The Hills stands as one of New Zealand's most prestigious and exclusive golf destinations, created from the vision of jeweller Sir Michael Hill and designed by John Darby. Opened in 2007, this championship layout hosted the New Zealand Open that same year and has maintained its elite status ever since. The course spreads across 500 acres of a spectacular glacial valley at the foothills of Coronet Peak, delivering dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views of the Southern Alps and snow-capped peaks that frame nearly every hole. What truly sets The Hills apart is its integration of contemporary art with golf—large-scale sculptures by Mark Hill (Michael's son) punctuate the landscape, including the iconic five-metre Weta on the 1st hole and dragonfly sculptures adorning the dramatic 6th hole. The course itself is a masterclass in modern championship design: strategic bunkering sits in natural depressions, pristine fairways wind through native brown-top grasses and wild mountain tussocks, while ten lakes and interconnected waterways add both visual drama and strategic teeth. The routing features no parallel fairways and no two holes alike—each turn around the compass presents different wind conditions and visual splendor. A shared golf cart comes with every round, and the award-winning clubhouse (which appears carved from a bunker) delivers five-star hospitality with food and beverages included.
Award-winning championship layout set across 500 acres in a glacial valley with sculptural installations, ten lakes, and dramatic alpine vistas.
Short-form practice course opened in 2019, designed by Darius Oliver, ideal for warming up or complementing a championship round.