A climate that’s conducive to outdoor activity all year round makes golf extremely popular in this part of the world. As a result, at last count there were more than 400 courses – that’s more golf courses per capita than any other country! Even better, New Zealand has some of the world’s least expensive golfing and visitors are always warmly welcomed. Larger courses have golf carts and clubs for hire.

Remarkable international courses like Kauri Cliffs in Northland, Gulf Harbour Country Club north of Auckland, Peppers Clearwater Resort in Christchurch and Millbrook Resort in Queenstown are not cheap, but playing them is guaranteed to be unforgettable. Hewn out of the landscape or perched on dramatic cliffs, they present both a challenge and an unforgettable experience to novices and experts alike. Encourage your clients to stay for a few days and really indulge their passion for the game (even non-golfing members of the party will enjoy the experience as they explore beautiful scenery, dine on exquisite cuisine, and perhaps indulge in a beauty treatment or two).

On the other hand, there’s also an excellent selection of inexpensive golf courses scattered the length of the country, even in the smallest rural village. They may not have the most luxurious of facilities, but the scenery is likely to be superb all the same – and the game challenging. What’s more, these courses are great value for beginners and experienced golfers alike, with green fees starting from just NZ$10 in some places. To find out more about golfing in New Zealand, visit www.newzealand.com/ie/golf.

Cape Kidnappers

The golf course at Cape Kidnappers, home of the 36-hole Kiwi Challenge, was rated the world’s best course in 2008 by England’s Daily Telegraph newspaper, and in 2009 it was listed fourth in the world by Golf Magazine. It’s hard to disagree with their selection. Set on a cliff-top, the course is not only amazingly scenic, but also challenging, with severe bunkers and complex greens. www.capekidnappers.com

Top Golf Courses

New Zealand is home to some of the very best golf courses in the world. Incredible scenery and a temperate climate ensures the best conditions for top golfing!

Amongst the world’s top golf courses are Kauri Cliffs, Northland, and Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, Hawke’s Bay. New Zealand offers an excellent choice of golf courses for all golf players. These include:

  • Carrington Resort (Northland)
  • Kauri Cliffs (Northland)
  • Formosa Golf Resort (Auckland)
  • Lakes Resort Golf & Country Club (Pauanui)
  • Rotorua Golf Club (Rotorua)
  • Wairakei International Golf Course (Taupo)
  • Cape Kidnappers Lodge & Golf Course (Hawke’s Bay)
  • Peppers Clearwater Resort (Christchurch)
  • Terrace Downs (Canterbury)
  • Arrowtown Golf Club (Arrowtown)
  • Jacks Point (Queenstown)
  • Millbrook Resort (Queenstown)