UPDATED 5.15PM Disappointment for those hoping to spot Barack Obama teeing off at one of Queenstown's golf courses this weekend.

Speculation's been rife that the former US President is the man coming to town for VIP visit, but the Prime Minister's office has now ruled out it being any current or former head of state.

A spokesman for Bill English has confirmed a number of senior officials are coming for a conference hosted by the Government – but won't reveal what it is.

The high level of secrecy has led to speculation it is a meeting of the Five Eyes intelligence partners – spies from the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Queenstown previously hosted a Five Eyes meeting back in 2014.