New Zealand
Stunning coastal courses, alpine backdrops, and pure air offer a world-class golf experience like no other
New Zealand is fast becoming one of the world’s premier golf destinations, combining breathtaking landscapes with world-class course design.
From dramatic coastal cliffs to alpine valleys and rolling farmland, the country offers an extraordinary range of golfing experiences across both the North and South Islands. With more than 400 courses nationwide, New Zealand provides accessibility, quality, and natural beauty in equal measure.
The North Island is home to several of New Zealand’s most internationally acclaimed golf courses. Cape Kidnappers, perched high on the cliffs of Hawke’s Bay, offers a layout by legendary architect Tom Doak that challenges golfers with narrow fairways and expansive ocean views. Nearby, Kinloch Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, delivers a rugged inland links experience on the shores of Lake Taupō.
In the same area lies Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary, offering a unique blend of championship golf and wildlife conservation. Established in 1970 the course spans 450 acres of rolling terrain enriched by geothermal features. Encircled by a 5-kilometer predator-proof fence, the sanctuary provides a safe haven for native species like kiwi and takahē, allowing golfers to experience the game amidst diverse flora and fauna. whilst one of the original New
Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club, located in Auckland, New Zealand, is a premier private golf facility features a 27-hole course designed by Nicklaus Design, comprising three distinct 9-hole circuits—Grange, Tamaki, and Middlemore—each offering unique challenges and scenic beauty.
90 minutes north of Auckland lies Te Arai Links with both the North and South courses among the nations best and drawing high levels of interest and play from an excited overseas audience. Tara Iti, a private club, sits alongside the Te Arai courses and is consistently ranked among the best in the world. Built on former pine forest and dunes, Tara Iti’s minimalist design and firm, sandy playing conditions have drawn global acclaim.
Another three hours further north in the picturesque Bay of Islands is Kauri Cliffs The course offers breathtaking Pacific Ocean views on 15 holes, with six dramatically hugging cliff edges. The inland holes meander through marshlands, forests, and farmland, providing a diverse golfing experience.
Located on the Kāpiti Coast 40 minutes north of the nation's capital Wellington, Paraparaumu Beach is regarded as the country’s finest links course. Designed by Alex Russell in 1949, it has hosted numerous New Zealand Opens and is celebrated for its undulating fairways, natural dunes, and challenging coastal winds, offering a pure links experience reminiscent of Scotland and Ireland.
Royal Wellington, situated in Heretaunga near Wellington, is a beautifully manicured parkland course with a rich heritage dating back to 1895. Redesigned in recent years, it combines mature trees, strategic water hazards, and rolling terrain to create a refined and testing layout.
The South Island boasts equally impressive golf offerings. Millbrook Resort (36 holes) and The Hills, both near Queenstown, are set against the dramatic backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range. These resort courses offer not only outstanding golf but also a luxurious, immersive experience with access to world-class amenities. Jacks Point, just a short drive from Queenstown, is a stunning championship course carved along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, offering one of the most scenic rounds of golf anywhere in the world. Arrowtown Golf Club is a local golf course characterised by no bunkers and a layout set at the base of Coronet Peak. Rather than bunkers, exposed rock provides more of a challenge, with errant shots deviating more than normal.
What sets golf in New Zealand apart is the sense of space and tranquility. Many courses remain uncrowded, allowing golfers to enjoy rounds at a relaxed pace. The country's temperate climate means year-round golf is possible, especially in the North Island. Green fees, even at top-tier venues, are often more affordable than comparable international courses.
New Zealand also excels in blending golf with travel and lifestyle. Golfers can enjoy a morning round followed by vineyard lunches, hiking, fly fishing, or exploring Māori culture. The proximity of top courses to renowned tourist regions—like Queenstown, Rotorua, Taupō, and Hawke’s Bay—makes it easy to combine golf with a broader New Zealand adventure.
In short, golf in New Zealand is about more than just the game—it’s about the journey, the scenery, and the experience. Whether you’re chasing championship layouts or exploring hidden regional gems, New Zealand delivers unforgettable golf in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful settings.
