, not built.
The Insider FAQ
Is the course open in winter?
Typically closed June and July. Some years the closure extends into August depending on conditions. Check the club's current seasonal schedule at jackspoint.com before planning a winter visit.
Are caddies available?
Caddies are not a standard feature at Jack's Point — it operates primarily with GPS carts. The course layout is readable without local caddie knowledge on first visit.
How far is it from Queenstown?
Approximately 20 minutes from Queenstown town centre. The course is visible from the main Queenstown-Glenorchy road driving north along the lake. Easily combined with a Queenstown stay.
