Best Golf Courses In New Zealand

New Zealand is undoubtedly a beautiful country to visit. If you’re thinking of taking a vacation there then you’ll want to know where best to spend your time and money. Here’s a roundup of all the best New Zealand golf courses in no particular order.

Tara Iti Golf Club

Tara Iti Golf Club is an exclusive golf club located in Auckland, New Zealand. The club offers a unique experience to its members by offering them the opportunity to play on one of the best and most picturesque golf courses in the world. The course has been designed by renowned golf architect Tom Doak, who has created a masterpiece that blends breathtaking views with challenging golf holes. It is situated on the North Island about a hundred kilometers north of Auckland.

Tara Iti has an interesting option for visitors. If you don’t know any members then you can ask to make a one-time-only visit! You might want to get fit to play 36 holes per day though! In addition to its championship-level golf, the club also offers other amenities like dining and a full-service clubhouse. With its unbeatable location and luxurious facilities, Tara Iti Golf Club provides an unforgettable experience for everyone who visits.

The video below is likely to make you jealous! I know I am!

Some of the top New Zealand courses

Jacks Point Golf Course

Jacks Point Golf Course is one of the top 50 places to play golf in New Zealand and is a must-play for any avid golfer. Designed by John Darby, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and rivers. With its wide fairways, elevated tees, and undulating greens, Jacks Point Golf Course provides a unique challenge that will test even the most experienced golfers.

The course also features various bunkers and water hazards, rocky outcrops, and drystone walls to challenge players of all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced golfer looking for a place to play golf in New Zealand, Jacks Point Golf Course is definitely worth considering.

Visitors can play the course with rates from $98 to $157 (155 to 250 New Zealand dollars). As the course is in the far south of New Zealand it closes for about nine weeks a year in the winter (June-August)

The Hills Golf Course

The Hills Golf Course is located in Millbrook Resort near Arrowtown and is one of the most prestigious golf courses in New Zealand, hosting the New Zealand Open on several occasions. This championship course was designed by John Darby and features rolling hills, stunning views, and challenging tees.

The Hills Golf Course offers a unique blend of strategy and beauty that provides players with an unforgettable experience. With its lush fairways and manicured greens, this golf course is perfect for all levels of golfers to enjoy. Whether you’re playing a leisurely round or competing at the highest level, The Hills Golf Course will provide you with a memorable experience. The mountain backdrop is awe-inspiring.

Limited visitor times are available by prior arrangement with the club.

Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club

The Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club is one of the few links courses outside the UK. Located 45 minutes from Wellington, it has been voted as one of the top 100 golf courses and has hosted 12 New Zealand Opens. It is also known for having a number of great championship golf holes.

As a result, it provides an excellent challenge for golfers of all levels. In addition to this, it offers picturesque views from every hole which makes it a great experience for any golfer looking to enjoy their round of golf. Designed by Alex Russell in 1949.

Visitors can take it up for around $120 (NZ$190) per round and membership is available for a very reasonable annual fee of just over $1000 (NZ$1625).

Titirangi Golf Club

Titirangi Golf Club is one of the most popular golf clubs in Auckland, New Zealand. The only course in New Zealand designed by Alistair Mackenzie, it was known as Maungakiekie when it was formed in 1909. Mackenzie was on vacation in New Zealand in 1927 and provided some drawings for a routing that is still in use today. It is known for its beautiful and well-designed golf course.

Titirangi has been voted as one of the best golf courses in the country multiple times over and is a 3-time host of the New Zealand Open. With its lush green fairways, challenging bunkers and intricate greens, it is no wonder why this club is so highly regarded by players all over the world. It is truly a great place for a round of golf and should definitely be on your list of must-play courses if you ever find yourself in New Zealand.

Visitors can play the course for a rate of $157 (NZ$250). NZ residents get a reduced rate of $95 (NZ$150).

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is one of the world’s greatest golf courses and is arguably one of the most photographed of recent times. Located in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, this spectacular course is perched on top of the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and offers some of the most incredible views imaginable. It has been rated as one of the top courses in the world by Golf Digest, and it features a challenging yet rewarding layout that will test even the most experienced golfers. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking for a unique golf experience, Cape Kidnappers will not disappoint.

It will hit you in the pocket though with a green fee of $502 (NZ$796). To be honest that’s a heck of a lot to pay for a round of golf!

Kauri Cliffs Golf Club

Kauri Cliffs Golf Club is a world-renowned golf club located in Matauri Bay, New Zealand. It is known for its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, and its exceptional golf course. The Kauri Cliffs Golf Course has been ranked in the top 100 courses around the globe and is one of the most sought-after destinations for golfers from all over the world. The club offers an array of services including a practice range, pro shop, restaurant and spa. Kauri Cliffs Golf Club is an amazing place to experience great golfing as well as breathtaking views. With only 30 rounds per day, this cliff top golf course should be in fine condition.

It is part of the same group that owns Cape kidnappers and the green fees are equally steep for non-New Zealand residents at $502 (NZ$796). New Zealand residents at least get some discount with the green free dropping to $240 (NZ$380)!

Royal Wellington Golf Club (Heretaunga Course)

The Royal Wellington Golf Club (Heretaunga Course) is a prestigious golf club located in the city of Wellington, New Zealand. Founded in 1895, this historic golf course has been home to many great golfers down the years. It has held the New Zealand Open on six occasions with Sir Bob Charles and Ronan Rafferty among those to collect the trophy.

The Heretaunga Course at Royal Wellington is a par 72, 6600-yard championship course that offers challenging holes, spectacular views, and lush fairways and greens. The course is known for its impeccable conditioning, especially on the back nine where golfers can enjoy some of the best putting surfaces in the region. With its lush surroundings and challenging layout, Royal Wellington Golf Club is a must-play for any serious golfer visiting New Zealand.

Recently revamped by Greg Turner and Scott MacPherson design. Turner of course is a multiple European Tour winner.

Compared with some courses it is relatively cheap at $158 (NZ$250) up per round.

Arikikapakapa Golf Club

Arikikapakapa Golf Club was established in 1906. It has since become one of the most prominent golf clubs in the country. The course is renowned for its scenic beauty and challenging layout and unique geothermal features. The clubhouse offers a range of amenities including a pro shop, driving range and practice area.

With stunning views over Lake Rotorua, Arikikapakapa Golf Club is an essential destination for any golf enthusiast visiting NZ.

It’s among the cheaper options with a round costing $60 (NZ$95).

Kinloch Golf Club

The only Jack Nicklaus signature course in New Zealand. Kinloch Golf Club is designed as a homage to the great links of the British Isles. Ironically it is about as far from the coast as you can get! Built on former farmland overlooking Lake Taupo the features are almost entirely man-made. The course stretches to over 7300 yards from the very back tees and as yet no one apparently has managed to break 70!

Another very expensive course with green fees of $237 (NZ$375) in winter rising to $316 (NZ$500) in summer. But you do get a handcart (known locally as a trundler) for free!

As with most courses in New Zealand the green fees are significantly cheaper if you are a resident of the country. Slightly odd I find, surely a visitor is a visitor irrespective of their residence. The only place I can remember where this is the case in the UK is St. Andrews. Residents of the town get greatly reduced rates.