The Hills opened in 2007 and is set over 101 hectares (250 acres) of a former deer farm on the outskirts of Arrowtown in Central Otago, South Island New Zealand. Its 366m above sea level.
The Mill race winds its way through the property and feeds the ten lakes and various ponds and waterways on the golf course. Trees, both native and exotic, are a feature of the course. The wetland area have been expanded, planted out with varieties of New Zealand flax, toetoe, the ubiquitous cabbage tree and wetland grasses and reeds. More than 50,000 red and silver tussock plants create a spectacular visual statement. Winter snow and frost conditions provide the ideal climate to grow fine grasses preferred for modern day golf.
The Hills Clubhouse designed by Andrew Patterson of Patterson Associates Ltd, was a supreme award winner, in the prestigious 2008 New Zealand Institute of Architects Resene Awards for Architecture. The complex has been shortlisted as a finalist in the inaugural World Architecture Festival in Barcelona in October. A sophisticated bunker with less than a quarter of it above ground, the Clubhouse is designed to seamlessly integrate with the landscape. The innovative roof is topped with native tussock and the large floor to ceiling windows and covered deck provide a grandstand view of the 18th green.
The Hills is a private golf course for members. In some circumstances NON-members are able to play the championship golf course.