The Vibe
The Hills is the golf course that confounds expectation in every direction. It has no coastline, no ocean views, and no ancient links pedigree. And yet it consistently appears in every serious ranking of New Zealand's finest courses. John Darby's 2007 design sits in a dramatic glacial valley near Arrowtown — where schist rock outcrops, tussock grasslands, and rugged geological character provide a visual experience as arresting as any coastal setting. Then there is the sculpture garden: over 20 major contemporary artworks positioned deliberately within the competitive routing, making The Hills the world's most significant golf-and-art experience.
The Vault Line — Aim at the Art
The sculpture collection at The Hills is not decorative background. Works by major New Zealand artists are positioned deliberately within the competitive line of play. On the 8th hole, a significant sculptural installation sits approximately 160 metres from the tee, directly in line with the preferred drive zone. Golfers must decide whether to play left of it, right of it, or develop sufficient conviction to aim directly at a piece of significant artwork. Most aim left. The right line is better. The Hills rewards players who engage with the course's intentions rather than instinctively avoiding the unexpected.
Quick-Glance Summary
Par
72
Yardage
7,107
Architect
John Darby
Region
Arrowtown, Queenstown
The Access Masterclass
How To Book
Semi-Private — Contact Club for Access
The Hills is a private club with limited visitor access — cannot be booked online as a casual visitor. Contact the club directly via thehills.co.nz or work through a specialist New Zealand golf tour operator with an established relationship with the club. Premium rates apply. Access is deliberately restricted to maintain the exclusivity of the experience.
Tactical Strategy Guide
Altitude Adjustment
The Hills plays in the Queenstown basin at altitude. Reduced air density means shots travel approximately 5-7% further than at sea level in calm conditions. Factor this into club selection — particularly on longer approach shots where even a slightly short strike leaves a challenging chip from a difficult angle below the green. Greens are firm and hold less than they appear to — aim for the back half of the pin position consistently until you learn the course's nuances.
The Insider FAQ
Can I just book a tee time online?
No. The Hills does not operate a standard public tee sheet. Contact the club directly via thehills.co.nz or engage a premium New Zealand golf tour operator with an established relationship with the club.
Is there accommodation at The Hills?
No onsite lodge. The Hills is a day-trip course from Queenstown or Arrowtown — both within 25 minutes. The Lake Wakatipu area has extensive luxury accommodation options.
Should I hire a caddie?
Strongly recommended for a first visit. The sculptural elements combined with the terrain create an unfamiliar visual landscape. A local caddie who understands the architectural intentions — including the deliberate placement of artworks in the competitive line — is worth the investment.
