Our Favourite Courses, Country and Coastal Gems

For a country of such modest size New Zealand boasts an enviable number of golf courses that would hold their own – and more – anywhere on the globe. The country’s much admired landscapes offers a magnificent array of backdrops.
From the coastal splendour of  Waipu In the North, stunning fruit bowl of the Matakana, and sea views of  North Harbour.
The volcanic plateau home to Wairakei, to the golden sands of Nelson, and  stunning Southern Alps of the Canterbury region. And in between these splendid layouts are any number of golfing venues to challenge, inspire and woo the most discerning of players.


NORTH ISLAND

NORTHLAND
Waipu Golf Club

Set on the water’s edge of Bream Bay with spectacular ocean views, links style Waipu Golf Course is conveniently situated on State Highway 1 half way between the Auckland Airport and Kauri Cliffs making it the perfect stopover for traveller’s heading North or South.
The recent removal of many old pines from the course has opened up the view to full panorama of the stunning coastline.
The course is naturally sand based hence it is generally unaffected by wet weather but presents the golfer with some great challenges and outstanding panoramas from tees and greens.
www.waipugolfclub.org.nz

NORTH HARBOUR
Wainui

The 18-hole championship course is set in an iconic New Zealand rural back drop.
The course is cut through rolling hills, natural water ways and is framed by 80-year-old statement pines and precise bunkering.
This Puddicombe designed course appeals to golfers of all levels by offering five varied tee deck options.  Whether a single digit or higher handicap player the year round pristine golf surfaces provide multiple strategies and shot options all on sand capped fairways.
Wainui is a world class facility a world away and only 20 minutes from downtown Auckland. Phone 09 444 3437 to arrange a tee time.
wainui.online

AUCKLAND
Akarana

Akarana has two distinct nines. The shorter inner loop with a par of 34 has one of the great holes in Auckland golf, the par three 8th which measures 176 metres from the blue tee to a narrow green with bunkers on the left and water on the right.
The longer outer nine, which has out of bounds on the left of six holes, has the two longer par fives, two demanding par fours in the 13th and 15th, the testing par three 16th and an exciting short par 4 to finish which produces many birdies.
The full layout measures around 5800 metres from the back tees but the course rating is over par at 70.6 and the slope is 124. Golf Bookings golf@akaranagolf.co.nz
www.akaranagolf.co.nz

Pukekohe Golf Club

The course is a championship quality 18 hole parklands style golf course with tree lined fairways, lakes and a river as part of the challenges you face when you take part in the Pukekohe golf experience.
There is on-line tee booking from the website www.pukekohegolf.co.nz and follow the instructions or phone. The course is easy to find being only 5 minutes from the southern motorway exit 461 and follow the signs towards Pukekohe or place the address in your GPS location finder and it will lead you straight here.
Once here, the PGA qualified professional will assist you with all of your needs including clubs and other playing gear.
A cold drink and food available on most days from the cafe awaits you when you have finished your round.
www.pukekohegolf.co.nz

Ohope International Golf Club

Greg Turner in 2012 commented on Ohope International Golf Club
“The seaside terrain is as dramatic as anything in the British Isles and the views are exceptional.  This is links golf to match the very best anywhere!”
Play links golf at the best Links course in the Bay of Plenty  From the clubhouse and on the course, the superb views of both the Harbour and the Pacific ocean, and seeing New Zealand’s active volcanic Island White Island smoking away all day, this club is a  must to play whilst on holidays or travelling by. Ohope International Golf Club caters for individual, groups and charity golfing as well as weddings and formal functions. Ohope voted best Beach in New Zealand 2013, together with the most sunniest days in New Zealand in 2013 only adds to the delights of playing golf at Ohope International Golf Course.
www.ohopegolf.co.nz/

Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary

Long regarded as one of our premier venues, Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary near Taupo is everything it is built up to be.
Established in 1970 as a green fee facility rather than a club facility, the course is open to all who are passing through.
Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary is firmly established on both the domestic and international golf radar, having been rated by the prestigious US Golf Digest magazine to be in the top 100 courses in the world outside of the United States.
A par-72 it plays to 6444m off the blues tees in an amphitheatre setting surrounded by thick forest. A magnificently memorable layout with numerous dog legs, elevation changes and scenery to die for. It is part of a 180ha wildlife sanctuary, native birds abound while 200 mixed colour pheasant and a small herd of fallow deer are being reared on site, within a deer-fenced area.
www.wairakeigolfcourse.co.nz/

