Gibbston Valley, Queenstown’s latest must-play course, is set to open next month.
Queenstown is set to add another jewel to its already stellar golf landscape, with the nine-hole Gibbston Valley Golf Course scheduled to open to the public next month. Designed by Kiwi golf legend-turned-architect Greg Turner, the par-32 layout offers a modern take on the centuries-old game, blending challenging golf with spectacular views.
Built during the past two years, the course occupies the river terrace above the dramatic Kawarau Gorge, weaving its way between distinctive rock features and historic gold-mining tailings. It features five par 4s and four par 3s, with the longest hole stretching to 307 metres. While it will officially welcome the public in March – coinciding with a series of curated events around the NZ Open from February 26 to March 1 – the course has already been playable by guests of the Gibbston Valley Lodge and property owners in the adjoining resort.
Canadian former pro golfer and social media sensation Mac Boucher recently visited the course as part of a travel series highlighting “ultimate golf locations”. Hosted by Gibbston Valley chief winemaker Christopher Keys, Boucher was treated to a taste of the wine and culinary experiences that will accompany the golf once the clubhouse opens.
Reflecting on his visit, Boucher said: “I was one of the first people to play the course with the flags in. The course is awesome, it’s great for all skill levels and ticks all the boxes that it should for a nine-hole. The views are amazing.
“I’d say Queenstown is easily one of my favourite golf destinations in the world. There’s so much variety of courses and there seems to be even more opening up in the next few years here, so I think Gibbston is going to fit in really well with its nine-hole course.”
Gibbston Valley Golf Course director Jesus Santos says that the course was conceived with modern golfers in mind.
“Our goal is to create a golf course that accommodates the new needs of the modern golfer,” Santos says. “Most people want to play golf but they don’t want to be away from their families all day. Here, people can play nine, have lunch with a glass of wine, and then be back with their families for the rest of the day.”
Santos adds that the design balances challenge with accessibility: “It’s a high-quality golf course; one that shows its character, that challenges you but is also very elegant. One of the standout features of the course is the inclusion of two undulating double greens, shared by holes one and eight, as well as holes two and five. Rather than traditional bunkers, the course utilises the natural terrain, remnants of gold mining and prominent rock formations to create challenging and visually striking hazards.”
Affiliated with Golf NZ and awaiting its official handicap rating, the course currently limits membership to owners in The Reserve, though a small number of non-resident memberships will be released for the 2026-2027 season.
By this spring, the Gibbston Valley clubhouse will also connect to the Kawarau Gorge Trail, linking Gibbston to Bannockburn and enhancing opportunities for wine, golf and cycle tourism in the region. For golfers, Gibbston Valley promises to be a compelling new addition to Queenstown’s growing roster of gems.
