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Known as the golf capital of New Zealand for its high concentration of notable courses, Queenstown is an understandably popular golf destination. Queenstown golf tours combine world-class golfing with spectacular alpine scenery, a staggering range of off-course activities, and a vibrant luxury travel scene.
With so many fantastic options to choose from, it’s important to plan your time in Queenstown carefully. Read on to learn everything you need to know about staying and golfing in Queenstown – including a selection of itineraries to help you plan the perfect Queenstown golf tour.
With seven golf courses situated within a 30-minute drive of downtown Queenstown, visitors are spoiled for choice.
These are our top 5 recommended courses for your Queenstown golf tour:
The jewel in the crown of Queenstown golf courses, Jack’s Point commands a magnificent position stretching between the Remarkables mountain range and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Designed by John Darby, the challenging course takes its cues from the natural shape of the land, winding past schist outcrops and native tussock grasses.
Home to two full championship golf courses, Millbrook is famous as the home of the New Zealand Open.
The highly acclaimed Coronet Course is a more recent addition. Venturing into rugged mountain surrounds, the course incorporates natural hazards and dramatic elevation change.
Meanwhile, the original Remarkables course offers impeccably manicured, fast-moving greens and excellent course design set within a dramatic alpine amphitheatre.
Nicknamed “Narrowtown” for its challenging narrow greens, Arrowtown Golf Course easily holds its own beside the more renowned marquee courses in the region. Excellent course design, a stunning mountain setting, historic mining-settlement ruins, and a friendly welcome make this course a memorable day out.
Set on the end of Kelvin Heights peninsula, surrounded almost entirely by the crystalline waters of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Golf Course is one of the world’s most spectacular courses. The parkland-style course plays across undulating greens lined by towering trees, always with views out to the mountains.
Newly opened in 2026, Gibbston Valley Golf Course is a charming 9-hole course set on the grounds of Gibbston Valley Resort. Here in the heart of wine country, the course is tucked between rugged ridges and the Kawerau Gorge, all of it surrounded by idyllic rolling vineyards. Designed to pack all the excitement of a full round of golf into a half-day experience, Gibbston Valley Golf Course is the perfect morning out before an afternoon of sightseeing.
Even without taking into account the world-class golf scene, Queenstown is New Zealand’s most popular destination, and for good reason. It’s both easy and highly worthwhile to allow time in your golf tour to discover the best of Queenstown.
The alpine scenery alone is worth lingering for. You can immerse yourself in the wilderness around Queenstown with a range of tours, from heli-hiking and fishing to 4WD adventures and Milford Sound cruises.
In addition, Queenstown has a reputation for adrenaline activities, from skydiving and bungy jumping to jet-boating and whitewater rafting.
Finally, nearby Gibbston Valley and Arrowtown form one part of the Central Otago wine region, which is known for its pinot noir. The greater Queenstown area is becoming a sophisticated food and wine destination, with highlights that include the chic new dining destination known as Ayrburn and the award-winning Cardrona Distillery.
Despite the popularity of Queenstown, it’s easy to escape the crowds and discover your own slice of alpine paradise with these exclusive sightseeing experiences.
Milford Sound is a place of drama and mystique, widely referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
Sheer mountains rise from the depths of fathomless fiords. Waterfalls cascade down dizzying drops. Wildlife abounds in the sheltered waters.
The best way to take in the grandeur of Milford Sound is by air. Whether you plan a Fiordland helicopter tour with multiple scenic landings, or a fly-cruise-fly excursion that stops for a cruise on Milford Sound, you won’t find anywhere more spectacular in all of New Zealand.
On your way over from Queenstown, soar past the dizzying peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park, taking in views of braided rivers, glaciers, and alpine lakes.
If you choose just one sightseeing experience for your Queenstown golf tour, this is the one that will stand out from the rest.
For a relaxed and sophisticated day out in Queenstown, book a Central Otago wine tour. Discover the character of famed Central Otago varietals, from renowned pinot noir to delightful pinot gris and chardonnay.
Framed by rugged mountain scenery, the vineyards around Queenstown are wonderfully picturesque, the perfect setting to unwind over a gourmet vineyard lunch. A wine tour makes the perfect complement to a day golfing at Arrowtown Golf Course or Gibbston Valley Golf Course, both of which play through the heart of Queenstown’s wine country.
With so many golf courses to tick off, it can be hard to find time for a longer sightseeing excursion in Queenstown.
Over the Top Golf is the perfect bite-sized activity to combine with a day at one of Queenstown’s top courses. Take a short helicopter flight high up the slopes of the Cecil Peak mountain range, landing at a private Par 3 hole overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
Tee off at what is arguably the world’s most scenic hole, with panoramic mountain views stretching in every direction. This is a very special Queenstown secret that few will ever experience.
Located just an hour from Queenstown, Wanaka is a scenic highlight in its own right that makes for a rewarding day trip.
On the way to Wanaka, drive over the Crown Range, taking in expansive views over the Wakatipu Basin. When you pass through Cardrona, you may wish to stop for a tasting at the exclusive and renowned Cardrona Distillery or visit the historic Cardrona Hotel.
If you have an entire day free, play a round of golf at Wanaka Golf Course and enjoy a relaxing lunch at the lakefront. Afterwards, return to Queenstown via Cromwell and the Gibbston Valley, with the option to stop at cellar doors for wine tastings along the way.
