Our Top 10 Golf Courses for International visitors to New Zealand
With 20+ years experience creating golf holidays to New Zealand, we have developed a unique understanding of what our clients are looking for. It is not just about the great golf, but the fantastic scenery, wineries, lodging, hospitality and friendly welcome that New Zealand is famous for.
The following 10 golf courses are our top picks to introduce what fantastic golf we have on offer in New Zealand. If you are interested to explore further and wish to explore the logistics of a golf holiday in New Zealand (the most challenging element), allow us to create a bespoke itinerary for your specific group requirements.
Or if you wish to join in with one of our partnered escorted tours, then please contact us and we will happily share further details. Fully escorted tours are usually reserved for a maximum of 24 guests and sell out fast - they last two weeks, playing 8-10 rounds of golf with some great activities and hosted dinners along the way.
Kauri Cliffs Golf Course
Located in the Bay of Islands, Kauri Cliffs is often voted a favourite for our clients. The setting has a large amount to do with it, however we believe that if you either start or finish here during your vacation, then you are onto a winning combination. It is simply majestic !
Tara Iti Golf Club
Uber exclusive and private, the update on access to Tara Iti as of 2023, is that you need to have a member introduction - think Cypress Point or Augusta National. Accompanied guest play only ! If you have a friend to introduce you, we usually now add Tara Iti onto a pre or post escorted tour or custom program.
Te Arai Resort (36 Holes - North and South Courses)
The South Course, opened in 2022, designed by Bill Coore / Ben Crenshaw is as tantalisingly impressive in our view as Tara Iti. The North Course opened in 2023, meanders among pine trees with stretches of holes peaking out to the coast. Exceptional golf holes have masterfully been routed by Tom Doak. Te Arai Resort is a must visit for any golf visit to New Zealand.
The Kinloch Club
This Jack Nicklaus Signature Course is New Zealand's true Championship challenge. Undulations, bumps and hollows are everywhere - bring your "A" game...! It is considered one of New Zealand's toughest courses, so it is best to be open minded before arriving here. The views and the course layout are exceptional.
Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary
Wairakei is the grandfather of international golf courses in New Zealand. It has stood the test of time and is one of the favourites of New Zealanders for its beautiful surroundings and stunningly attractive golf holes.
Cape Kidnappers Golf Course
The Pirates Plank, and Widows Walk are two aptly named holes on this Tom Doak designed golf course. Cape Kidnappers once ranked No.1 in the world according to the Daily Telegraph, and that ensures that it must be on every avid golfers bucket list.
Royal Wellington Golf Course
Arguably New Zealand's finest club course after a $7 million upgrade and redesign in 2013. The course meanders its way through sympathetic plantings of native grasses and bush, and blends beautifully into the surrounding palate that was presented to the designers - Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson.
Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
Considered one of New Zealand's finest links courses, "Param" as it is better known by locals, is designed by Alex Russell, famous for his assisting Dr Alister MacKenzie on many of his Australian designs.
The Hills Golf Club
The Hills are very much alive....The host of the NZ Open for a number of years is a magical golfing experience and adds to an already remarkable golf scene for Queenstown. Sculptures and artworks dot the landscape adding a unique and alluring aesthetic to the eye.
Jacks Point Golf Club
Arguably one of the most stunning pieces of golf real estate in the world. A sense of tranquillity will overcome you playing Jack's Point, as each hole tells a different story. A must on any itinerary, but beware a "Southerly Change", a meteorological term known to New Zealanders, that at any time of year can result in a very quick drop in temperature by several degrees !
