Three of the best golfing destinations in New Zealand
If you are looking for a golfing weekend away where you have a number of golf courses to pick from, there are some prime destinations in New Zealand. Whether you want coastal links courses or inland parkland courses, we’ve got you covered. New Zealand is home to some of the best golf courses in the world and here are some of the best cities to visit if you want to check some of them out.
Three other destinations worthy of consideration are Wellington, Taupo and Napier. All three destinations have at least two world-class golf courses including Cape Kidnappers, Kinloch and Paraparaumu and are fantastic cities to spend a weekend or longer.
Top Ten golf courses in New Zealand
OK, so we’ve looked at the best cities in New Zealand for a golfing holiday, now it’s time to take a closer look at some of the courses. From Northland to Otago, there are some absolute gems spread throughout New Zealand. Whilst some of the course below can command high green fees, especially from international visitors, there are plenty of golf courses within close proximity to suit all budgets.
Kauri Cliffs - Northland
Until recently, Kauri Cliffs was one of the courses battling it out to be named New Zealand’s number one. Whilst Tara Iti’s introduction to the New Zealand golf circuit has put paid to this, Kauri Cliffs is still one of New Zealand’s premier courses. Located in stunning Matauri Bay, Northland, Kauri Cliffs enjoys stunning views of the Pacific Ocean with six of the closing holes played alongside the cliffside. The inland holes wind through marsh, forest and farmland. Kauri Cliffs is a true test for golfers of all abilities and will provide you with memories that stay with you long after the final putt has been sunk.
Cape Kidnappers - Hawke's Bay
The sister course of Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers is located in the stunning Hawke’s Bay region, not far from Napier. Designed by legendary golf architect Tom Doak, Cape Kidnappers is as challenging as it is spectacular. Hailed as one of the modern marvels in golf, Cape Kidnappers plays high above the ocean atop dramatic cliffs. The ‘fingers’ that stretch out into the Pacific Ocean leave golfers overlooking sheer sided drop-offs and ravines and make for truly spectacular views. When the wind blows, this can be a challenge for even the best golfer but no matter what the conditions, no golfer leaves disappointed.
*Image credit: Cape Kidnappers
Wairakei - Taupo
Moving away from the coastal courses, Wairakei is one of the world’s only golf courses that is also a sanctuary for wildlife. The course lies on 180 hectares of rolling countryside and it’s not unusual to see deer running across the fairway as you attempt to hole a challenging 5-footer. It was on 2010 when Wairakei was voted New Zealand’s number one course by Golf Update readers so there is plenty of pedigree. The course is welcoming to casual and serious golfers alike and is one of the most relaxing places in the world to play golf.
*Image credit: Wairakei Golf
Kinloch - Taupo
Located in close proximity to Wairakei in the central North Island, Kinloch is another absolute gem. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, The Kinloch Club is often compared to the classic links courses in Scotland and Ireland. Instead of traditional sea views, however, this stunning course is positioned between panoramic views of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake and the rugged farmland. Kinloch is another course that has made it to number one in the rankings as recently as 2014 and a trip to Taupo is the ideal opportunity to play two of the best courses in the country.
*Image credit: The Kinloch Club
Jack's Point - Queenstown
If you are looking for the spectacular, there are few better places in New Zealand than Jack’s Point to enjoy a round of golf. Located in Queenstown, Jack’s Point enjoys a backdrop of 2,300 vertical metres of the Remarkables mountain range and panoramic views of the stunning Lake Wakatipu. Designed around the natural surroundings, the course weaves through native tussock grass and rocky outcrops and is a true challenge for any golfer. Only a short 20-minute drive from Queenstown, Jack’s Point is a must for any golfer visiting New Zealand.
The Hills - Queenstown
The Hills is regarded as one of New Zealand’s finest golf courses but it can be tricky for visitors to get a game here. The Hills is a private members club and is one of the most exclusive in the country. Offering a premium level of personal service, those who are lucky enough to get a game at The Hills are treated to one of the finest and best-manicured courses in the country. Enjoying spectacular views over the surrounding mountain ranges, every hole offers players a different challenge to match the view.
Titirangi - Auckland
Auckland is home to some spectacular courses so picking one for the top ten is tricky but Titirangi is an absolute gem. The only course in New Zealand designed by world-renowned golf architect, Alistair MacKenzie (who also designed Augusta), Titirangi is a relatively short, tree-lined course that is challenging thanks to well-positioned hazards and small, tough greens. Located in a leafy Auckland suburb, this course regularly features in New Zealand’s top ten and is worthy of its position as Auckland’s number one.
*Image credit: Titirangi Golf Club
Tara Iti - Mangawhai
No golf course in New Zealand has made quite an impact like Tara Iti. Opened in 2015, the course shot straight into 29th place in Golf.com’s Top 100 Courses list, the highest ever debuting course. It also came in at number 6 on Golf Digest’s ranking of the Top 100 Courses in the world. Located just south of Mangawhai on the east coast of the North Island, Tara Iti is a links course like no other. Designed by Tom Doak, the course has been created to respect the land on which it is built. Each hole has been carefully crafted with a wide range of knolls, dunes and punchbowls to test the best golfers. Whilst this is a private golf club, visitors can make a request to play here (on the proviso that you are only allowed one visit) and visitors are encouraged to indulge in a multi-night stay.
*Image credit: New Zealand Golf Digest
Paraparaumu - Wellington
Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course enjoys the distinction of being the only course in New Zealand to welcome Tiger Woods (the world’s number one golfer at the time) back in 2002. Regarded as one of the best links courses in the Southern Hemisphere, Paraparaumu is located on the rugged Kapiti coast, west of Wellington. The course has hosted the New Zealand Open 12 times and retains its position as one of the finest golf courses in New Zealand. The challenging links course is a must on a visit to the capital city.
*Image credit: Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course
Arrowtown - near Queenstown
The final course making it into our top ten is Arrowtown. Another of the courses located in and around Queenstown, Arrowtown is unassuming compared to the big draw cards of The Hills and Jack’s Point, however it is no less challenging or beautiful. Set in the rolling hills on the outskirts of historic Arrowtown, the course offers a challenge for all golfers, all year round. With views of the Remarkables and Coronet Peak, it’s easy to get distracted from your game but with views like this, that’s never such a bad thing!
Best Places to eat out after golf in New Zealand
Whilst all of these amazing golf destinations offer up great post-golf food and drink options, if you are staying over and looking for some great options for dinner, then it’s good to know some of the hot spots in town. That’s why we’ve done the hard work and covered off some of the best restaurants in the most popular golfing destinations in New Zealand. Bon appetit!
New Zealand’s most spectacular golf courses
We’ve gone into a bit of depth about some of New Zealand’s best golf courses but what about the most spectacular. What makes a golf course great for one person doesn’t always tick the boxes for another. One thing that we can’t argue with however is the fact that New Zealand golf courses provide some of the best views in world golf. Whether you’re a golfer or not, you can’t help but look on in awe at some of the spectacular views that greet golfers as they walk from the green to the next tee. Here are some of our favourite holes and views from courses around New Zealand:
Best activities for non-golfers
We appreciate that golf isn’t for everyone. ‘A good walk spoilt’ is how it’s sometimes described. If you are a non-golfer traveling with a golf nut and you are looking for ideas for things to do when you’re left on your own, check out some of these fantastic activities from the most popular golfing destinations in New Zealand – we think you’ll agree, a golfing holiday can be a win-win for golfers and non-golfers alike!
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