Golf in NZ

New Zealand is a golfer’s paradise with over 400 public and private golf courses, including many championship and resort courses that are on par with the world’s best. The New Zealand Information Network has compiled this summary to assist visitors in planning their golfing holiday itinerary.The welcome mat is always out for visiting golfers and members of overseas golf clubs are usually treated as guests, particularly if they have a letter of introduction from their home club. As a general rule our courses are relatively uncrowded during weekdays but it pays to make an advance booking at the city clubs and exclusive resorts.

The breathtaking scenic panoramas of snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests and seascapes are part of the magic of New Zealand’s golf courses. Our prolific small town country classic courses are laid out on rural terrain as varied as nature itself. Sand-based links courses curve around windswept coastal dunes. City courses are sculptured with stately avenues of native and exotic trees. The world-class resort courses provide sweeping cliff top coastal views or million-dollar mountain vistas as the perfect backdrop to emerald green fairways and manicured greens.

Most importantly our courses offer a huge choice of pleasant, peaceful environments where you can enjoy a great day out without making a deep hole in your pocket. Green fees are quite cheap by international standards starting from as little as $15 per round for country courses. As a general guideline expect to pay $20-30 for public urban courses, $40-80 for private courses and $100 or more at championship courses and resorts. In most cases members of New Zealand clubs affiliated to the New Zealand Golf Association will pay a discounted fee. Major clubs have trundlers, clubs and carts for hire. Golf courses are typically 5,600-6,600 metres in length with the men’s par at 71 or 72 strokes and women’s at 73 or 74. With a total of 400 golf clubs, New Zealand has one club for every 10,000 people – one of the highest per capita ratios in the world.

Dress standards vary but by and large are quite liberal. Casual clothing is only acceptable on public courses. Smart walk shorts with long socks can be worn on most courses but neat trousers and loose fitting shirts are the norm. Below we have identified a few popular New Zealand golf courses. In country areas any Information Office or petrol station will be able to give you clear directions.

You could choose to start your golfing trip at the top of the North Island at Carrington, one of eight courses around the country which are part of the Best of Golf New Zealand brand. This initiative brings together some of the best golf courses, resorts, tour operators and accommodation providers. On your drive back to Auckland you should try and stop for a game at Kauri Cliffs, a course that since it opened in 2000 has won worldwide acclaim for its dramatic location, luxurious lodge and challenging course.

Just outside Auckland, Gulf Harbour is another course you should make it your business to play while the Lakes Resort in Pauanui in the Coromandel is another great addition to New Zealand’s ever increasing list of ‘must play’ courses.

In the heart of the North Island, an area famous for its rich Maori heritage, freshwater fishing and active volcanoes, is Wairakei International Golf Course. Consistently ranked as one of New Zealand’s best, this parkland course weaves its way through thousands of tall majestic trees which help to create a magical atmosphere.

A couple of hours drive and you are on the east coast at Cape Kidnappers, a course which couldn’t be more different to Wairakei. This is extreme golf in a setting which has to be seen to be believed.

The Pacific Ocean and the breathtaking cliffs are as much a part of the Cape Kidnappers experience as the wonderful golf course.

As a golfing visitor you are spoiled for choicewith many fine courses that offer a test of skill in a pristine environment. So why not swing by New Zealand sometime soon and explore the highways, byways and fairways of our clean, green land

As a golfing visitor you are spoiled for choice with many fine courses that offer a test of skill in a fantastic environment