Few places on earth set golf against scenery like Queenstown, where alpine courses run along Lake Whakatipu beneath the jagged Remarkables and the snow capped Southern Alps. These are the seven best courses in and around the resort town, ranked, with our verdict on each and how to play them.
Photograph: Jack's Point Golf Course, via Google.
Queenstown is a small town with an outsized golf reputation, with several internationally celebrated courses within a twenty minute drive of the centre and more across Central Otago. We judged the courses on the quality of the design, the conditioning, the playing experience and, inevitably here, the scenery, because in Queenstown the mountains and the lake are part of the test. We leaned toward the courses that combine genuine golfing substance with the alpine drama that makes a round here unforgettable, and toward those a visiting golfer can realistically get on.
Every fact here, from designers to opening years and access, was checked at the time of writing. The order is our editors' view, so reasonable golfers will reshuffle the top few, and the gap between the leaders is small. We have included one Central Otago course beyond the immediate town as a worthwhile day trip. If you want any of these built into a costed New Zealand golf itinerary, that is exactly what our concierge does.
Reviewed June 2026 by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Course facts verified at publication. How we research and review.
Our top pick and the signature Queenstown round. John Darby's 2008 design runs along the shore of Lake Whakatipu directly beneath the Remarkables, with holes threading through schist outcrops, tussock and native planting to some of the most photographed scenery in golf. It is spectacular yet very playable, a course that rewards the trip on its setting and holds up as a genuine test.
Sir Michael Hill's private course near Arrowtown, designed by John Darby's Darby Partners and opened in 2007 to host the New Zealand Open, which it has staged many times since. A par 72 of around 6,596 metres set across a glacial valley, with elevated tees, immaculate conditioning and a celebrated sculpture collection. Access is limited, usually through a tour operator, but it is a bucket list round.
The original championship course at Millbrook Resort, shaped by Sir Bob Charles and later refined by Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson, a par 72 laid out across a historic farm valley with the Coronet Peak range as a backdrop. Polished resort golf at its best, with a fine hotel, spa and dining on site, the most complete golf stay in the region.
Millbrook's second eighteen, designed by Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson to expand the resort to thirty six holes, climbing onto higher, more dramatic ground with bigger elevation changes and wide mountain views. A strong, modern companion to the Coronet that makes Millbrook a destination in its own right.
Set on the tip of the Kelvin Heights peninsula and almost surrounded by Lake Whakatipu, this par 72 has been voted the most scenic course in New Zealand. A welcoming members club open to visitors, with mature trees, lake frontage and a 360 degree mountain panorama, just minutes from the town centre by road or a short water taxi across the lake.
A characterful older club in the gold rush village of Arrowtown, set among willows and the Arrow River with the mountains all around. Less manicured than the resort courses but full of charm, friendly and affordable, a lovely, relaxed round and a window into the region's golfing roots.
Around fifty minutes from Queenstown in the wine country near Cromwell, a highly rated Central Otago course on free draining river terraces that plays firm and fast, with big views and a drier climate. A rewarding day trip that pairs naturally with the region's vineyards and a change of scene from the lakeside courses.
Designers, opening years and host history verified June 2026 from the courses and recognized golf databases. Jack's Point and The Hills are John Darby designs; Millbrook's courses involve Sir Bob Charles, Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson. The Hills is private with limited public access. Always confirm access, rates and availability directly before booking. Looking for tee times? Check availability and book a round.
| Course | Setting | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Jack's Point | Lakeside, beneath the Remarkables | The signature round and the scenery |
| The Hills | Arrowtown valley, private | A bucket list New Zealand Open venue |
| Millbrook (both) | Resort valley, Arrowtown | A complete golf, spa and dining stay |
| Queenstown Golf Club | Kelvin Heights peninsula | Easy access and the best value views |
| Cromwell | Central Otago wine country | A firm, dry day trip with vineyards |
A shorthand only; tell us your dates and group and we will match the courses to you.
Tell us roughly when you want to travel and which courses you have your heart set on, and a concierge will secure the tee times, build the itinerary and cost it to the head, with no obligation.
Jack's Point, the John Darby design opened in 2008 along the shore of Lake Whakatipu beneath the Remarkables, is our top pick, a spectacular and very playable par 72 and the most photographed course in the region. The Hills, Sir Michael Hill's private New Zealand Open venue, and the two championship courses at Millbrook Resort lead the chasing group.
Yes. Jack's Point, Millbrook Resort, Queenstown Golf Club at Kelvin Heights and Arrowtown all welcome visitors with advance booking. The Hills is a private club that opens to the public on a limited basis, usually best arranged through a golf tour operator or as part of a package.
The southern hemisphere summer, from November to April, is the prime golf season, with long daylight, warm days and the courses at their best. Spring and autumn are cooler and quieter, while winter, from June to August, is the ski season when the higher courses can close, though the lower ones still play on clear days.
Tee time windows, course access changes and the trips worth taking. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Course designers, opening years and access verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.