Top 25 New Zealand

Why New Zealand for Golf?

• Diverse Landscapes: New Zealand’s varied terrain, from rugged coastlines to rolling hills and majestic mountains, provides the canvas for unique and unforgettable golf courses.
• World-Class Design: Many of New Zealand’s courses are crafted by renowned architects, ensuring challenging and enjoyable play for all levels.
• Warm Hospitality: Known for its friendly locals and welcoming atmosphere, New Zealand offers a relaxed and enjoyable golf holiday experience.
• Golf Tourism: The country actively embraces golf tourism, making it easy to find accommodations, transportation, and other amenities tailored to golfers.
• Top 100 Golf Course: New Zealand proudly claims several courses that regularly feature in prestigious rankings, such as the Top 100 Golf Courses of the World.

New Zealand’s Top 25 Golf Courses

Here’s a curated list of 25 exceptional golf courses in New Zealand, grouped by region:

Tara Iti:

• Tara Iti, located in Mangawhai, is a Tom Doak-designed links course known for its stunning coastal views and minimalist design.
• The course features wide fairways, natural sand dunes, and fast, firm greens, providing a challenging yet enjoyable experience.
• Consistently ranked among the best courses in the world, Tara Iti offers an exceptional golfing experience in a breathtaking setting.

Te Arai (North):

• The North Course at Te Arai Links, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, offers a spectacular links-style experience on the North Island’s east coast.
• It features wide fairways, undulating greens, and stunning ocean views, making it a challenging and visually striking course.
• Known for its pristine conditions and strategic design, Te Arai North is a must-play for golf enthusiasts.

Te Arai (South):

• Te Arai South Course, designed by Tom Doak, complements its North counterpart with a distinct and equally impressive layout.
• The course boasts wide fairways, rugged bunkers, and captivating ocean views, providing a unique and memorable round.
• Renowned for its natural beauty and challenging play, Te Arai South is a top destination for golfers seeking a premier links experience.

Cape Kidnappers:

• Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, designed by Tom Doak, is set on dramatic cliffs overlooking Hawke’s Bay on the North Island.
• The course features challenging holes with significant elevation changes, stunning ocean views, and impeccably maintained fairways and greens.
• Known for its breathtaking scenery and world-class design, Cape Kidnappers is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.

Paraparaumu Beach:

• Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, located on the Kapiti Coast, is a classic links course designed by Alex Russell in 1949.
• The course features fast, firm fairways, strategic bunkering, and challenging greens, offering a true links experience.
• Famous for hosting numerous New Zealand Open championships, Paraparaumu Beach is one of the country’s most iconic courses.

Kinloch Club:

• Kinloch Club, located near Lake Taupo, is a Jack Nicklaus-designed course that offers a challenging and visually stunning round.
• The course features narrow fairways, deep bunkers, and large, undulating greens, requiring strategic play and precision.
• Known for its beautiful setting and world-class design, Kinloch Club is a premier golfing destination in New Zealand.

Jack’s Point:

• Jack’s Point Golf Course, located near Queenstown, offers a spectacular alpine golfing experience with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
• Designed by John Darby, the course features rolling fairways, natural rock outcroppings, and challenging bunkers.
• Known for its breathtaking scenery and challenging layout, Jack’s Point is a must-play for golfers visiting the South Island.

Kauri Cliffs:

• Kauri Cliffs, designed by David Harman, is a world-renowned golf course located in Northland, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
• The course features wide fairways, dramatic elevation changes, and challenging greens, providing a memorable and picturesque round.
• Consistently ranked among the best courses globally, Kauri Cliffs is a top destination for golf enthusiasts seeking an exceptional experience.

Titirangi:

• Titirangi Golf Club, located in Auckland, is New Zealand’s only Dr. Alister MacKenzie-designed course, offering a classic and challenging layout.
• The course features narrow fairways, strategic bunkering, and undulating greens, requiring precision and strategic play.
• Known for its rich history and beautiful setting, Titirangi is a favorite among golfers seeking a classic golfing experience.

Arrowtown:

• Arrowtown Golf Club, located near Queenstown, offers a unique and picturesque 18-hole course set amidst historic gold mining terrain.
• The course features narrow fairways, natural rock formations, and challenging greens, providing a distinct and enjoyable round.
• Known for its stunning scenery and charming layout, Arrowtown is a popular choice for golfers visiting the area.

The Hills (Championship):

• The Hills Golf Club, located in Queenstown, offers a world-class championship course designed by Darby Partners.
• The course features wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
• Known for hosting the New Zealand Open and its beautiful setting, The Hills provides a premier golfing experience.

Millbrook (Coronet):

• The Coronet Course at Millbrook Resort, designed by Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson, offers a challenging and scenic round in Queenstown.
• The course features wide fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and beautiful mountain views, providing a memorable golfing experience.
• Known for its excellent facilities and stunning landscape, Millbrook Coronet is a top choice for golfers visiting the area.

