The Hills Open Day was first held in 2022, giving the public a rare chance to meander through the sculpture park and expansive golf course, while last year it selected Southern Lakes Sanctuary (SLS) to be the beneficiary of fundraising.
In January, Mountain Scene reported Sir Michael Hill and his family — co-owners of the golf course — had separately provided $90,000 to SLS to assist with possum trapping at Arrowtown’s Bush Creek.
The Hills executive manager Rob Selley says he’s delighted to invite locals to visit the course again this Monday and Tuesday.
"The Hills is a spectacular golf course and also features a stunning outdoor sculpture park.
"Whether you wish to book a meal at the clubhouse, play our nine-hole, par-3 course, walk among the sculptures — or do it all — we look forward to welcoming you."
Entry to the course, open between 9am and 5pm, costs $5, with all proceeds from the gate going to SLS.
A special audio tour has been developed by students at Liger Leadership Academy, leading punters through the sculpture park, which features work from Sir Michael’s son Mark Hill, Grant Williams, Matt Patte and Sean Henry.
The clubhouse is also open for breakfast and lunch sittings, though bookings are required, via clubhouse@thehills.co.nz, while there’s still availability for people to play The Farm course during Tuesday’s open day — to book, email golf@thehills.co.nz.
The course was designed by Queenstowner John Darby, and developed by Sir Michael, who bought the deer farm in the mid-’90s.
In December, Scene exclusively revealed the Hill family was partnering with high-end American golf course developer, billionaire Ric Kayne, and Jim Rohrstaff, to expand The Hills — the latter are behind Tara Iti Golf Club course, north of Auckland, and Te Arai Links.
This week it was reported members are now being asked to stump up almost $300,000 per annum.
