Grab your golf clubs and get ready to hit the greens. Here are the best, most spectacular golf courses in New Zealand.
1. Jacks Point, Queenstown
Relish in the stunning views of The Remarkables as you make your way around this 18-hole par 72 championship golf course. Only a 20-minute drive from town you’ll find the Jacks Point course at the edge of Lake Wakatipu. The course was carefully designed to complement Mother Nature’s landscape. Along with the panoramic views of the lake and 2,300 vertical metres of the mountains, the course will take you through stunning nature like tussock grasslands and native bush.
Worked up an appetite? Check out our list of the Best Queenstown Restaurants!
2. Kauri Cliffs Golf Course
Swing your club around this 18-hole par 72 championship course overlooking the remarkable Pacific Ocean, the Cavalli Islands and Cape Brett gracing the backdrop and the rugged cliff sides. Take the 4-hour scenic drive from Auckland to find this hidden gem. Having undergone a recent renovation and rated in the top 100 golf courses in the world you won’t want to miss this one.
3. Cape Kidnappers
Hold on to your hat at this par 71 course. Many golfers shy away from the cliff edge course that drops 140 metres to the Pacific Ocean below. Enjoy the 30-minute drive from Napier to this thrill of a golf course. Considered one of the greatest in modern golf courses, reap in the natural beauty of the ridged landscape and how legendary golf architect Tom Doak celebrates the beauty of this land.
4. The Hills, Queenstown
Owned by kiwi, Sir Michael Hill, is this par 72 championship private members golf club, nestled in the picturesque hills of Arrowtown. The exclusivity of The Hills is matched by its impressive service, exceptional elevation changes, glacial valley features and a collection of sculptures (the favourites of Michael Hill) that golfers can appreciate along the course. If you’re not a member, there are still a number of opportunities to experience this course set across the 500 acres of deer farm.
5. Chisholm Links, Dunedin
An 18-hole championship links course in the South Island coastal town of Tahuna, only a 5-minute drive from Dunedin. You’ll be treated to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean at Chisholm Links, as well as beach dunes and clifftop headlands with fair drops to the sea below.
Check out our Weekend of Dunedin Must-Do’s for more things to do in this fantastic city.
6. Tara Iti, Mangawhai
A spectacular 18-hole private golf course nestled amongst the sandy dunes of the surf beach with stunning mountain surroundings. Tara Iti is a relatively new course, opening in 2015. Developed by American Richard Kayne, this course is unique in being New Zealand’s first American-style private golf club. The reputation of this course is so great that keen golfers all across the globe make the long-haul trip just to play this course.
7. Paraparaumu Beach
Enjoy the 45-minute scenic drive north from Wellington and discover this course designed by American golf architect Alex Russell. Bask in the fresh ocean breeze along this par 71 18-hole course. Boasting many accolades, including hosting the NZ Open 12 times, and having Tiger Woods grace its course back in 2002, it’s no surprise that Paraparaumu Beach is considered one of the best courses in the Southern Hemisphere.
8. Arrowtown Golf Club
Rated one of the top 10 golf courses in New Zealand, why would you not want to tee up here? Arrowtown Golf Club is set 20 minutes from Queenstown in the picturesque hills with a breathtaking mountain backdrop. Get a touch of history along the course with the rustic ruins of a stone cottage and hole names inspired by the gold mining history of the area. Challenge yourself in this 18-hole, 5327m course, carefully crafted into the natural environment that is sure to make each swing special.
Cover Image Credit: Jacks Point.