Wairakei:

• Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary, located near Lake Taupo, offers a unique golfing experience within a wildlife sanctuary.
• Designed by Commander John Harris, the course features wide fairways, challenging bunkers, and beautiful natural surroundings.
• Known for its excellent maintenance and serene setting, Wairakei provides a tranquil and enjoyable round of golf.

Royal Auckland and Grange (Grange & Tamaki):

• Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club, located in Auckland, offers two distinct courses: Grange and Tamaki.
• The courses feature well-manicured fairways, challenging bunkers, and lush landscapes, providing a premier golfing experience.
• Known for its rich history and excellent facilities, Royal Auckland and Grange is a prestigious golfing destination.

Tieke:

• Tieke Golf Club, located in Hamilton, offers a challenging 18-hole course set within picturesque surroundings.
• The course features wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and well-maintained greens, providing a fun and enjoyable round.
• Known for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful setting, Tieke is a popular choice among local golfers.

Royal Wellington:

• Royal Wellington Golf Club, located in Heretaunga, offers a prestigious and challenging 18-hole course designed by Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson.
• The course features tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and beautifully manicured greens, providing a top-notch golfing experience.
• Known for its rich history and beautiful surroundings, Royal Wellington is a premier golfing destination in New Zealand.

Waverley Golf Club:

• Waverley Golf Club, located in Waverley, offers a charming 9-hole course set within a rural landscape.
• The course features wide fairways, natural hazards, and well-maintained greens, providing a relaxed and enjoyable round.
• Known for its friendly community and scenic setting, Waverley is a great choice for a casual game of golf.

Muriwai:

• Muriwai Golf Club, located on Auckland’s west coast, offers a stunning links-style course with panoramic ocean views.
• The course features fast, firm fairways, challenging bunkers, and natural sand dunes, providing a true links experience.
• Known for its breathtaking scenery and challenging layout, Muriwai is a favorite among golfers seeking a coastal round.

Clearwater:

• Clearwater Golf Club, located in Christchurch, offers a championship 18-hole course designed by John Darby and Sir Bob Charles.
• The course features wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and water hazards, providing a challenging and enjoyable round.
• Known for hosting professional tournaments and its excellent facilities, Clearwater is a premier golfing destination in New Zealand.

Christchurch:

• Christchurch Golf Club, located in Shirley, offers a historic and challenging 18-hole course designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie.
• The course features tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and well-manicured greens, providing a classic and enjoyable round.
• Known for its rich history and beautiful setting, Christchurch Golf Club is a top choice for golfers in the region.

Wainui:

• Wainui Golf Club, located north of Auckland, offers a modern and challenging 18-hole course designed by Puddicombe Golf.
• The course features wide fairways, natural water hazards, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
• Known for its excellent maintenance and beautiful setting, Wainui is a popular destination for golfers seeking a premier round.

Millbrook (Remarkables):

• The Remarkables Course at Millbrook Resort, designed by Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson, offers a stunning and challenging round in Queenstown.
• The course features wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and breathtaking mountain views, providing a memorable golfing experience.
• Known for its excellent facilities and beautiful landscape, Millbrook Remarkables is a top choice for golfers visiting the area.

Carrington:

• Carrington Golf Club, located in Northland, offers a picturesque 18-hole course designed by Matt Dye.
• The course features wide fairways, large greens, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding vineyards.
• Known for its beautiful setting and challenging layout, Carrington provides a unique and enjoyable round of golf.

Wanganui:

• Wanganui Golf Club, located in Wanganui, offers a historic and scenic 18-hole course set within rolling hills and mature trees.
• The course features wide fairways, natural hazards, and well-maintained greens, providing a relaxed and enjoyable round.
• Known for its friendly community and beautiful setting, Wanganui is a great choice for a casual game of golf.

Windross Farm:

• Windross Farm Golf Course, located near Auckland, offers a modern and challenging 18-hole course designed by Brett Thomson.
• The course features wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and natural water hazards, providing a premier golfing experience.
• Known for hosting professional tournaments and its excellent facilities, Windross Farm is a top destination for golfers seeking a top-notch round.

Planning Your New Zealand Golf Trip with Golf Getaway

Golf Getaway specializes in creating unforgettable golf travel experiences. Our experts can help you:

• Customize Your Itinerary: We’ll tailor a golf holiday to your preferences, incorporating the courses that best suit your skill level and interests.
• Secure Tee Times: We’ll handle all the arrangements, ensuring you get the tee times you want at the most desirable courses.
• Arrange Accommodations: We’ll find the perfect golf resorts and hotels to complement your golfing adventure.
• Provide Local Knowledge: We’ll offer insider tips on everything from dining and nightlife to local attractions and hidden gems.

Conclusion

New Zealand is a golfer’s paradise, offering a wealth of world-class courses set amidst breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Golf Getaway can help you plan an unforgettable golf vacation that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Have you played any of these gems? 

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Book your next Golf Getaway and tee off amongst some of the Top 25 New Zealand Courses by contacting Golf Getaway at www.GolfGetaway.tv/Contact