New nine-hole course set to open at Gibbston Valley in March 2026
A new nine-hole course, designed by pro golfer-turned-architect Greg Turner, will officially open at Gibbston Valley Resort near Queenstown, New Zealand, in March 2026.
The layout’s opening will coincide with the curated events in connection with the 2026 NZ Open that is being held at the Millbrook Resort. This follows on from Gibbston Valley Lodge guests and property owners within the adjacent Gibbston Valley Resort having access to the course through preview play in recent months.
Read more: Turner talks about the project’s origins, site and design.
Built over the past two years, the course occupies the river terrace above Kawarau Gorge, routed between rock features and the historic mine tailings from the area’s gold rush days. “Our goal is to create a golf course that accommodates the new needs of the modern golfer,” said Jesus Santos, director at Gibbston Valley Golf Course. “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.”
The new Gibbston Valley course will officially open in March 2026 following a successful preview play (Photo: Gibbston Valley Resort)
Turner has designed intricate green complexes and broad undulating fairways. “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,” said Santos. “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.
“It’s a high-quality golf course: one that shows its character, that challenges you but is also very elegant.”
Canadian former pro golfer and social media influencer Mac Boucher visited the course as part of a travel series he’s filming, on ‘ultimate golfing locations’. “I was one of the first people to play the course with the flags in,” he said. “The course is awesome, it’s great for all skill levels and checks 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.”
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