Following a round of golfing at one of the nearby courses, spend an afternoon exploring the charming historic mining settlement of Arrowtown. The picturesque main street is home to an array of boutique shops and eating establishments, with the Arrow River meandering through the valley nearby.
The area is steeped in history, which you can learn about at the Lakes District Museum & Gallery and the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement.
Not far from central Arrowtown, the boutique food and drink destination of Ayrburn brings together a range of establishments set in magnificently landscaped grounds.
Whether you prefer central accommodation that places you within reach of the fine dining and boutique shops of downtown Queenstown, or a more secluded lodge that serves as an escape from the bustling town, your luxury accommodation in Queenstown is sure to stand out.
And the dining scene is just as memorable. Local, seasonal ingredients served in exceptional dishes with Central Otago wine pairings characterise Queenstown’s gourmet restaurants.
From stunning lake views to legendary hospitality, Queenstown luxury hotels are a delight. These are four of our favourites.
ROKI offers a lakeside sanctuary of calm in downtown Queenstown. Designed by Virginia Fisher, the spacious, sophisticated suites open up to sweeping mountain and lake views.
Set in tranquil grounds by the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Rosewood Matakauri is a true luxury lodge less than 15 minutes from downtown Queenstown. Sumptuous rooms and suites offer a peaceful retreat after a day at the course.
Rustic elegance and warm hospitality define The Rees, a luxury hotel that hugs the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Choose from classic hotel rooms through to extravagant penthouse suites for an indulgent stay in Queenstown.
Centrally located, Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel offers chic luxury rooms and attentive service. Enjoy alpine views from the cosy boutique rooms and spacious suites.
Downtown Queenstown is packed with luxury dining establishments, many of which highlight regional fare and Central Otago wines.
Nearby, Arrowtown offers its own range of fine dining, from eateries in the historic town centre to winery restaurants in the surrounding region.
Finally, Ayrburn brings together a collection of gourmet food and drink establishments in a sophisticated new destination set in beautifully presented grounds.
Whether you have a few nights or several weeks to spend in New Zealand, Queenstown will be a highlight of your golf tour.
These are our recommended golf tour itineraries based on the length of your stay.
For a short visit to New Zealand, stay in Queenstown for the duration of your time. This will give you the chance to play as many top Queenstown golf courses as possible while also exploring the surrounding region.
Our 5 Day Queenstown Independent Golf Tour is the perfect example of a short visit staying exclusively in Queenstown.
If you have 7-10 days in New Zealand, you can visit more than one golf destination.
For a South Island golf tour, start in Queenstown before heading up to Christchurch via Wanaka and/or Lake Tekapo, or do the reverse, ending in Queenstown.
You can also visit both islands, with a domestic flight connecting the two, as per the following tours:
For a stay of 14 days or more, you have plenty of time to visit both islands to make the most of your New Zealand golf tour. Use the following all-inclusive golf tour packages as a starting point when you plan a longer New Zealand golf tour including Queenstown:
Ready to plan the New Zealand golf tour of a lifetime?
Our team will help you plan, book, and execute a seamless luxury golf trip. Whether you prefer to travel in the company of a knowledgeable chauffeur or rent a vehicle and drive yourself, we make every step of the way as hassle-free as possible.
From all-inclusive luxury accommodation and exclusive sightseeing experiences to pre-booked tee times at New Zealand’s most famous marquee courses, we create bespoke golf tours based on your interests and requirements.
Contact us today to begin planning your New Zealand golf tour.
Yes! The Hills is one of the major Queenstown marquee courses. However, it is currently closed for a two-year refurbishment (which began in April 2026).
Certainly! Because Queenstown is a compact region with so much on offer, it’s easy to combine golfing with sightseeing. You can play a full morning of golf followed by:
– A scenic helicopter flight
– The TSS Earnslaw historic steamship cruise with dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm
– A ride on the Shotover Jet
– The “Over The Top” heli golf experience
Or you can play a short round of golf at the new 9-hole Gibbston Valley Golf Course followed by a half-day Central Otago wine tour departing at 11am.
There are 7 golf courses within 30 minutes of downtown Queenstown. These include:
1. Jack’s Point
2. Millbrook Coronet
3. Millbrook Remarkables
4. Arrowtown Golf Course
5. Queenstown Golf Club
6. Gibbston Valley Golf Course (9 holes)
7. The Hills
Most Queenstown golf courses are open year-round. However, Jack’s Point closes for 8 weeks every winter for maintenance.
Course conditions can be damp and soft during winter. But snow rarely falls to the level of the town, so it’s unlikely for the other courses to be unplayable even in winter.
Absolutely! Queenstown is the perfect destination for a mixed group of golfers and non-golfers. There are countless activities to do in and around Queenstown, from scenic flights and cruises to wine tours and adrenaline adventures.
In addition, everything is located within easy reach of downtown, with transfers available for many activities if your group splits up.
Anyone can play a round of golf at Jack’s Point. This is Queenstown’s most renowned marquee course, boasting standout design and breathtaking views from every hole. Taking its cues from the natural landscape, the course winds past schist outcrops and native tussock grasses. This is a notably challenging course, though less experienced golfers will still have an unforgettable experience thanks to the immaculate greens and stunning location.
The prices are very reasonable compared to the marquee courses on the North Island. A day at Jack’s Point will surely stand out as a highlight in any Queenstown golf tour!
Rebecca Vickers is a former travel consultant and New Zealand travel writer who has spent considerable time in the Queenstown region while living in nearby Wanaka.
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