As far as the sport’s varied events go, this week-long festival of golf, scenery and hospitality is the gold standard. This year, the Sunday scenes were emphatic, as Kiwi Daniel Hillier clinched the Brodie Breeze trophy beneath an amphitheatre of cheering fans draped over the Champions Lounge barricades. It was the first time a local had won the event since Michael Hendry in 2017, breaking a well-documented drought.

The destination itself sells the event, but Michael Glading, Michael Goldstein and the team at the NZ Open aren’t resting on their laurels. This diamond of a location is something they are actively utilising and building on, and it continues to grow each year.

If you’re planning a getaway, structuring it around the New Zealand Open could be one of the better golf trips on the bucket list.

As established in the previous pages’ luxury travel feature, think of the perfect golf getaway, and it starts to look a lot like Queenstown. New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Chris Luxon, described it as “a great showcase for New Zealand” during Sky Sport’s coverage to a global audience of 7.5 million.

“You think about all of the golf tourism that’s possible in New Zealand; it’s incredible,” Luxon explained on the feed. “However, it’s actually about the projection of New Zealand to the rest of the world.

The New Zealand Open is a pro-am that offers plenty of access for spectators. PHOTO: Riley McLay.

“There are seven and a half million people who are actually watching this golf tournament, and it’s pretty special to think that this is what they’re seeing. It’s a great advertisement for New Zealand,” he added.

He’s correct; it is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the planet for a reason. Adding to that is the fact the New Zealand Open organisers have created a world-class, unique event which golf-loving punters need to experience.

If you caught any of March’s tournament on TV, you would have seen the panoramic, sweeping shots of lakes and mountains. “We’re in an outstanding environment of Queenstown, surrounded by amazing scenery landscape; so pretty special,” Luxon says.

“The tournament has huge benefits for New Zealand because it’s actually about showcasing the best of New Zealand to the world. This is a truly world-class tournament. I’ve spoken to a number of the players, I’ve spoken to a number of the sponsors.”

The Open tees off at the base of the rolling hills and the Remarkables mountain range. It is hard to describe the show-stopping natural beauty to someone who hasn’t experienced it.

Lucas Herbert, in his Sunday best, finished on 20-under, two shots behind Dan Hillier. PHOTO: Ricky Robinson.

Once you’re on-site at Millbrook, the fan experience is premium. The event is a Pro-Am format – the only National Open in the world that is – which adds another dimension. With general admission access right up there with the best this scribe has seen, fans can get within metres of some huge names who tee it up. From Hollywood actor Marco Pena to Aussie sporting royalty Ricky Ponting and Ash Barty, the crossover appeal is clear. International superstar and 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater even teed it up this year and garnered a following.

Partnerships lead, Goldstein explains how they’ve built dedicated hospitality tents so that every visitor feels like a VIP. For example, the Champions Lounge runs parallel with the 18th for pro-am players and sponsors, while a second Asahi Lounge is tucked behind a green for top-end guests.

This year, they also debuted “The Landing” – a scaffolded viewing deck hovering over the 8th, 17th and 18th holes. It is a perfect spot to park up, offering views of multiple approach shots while you sip an Aperol Spritz and enjoy some music - essentially a cool skybox above the action.

“[The Landing] sits above a whole lot of rocky land,” Goldstein tells Golf Australia magazine.

“On the weekend, when we do a composite course, it becomes amazing viewing right above the 8th green, right above the 17th approach, and then right above the 18th tee. This year is the first time we’ve done that.”

Hospitality packages aren’t just corporate boxes; they range from high-end sponsor lounges to public viewing platforms. As Goldstein notes, when the NZ Open first came to tiny Queenstown, demand was modest. Now tourism has exploded and: “we just about sold out The Landing”.

Travelling from Australia is a big factor; punters are flocking, and more should. Queenstown has an international airport, making it easy to access. With a bit of planning, you and your golf group, or significant other, can jet in on Thursday for a long weekend of watching the Open, playing some of the world’s best courses in the mornings, visiting wineries, sightseeing or exploring the adventure capital in the afternoons.

“I think what we’re seeing is that people are deciding to come down here,” Goldstein adds.

Icons: The 18th green at Millbrook framed by mountain ranges. PHOTO: Ricky Robinson.

“They’re flying and staying down here and having a great time. They’re coming back and telling their friends. And we’re seeing huge growth in numbers. Today’s crowd is bigger than what we would have had on any other day last year.

“And it’s just because it’s an awesome place. We just want that message to grow. And we really want it to grow into Australia as well. To fly from Sydney or Melbourne, or Brisbane, to Queenstown isn’t much longer than the flight from Auckland.”

Australian golfers already dominate the summer tee sheets in Queenstown - Jacks Point, The Hills, Millbrook, Arrowtown, you name it. Increasingly, they’re treating the NZ Open as an extension of their trip; flying in for the weekend before playing more golf in the region on the off days.

Beyond the golf tournament itself, Queenstown’s appeal is off the charts for all kinds of visitors. Luxon highlights how the event helps project New Zealand to the world.

Away from golf, you could be bungee jumping, riding the Shotover Jet or gliding along skyline gondolas with the whole family. Queenstown has built a reputation for adventure – whether it’s a lads’ golf trip, a couple’s escape or a family holiday.

Even quieter moments are idyllic and accessible. Just 8km down the road is Arrowtown, an historic 1860s gold-mining village. Its main street is lined with colonial cottages, quirky boutiques and cosy cafés. You can stroll in for lunch or an afternoon coffee, try a bit of gold panning in the river, or visit a boutique vineyard along the way; the perfect backdrop for couples or families.

The NZ Open brings pro tour scale to a resort town that doubles as a playground. If you’re ticking off golf events or need an excuse to escape, mark down the New Zealand Open. Flights are easy, the golf is world-class, the organisers clearly cherish the product they are producing, and the entire region rolls out the red carpet. It really is one of a kind - a world-class tournament in a world-class setting.