Golf in New Zealand
New Zealand has always enjoyed a reputation for its outdoor pursuits and stunning scenery, and since Michael Campbell swung his way to victory at the US Golf Open, the country’s world-class golf resorts have never looked better. We’ve put together a line-up of scenic courses, so why not get into the swing of things on your next holiday?
North Island
Kauri Cliffs,
Matauri Bay,
Northland
Designed by David Harman, this 6510m par 72 course sits perched high above the ocean. Kauri Cliffs was named 49th best golf course in the world by Golf magazine and awarded Best New International Golf Course in 2001 by Golf Digest. The inland holes wind through marsh, forest and farmland and 15 holes have panoramic seaviews.
Sightseeing
- Dive the wreck of the Rainbow Warrior, just offshore of Matauri Bay.
- Take a tour to dramatic Cape Reinga, on the country’s northern-eastern tip.
Carrington Resort,
Karikari Peninsula,
Northland
With its oceanside location, Carrington is one of New Zealand's most beautiful and challenging golf courses. This tournament standard 18-hole golf course was designed by American golf course designer Matt Dye.
Sightseeing
- Bush trails provide access to hides for birdwatchers.
- The beach is a popular shell-gathering area.
- Do a spot of wine tasting at the Karikari Estate Vineyard and Winery.
Gulf Harbour Country Club, Whangaparaoa, Hibiscus Coast
Located an easy 40 minute drive from Auckland, Gulf Harbour Country Club was the site of the 1998 World Cup of Golf and hosted the 2005 NZ Open.
Sightseeing
- The Clubhouse provides all the facilities needed for the golfer and their guests.
- Take in the city sights at Auckland, a 40 minute drive away. You can climb Sky Tower, dine al fresco at the Viaduct Harbour, visit a vineyard, take a harbour cruise or enjoy a night at the theatre.
Lakes Resort Golf & Country Club,
Pauanui,
Coromandel Peninsula
Lakes are a predominant feature of this course on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, with 17 of the 18 fairways alongside or nearby water. The championship 6171m par 71 layout was designed by Canadians Sid Puddicombe Associates to incorporate 20ha of natural wetlands. A unique point is the Ngati Maru boardwalk linking holes 4 and 5, where tall carvings (pou) of gods and ancient Maori ancestors rise out of the marshlands.
Sightseeing
- Go fishing, diving or boating along the stunning coastline or bushwalk in the forest-cloaked Coromandel Ranges.
- Discover the area’s historic goldrush towns, and tour New Zealand’s only working goldmine.
Wairakei International Golf Course,
Lake Taupo
At the heart of the North Island’s spectacular central volcanic plateau, this 6429m course was recently refurbished by one of its original designers, Michael Wolveridge. There are new bunkers and water hazards for a more challenging game. The signature hole is the par-5 14th – at 548m, it’s one of the longest and most demanding in the country.
Sightseeing
- Fish for trout at Lake Taupo or bungy jump high above the Waikato River.
- See the thundering Huka Falls from a high-speed jetboat
- Enjoy a relaxing soak in one of the region’s natural hot springs.
Cape Kidnappers Golf Course,
Hawke’s Bay
Set in a dramatic ridge-and-valley landscape in Hawke’s Bay, with spectacular sea views, Cape Kidnappers is designed by American Tom Doak and regarded as one of the country’s best courses. From the back tees, it’s a par-71, 6400m long drive contest that includes the par-5 15th hole – a 585m shoestring straight out to a 140m cliff face.
Sightseeing
- Visit the world’s largest mainland gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers (Nov-June).
- Sample some of the region’s award-winning wines and delicious produce.
- Take a guided walking tour of Napier’s art deco treasures.
South Island
Clearwater Golf Resort,
Christchurch,
Canterbury
Inland of Christchurch, this 6526m par-72 course is home to the NZ Professional Golf Association championship. Designed by John Darby in consultation with Sir Bob Charles, it is planned around a series of spring-fed lakes and trout-filled streams with uninterrupted views of the Southern Alps. Water comes into play on 14 holes, and the demanding par-4 18th hole plays to a green that juts out into a lake.
Sightseeing
- Join the locals for a punt on Christchurch’s tree-lined Avon River.
- Stroll through the city’s Botanic Garden in beautiful Hagley Park.
- Fly-fish for rainbow trout with the resort’s resident fishing guide.
Terrace Downs High Country Golf Resort,
Rakaia Gorge, Canterbury
Located in the foothills of the Southern Alps, close to the Mt Hutt range, this is one of the country’s most scenic mountain courses. The 6500m par-72 course was designed by David Cox and sits at the edge of the Rakaia Gorge, with the Rakaia River tumbling below. The par-5 seventh hole is the longest and one of the most difficult, playing 556m from the back tees.
Sightseeing
- Fish for salmon on the Rakaia River, or ride the rapids on a jetboat or raft.
- If you visit during winter, don’t miss the superb ski areas of Mt Hutt.
Millbrook Golf Resort,
Queenstown,
Otago
Designed by Sir Bob Charles, Millbrook enjoys a reputation as one of the word’s finest alpine golf courses, with several elevated tees that highlight the magnificent mountain scenery. Backed by the rugged Remarkables Range, the 6412m, par-72 course is relatively wide open and trouble-free for most handicaps, and the 18th par-5 finishing hole is considered one of the country’s best.
Sightseeing
- Take a tour of the region’s thriving vineyards.
- Set your pulses racing at New Zealand’s Adventure Capital with jetboating, canyoning, bungy jumping, sky diving, rafting and more.
- Discover Otago’s colourful goldmining history at charming Arrowtown.
Tips for International Golfers
- New Zealand has strict bio-security laws so you must enter the country with clean spikes and clubs (offenders can be fined).
- Greens are usually cored annually. Be sure to plan well in advance for a time when the greens are in tip-top shape.
- Most of The Best of Golf New Zealand courses are more easily played from a cart. Don’t forget to include this in your budget and, if you prefer a caddie, notify the course in advance.
- Allow plenty of time for sightseeing activities off the links – there are some superb wine and food trails and plenty of outdoor adventures to be enjoyed.
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