Golf in Queenstown - The 2020 Series
Playing Golf on Your Queenstown Holiday
There’s golf... and then there’s golf in Queenstown. There aren’t too many places on the planet that offer the opportunity to go 18 holes with a backdrop that will take your breath away. So, if you’re looking for a game of golf that will knock your socks off, you'll find it in Queenstown.
For a small town, Queenstown offers plenty of options for golf. There are 6 golf courses within 25 minutes of the city centre, 3 of these are championship courses, and 2 are host to the New Zealand Open each year.
Whether you’re in the league of Lydia Ko, or you’re keen to take a walk around a nicely mown field of grass with a stick, you’ll find a golf course in Queenstown to suit your levels and ability!. Golf courses are open all year round in Queenstown but the long days of summer are probably more conducive to hitting a few rounds than the frosty days of winter. But we know there’s no stopping some golf fans!
Consider this post an overview of the different golfing options available to you, and then come back and visit our site each week for a more in-depth review of each course.
QUEENSTOWN’S GOLF COURSES
Frankton Driving Range and Golf Course
The closest golf course to central Queenstown, Frankton Golf Centre is a 9-hole short course located a stone’s throw from Queenstown International Airport. You’ll also find a Golf Academy and 10-bay covered driving range. It’s a family-friendly club and will suit serious golfers or beginners wanting to learn the game. (www.queenstowngolf.co.nz)
Queenstown Golf Course - Kelvin Heights
Queenstown Golf Course at Kelvin Heights is renowned as one of the most striking golf courses in the country. Situated on the end of Kelvin Heights Peninsula, the course offers 360-degree views of Lake Wakatipu, the surrounding mountains and the dramatic Remarkable mountain range, as well as views across the water to Queenstown. The sunny 18-hole, par-72 course is picture perfect and also offers a relaxed clubhouse and café. www.queenstowngolf.co.nz
Jack’s Point
A little further out of town, just past The Remarkables skifield turnoff, you’ll find the international 18-hole, par-72 Jack's Point Golf Course. By far, the most striking aspect of the course is The Remarkables mountain range, which looms omnipresent behind the course. The impressive course winds its way through wetland, tussock grasslands, rocky outcrops, native bush and steep bluffs. Whether you’re into golf or not, the Jack’s Point Clubhouse is a must-do for coffee or lunch and has lovely views overlooking Lake Tiwa. www.jackspoint.com
Millbrook Resort
Millbrook Resort is an iconic resort nestled in the stunning surrounds of Arrowtown. So, it’s no surprise that its golf course has also become iconic. Set in the manicured grounds of the resort, Millbrook Resort Golf Course is a par-72 championship golf course. The course was designed by golfing legend Sir Bob Charles and has been transformed into 27 interchangeable holes thanks to the nine stunning new holes designed by former international golf professionals Greg Turner and Scott McPherson. Millbrook Resort is a must-do Queenstown golf experience. Millbrook offers accommodation, a number of restaurants and an onsite golf shop. www.millbrook.co.nz
Arrowtown Golf Course
Just down the road from Millbrook, you’ll find the Arrowtown Golf Course. Regarded as one of the finest courses in New Zealand, Arrowtown delivers a challenging course that winds through narrow schist rock features and immaculate, undulating greens. Historic stone cottage ruins nestle amongst the towering trees, a legacy of Arrowtown's pioneers. Golf clubs, trundlers and electric carts are available for hire. www.arrowtowngolf.co.nz
The Hills
Arguably, The Hills delivers the highest standard of golfing currently available in New Zealand. The Hills is a private, world-class golf course located on 101 hectares of spectacular rural land on the outskirts of Arrowtown. The course caters to discerning golfers from around the world and is home to the New Zealand Open each year. As well as offering a challenge to anyone lucky enough to play here, The Hills has an exceptional display of native and exotic landscaping and Sir Michael Hill’s collection of sculptures and art. www.thehills.co.nz
For Something Completely Over The Top
Over the Top Golf
How about Queenstown’s secret 19th hole? There’s only one catch; you’ll need a helicopter to get there. Located in a truly breathtaking location 1,300m (4,500ft ) above Lake Wakatipu, this is a golf hole like no other. Over The Top Helicopters is the company to get you there and they’ll organise this unforgettable experience that includes a 1.5-hour session with 5 balls. What a way to finish your day of golf Queenstown. (http://www.flynz.co.nz/flight-guide/queenstown/over-the-top-golf/)
THE NEW ZEALAND OPEN
Each year, Queenstown hosts the New Zealand Open at The Hills and Millbrook Resort Golf Course. The event is the biggest golfing event held in New Zealand and brings both professional and amateur golfers together. It is a cornerstone event on the PGA tour of Australasia. As well as being a major event on the international golfing calendar, the event showcases Queenstown and New Zealand as a world-class golfing destination. This year, you can catch the New Zealand Open between the 27th February to the 1st March 2020 (http://www.nzopen.co.nz/)