The Hills Golf Club

The Hills Golf Club sits in the Wakatipu Basin near Arrowtown in New Zealand's South Island, approximately twenty minutes from Queenstown. Designed by Darby Partners and opened in the early 2000s, the course occupies dramatic high-country terrain with views across tussock-covered hills toward the Remarkables and surrounding mountain ranges. The routing moves through varied elevation changes and natural rock outcrops characteristic of Central Otago's rugged landscape. The design incorporates sculptural elements and contemporary earth-shaping that work with the property's existing topography. Several holes play along ridgelines or drop into valleys, and the course features strategic bunkering and native grasses that frame playing corridors. Water comes into play on multiple holes, and the layout demands thoughtful club selection given the elevation changes and prevailing winds common to the region. The Hills has hosted professional events on the PGA Tour of Australasia, including the New Zealand Open on multiple occasions. The course gained international attention through these tournaments, which showcased its mountain setting and challenging design to television audiences. The club operates as a private facility and maintains a relatively exclusive membership, though it has welcomed competitive golf that has raised its profile within New Zealand and the broader Australasian golf community.