Golf in New Zealand

New Zealand is home to a stunning array of golf courses set in incredible locations.

With dramatic scenery, greenery, long stretches of coast and soaring mountains, New Zealand is a natural playground. Accessibility really sets New Zealand apart from other countries, with a new golf course to try around every corner. Travel from alpine areas to idyllic beachside locations within a few hours. It’s no wonder that golf is the sport with the highest participation from New Zealanders, for both men and women.

New Zealand has more than 400 golf courses. A selection of these have been hand-picked by industry experts and categorised into Marquee Courses and Experience Courses. Marquee golf courses are highly aspirational, with much international interest. Experience golf courses are clustered around the marquee courses and have a fantastic local vibe and charm.

A golf holiday in New Zealand is guaranteed to impress. Come for the golf and stay for a while to experience exquisite food and wine, adventure activities, quiet nature and seamless hospitality.

NEW ZEALAND’S EXPERIENCE GOLF COURSES
The Experience Golf Courses are not just about golf, they are more about the surrounding local culture, attractions and the country charm.

Located in clusters within easy reach of our world-class Marquee Golf Courses, Experience Golf Courses complete New Zealand’s diverse golfing landscape. Chosen by industry experts, these golf courses have varying quality of services, but what sets them apart is their strong connection with the surrounding community and country charm.

Combine the Experience Golf Courses with our Marquee Golf Courses to enjoy an unparalleled world-class golfing holiday.

NEW ZEALAND’S MARQUEE GOLF COURSES
Steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, New Zealand’s 14 world-class Marquee Courses are on every avid golfer’s bucket list.

Super stars of the New Zealand golfing landscape, Marquee Courses are designed by world-class architects such as Tom Doak, Dr Alister MacKenzie, Robert Trent Jones Jnr and Jack Nicklaus. Strategically located near snow-capped mountains or isolated coastal stretches (and in some cases both) these world-class courses provide a superb natural backdrop for a round of golf.

Marquee golf courses are selected based on their location, scenery, architectural merit and ability to meet the expectations of a travelling golfer. Some courses come complete with five-star accommodation and cuisine and are surrounded by a cluster of Experience Golf Courses that showcase the local culture and country charm of New Zealand.

NORTH ISLAND MARQUEE GOLF COURSES
The North Island boasts 10 out of New Zealand’s 14 Marquee Courses and is renowned for its sweeping coastlines, rolling hills and tranquil beaches.

Tee off on the world famous cliff-top courses of Kauri Cliffs in the Bay of Islands and Cape Kidnappers in the Hawke’s Bay, both ranked among the top 50 courses in the world according to Golf Digest. Linger for a while in the Hawke’s Bay to experience stunning vineyards, relaxing cycle tours and iconic art deco architecture. Visit Taupo in the centre of the North Island to play Wairakei surrounded by native greenery, or try the nearby Jack Nicklaus designed Kinloch Club in the lakeside settlement of Kinloch.

At the bottom of the North Island you’ll find Wellington – the “coolest little capital in the world”. The recently redesigned Royal Wellington Golf Club and the iconic links at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club will round out an incredible offering of North Island golf.

North Island golf courses are accessible, diverse and will test a wide variety of shots. Visit the North Island to play our best golf courses and while you’re here, sample exquisite food and wine, experience Māori culture, and stroll through some of our largest cities. The eight courses (below) were selected for their location, scenery, architectural merit and ability to meet the expectations of a travelling golfer.

SOUTH ISLAND MARQUEE GOLF COURSES
The South Island is a centre for soaring mountains, untouched nature, friendly locals and picture perfect vineyards. It’s also home to incredible golf courses.

Queenstown is quickly gaining a reputation both locally and abroad as a golf haven and it’s easy to see why. Surrounded by mountain ranges, it boasts a number of deftly designed courses including Millbrook, The Hills and Jack’s Point. The Queenstown region is a must-see.

If you fly into Christchurch, allow some time to play the Clearwater Golf Club. With an impressive history of hosting NZ PGA Championships and the training ground for famous golfers such as Lydia Ko, it’s well worth a visit.

Visit our line-up of best South Island golf courses. Stay for a while and travel to natural wonders like the West Coast glaciers and Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Sample delicious food and wine and enjoy friendly southern hospitality.

The four courses recommended below were selected for their location, scenery, architectural merit and ability to meet the expectations of a travelling golfer.