BAY OF PLENTY
Fairview Golf CLUB

Fairview Golf Course is a 5820metre, par 72, 18 hole, course set over 60 hectares with three sets of tees to challenge all skill levels.
Located on Sharp Road, off State Highway 2, in Katikati, Fairview Golf Course is just a short drive south by car from the centre of Katikati, 25 minutes south from Waihi and just 30 minutes north west of Tauranga. It is also only 2 hours from Auckland and 1 hour 40 minutes from Hamilton.
Established in 1998 and designed to a championship standard and redesigned in 2017. Set amongst lush pastures and surrounded by the breathtaking Kaimai Ranges, Fairview offers some of the best golfing facilities in the area including putting green, golf shop and changing facilities
www.fairviewestate.co.nz

Hawkes Bay
Maraenui Golf Club

One of Hawke’s Bay’s finest Golf Courses set in lovely tree lined surrounds just off Marine Parade in Napier. With the gentle sea breeze slipping through the summer sun, you will enjoy your round on this 6,125 metre 18 hole picturesque golf course. Although flat and easy to walk, the course offers tightly sculptured tree lined fairways with creative greens complexes and bunkering for all levels to enjoy.
www.maraenuigolf.co.nz


SOUTH ISLAND

Tasman
Nelson GOLF CLUB

Situated on the beautiful shores of Tasman Bay and only minutes from the town centre, Nelson Golf Club has recently realised an ambitious five year plan to recreate a true links experience.
Hundreds of trees have been removed, exposing the undulating terrain and sweeping views.  
The natural humps and hollows of the fairways and riveted bunkers create a seaside links that draws on the origins of the game. The greens on this championship course are arguably the finest in the country.
Nelson enjoys one of the most favourable climates in New Zealand, making it a desirable golfing and holiday destination.
The course offers excellent value and provides a fine challenge to anyone looking to play traditional seaside golf in stunning surroundings.
www.nelsongolf.co.nz

Canterbury
Pegasus Golf & Sports Club

Renowned for one of the best courses in New Zealand, the Pegasus Golf & Sports Club is set within a diverse yet tranquil landscape of water features and natural wetlands, framed by the majestic mountains at the foot of the Southern Alps and only 25km north of Christchurch.
The club has been designed to create a fantastic experience for every level of golfer, and for non-golfers too.
As well as a magnificent 18 hole championship course it features a range of excellent facilities including a driving range, practice greens, pro shop, tennis courts, and a well-equipped gymnasium.
You’ll also find good food and a warm welcome at The Bunker Café & Bar.
www.pegasus-golfclub.co.nz/

Terrace Downs

Very handy to Christchurch, arguably this country’s capital when it comes to the number and variety of quality golf courses of offer, Terrace Downs won the 2010 World Travel Awards as New Zealand’s leading golf resort. Perched on the edge of the spectacular Rakaia River, the resort boasts stunning high country views up to Mt Hutt and is within close proximity to various ski fields.
The par-72 6440m championship course includes 11 lakes and 70 bunkers with something to test even the most experienced golfer. Players will remember every hole, use every club in their bag and eagerly anticipate the next day’s play. Possibly the most exhilarating hole is the diminutive par-three 16th which plays to just 130m from the back tees. It’s not the length of this hole that stops you in your tracks, it’s the scenery. The tee box hangs on the edge of the gorge and towers about 200m above the Rakaia River that tumbles along below.
www.terracedowns.co.nz/golf/

Millbrook

Set in a natural alpine amphitheatre against the backdrop of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this 27 hole golf course exploits the dramatic terrain fully, delivering world-class golf. Millbrook is simply an unforgettable Queenstown golfing experience.
This award winning golf course was also voted recently been voted Best Golf Hotel at the 2017 and 2016 World Golf Awards and named Oceania’s Best Golf Hotel in New Zealand at the World Golf Awards 2014 and 2016.
Designed by renowned professional and master golfer Sir Bob Charles, and renovated by Greg Turner in October 2010 with the addition of the Coronet Nine. Surely one of the most magical golfing venues in the world, Millbrook offers a 27-hole course brilliantly conceived and shaped from the rugged mountain landscape.
A breath taking environment to tee off at and with extraordinary photo opportunities at every turn, our championship course offers three fabulous nine hole courses, each named after local prominent Queenstown landmarks - The Remarkables, The Arrow and The Coronet Nine.
Call or email us to book your tee time:  +64 3 441 7010 or golf.shop@millbrook.co.nz
www.millbrook.co.nz/golf