The Best 10 Golf Courses In New Zealand

Golf is a popular sport in New Zealand, with a vibrant golf ecosystem. The country has over 390 golf courses, many of which are located in picturesque locations with stunning views. Golf in New Zealand is organized and regulated by Golf New Zealand, which oversees the sport at both the national and regional levels.

The golf season in New Zealand typically runs from October to April, with most courses open year-round. Golf tourism is also a significant part of the ecosystem, with many international golfers visiting New Zealand to play on its world-class courses.

New Zealand has produced several top-class golfers, including Michael Campbell and Lydia Ko. Golf courses in the country have hosted several international tournaments, such as the New Zealand Open.

The golf ecosystem in New Zealand is well-established and continues to grow, with a strong community of players, organizations, and facilities supporting the sport's development and success.

Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club - Paraparaumu, New Zealand

Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club is a historic golf course located on the Kapiti Coast of New Zealand's North Island, about an hour's drive north of Wellington. Designed by Australian professional golfer Alex Russell, the course opened in 1949 and has since hosted numerous national and international events.

The course features 18 holes and is known for its links-style layout, with natural sand dunes, undulating fairways, and challenging greens. Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club has a reputation for being one of the best examples of a traditional links course in the southern hemisphere, and has been ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the world by Golf Digest.

The club has a rich history, with past winners of the New Zealand Open including legends such as Sir Bob Charles and Greg Norman. The course has also hosted other major events, including the New Zealand PGA Championship and the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.

Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club is a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts and travelers looking for a challenging and historic golfing experience in New Zealand.

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course - Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is a world-renowned golf resort located in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Designed by legendary golf course architect Tom Doak, the course is known for its stunning coastal scenery and challenging terrain.

Located on a 6,000-acre sheep and cattle farm, the course is perched on a series of dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The course features 18 holes, each with its unique character and challenges, including steep drops, gullies, and deep ravines. The course is known for its impeccable conditioning, with meticulously maintained fairways and greens.

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course has received many accolades and awards, including being named the best golf course in New Zealand by Golf Digest and being ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the world by Golf Magazine.

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is committed to sustainability and has implemented various eco-friendly measures, such as using renewable energy sources and promoting conservation and biodiversity on the course. The resort is a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts and travelers looking for an unforgettable New Zealand experience.

Kauri Cliffs Golf Course - Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Kauri Cliffs Golf Course is a world-renowned golf resort located in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Designed by legendary golf course architect David Harman, the course is known for its breathtaking scenery and challenging layout.

The course overlooks the Pacific Ocean, featuring panoramic views of the Bay of Islands and the surrounding countryside. The course features 18 holes, six of which are played alongside cliffs which plunge to the sea. The course is renowned for its impeccable conditioning, with perfectly manicured fairways and greens.

Kauri Cliffs Golf Course has received numerous accolades and awards, including being named the best golf course in New Zealand by Golf Digest and being ranked among the top 50 golf courses in the world by Golf Magazine.

The resort has also been recognized for its exceptional service and amenities, including luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and a range of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, and spa treatments.

Tara Iti Golf Club - Mangawhai, New Zealand

Tara Iti Golf Club is a highly regarded golf course located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. Designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Doak, the course is set amongst a pristine coastal landscape of sand dunes, wetlands, and native vegetation.

The course features 18 holes and has been praised for its challenging but fair design, with each hole presenting unique strategic options and requiring precision shot-making. Tara Iti has quickly gained recognition as one of the best golf courses in the world, being ranked among the top 20 golf courses globally by Golf Digest.

The club is committed to environmental sustainability and has implemented measures to protect the surrounding natural habitat and minimize its carbon footprint.

Jack's Point Golf Course - Queenstown, New Zealand

Jack's Point Golf Course is a scenic golf course located in Queenstown, New Zealand, on the South Island. Designed by John Darby in consultation with professional golfer Sir Bob Charles, the course opened in 2008 and has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most spectacular courses in the world.

The course features 18 holes and is set amongst the dramatic alpine landscape of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. Jack's Point is known for its challenging but fair design, with narrow fairways, rugged bunkers, and fast greens that require precision shot-making. The course has been ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the world by Golf Digest.

Jack's Point Golf Course offers a truly unique golfing experience, combining breathtaking scenery with a challenging and enjoyable course.

Millbrook Resort Golf Course - Queenstown, New Zealand

Millbrook Resort Golf Course is a world-class golf destination located in Queenstown, New Zealand, on the South Island. Designed by Sir Bob Charles and renovated by Greg Turner, the course features 36 holes set against the stunning backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Hayes.

The course is known for its challenging design, with strategic bunkering, water hazards, and undulating greens that require accuracy and skill. Millbrook has hosted numerous national and international events, including the New Zealand Open, and has been ranked among the top golf courses in the world by Golf Digest.

In addition to its championship golf course, Millbrook Resort offers a range of facilities and services, including a luxurious clubhouse, pro shop, and spa.

Millbrook Resort is committed to sustainability and has implemented measures to reduce its environmental impact, such as using renewable energy sources and promoting water conservation.

Millbrook Resort Golf Course is a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts and travelers looking to experience the beauty and excitement of New Zealand's South Island.

Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary - Taupo, New Zealand

Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary is a unique golf course located in Taupo, New Zealand, on the North Island. Designed by Commander John Harris in 1970, the course is set within a 550-acre wildlife sanctuary that is home to numerous native New Zealand bird species.

The course features 18 holes and is known for its natural beauty and challenging design, with tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and fast greens. Wairakei has hosted numerous national and international events and has been ranked among the top golf courses in New Zealand.

In addition to its championship golf course, Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary offers a range of facilities and services, including a clubhouse, pro shop, and practice facilities. The sanctuary also offers guided tours and educational programs that highlight the importance of conservation and sustainability.

Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary offers a unique and unforgettable golfing experience that combines stunning natural scenery with a commitment to conservation and sustainability. The course is a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The Hills Golf Course - Arrowtown, New Zealand

The Hills Golf Course is a championship golf course located in Arrowtown, New Zealand, on the South Island. Designed by Darby Partners, the course is known for its stunning scenery and challenging layout.

The course features 18 holes and has hosted numerous national and international events, including the New Zealand Open. It has been recognized as one of the top golf courses in New Zealand and has received several awards, including the title of New Zealand's Best Golf Course at the 2018 World Golf Awards.

In addition to its championship golf course, The Hills offers a range of facilities and services, including a clubhouse, pro shop, and practice facilities. The course is also home to a collection of sculptures and art installations that enhance the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The Hills Golf Course offers a world-class golfing experience that combines stunning natural scenery, challenging gameplay, and a commitment to art and culture.

Gulf Harbour Country Club - Gulf Harbour, New Zealand

Gulf Harbour Country Club is a premier golf course located in Gulf Harbour, New Zealand, on the North Island. The course was designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. and features 18 holes of championship golf.

The course is known for its stunning coastal views and challenging layout, and has hosted numerous national and international events, including the New Zealand Open. Gulf Harbour Country Club has been recognized as one of the top golf courses in New Zealand, and has received several awards, including the title of New Zealand's Best Golf Resort at the 2016 World Golf Awards.

Gulf Harbour Country Club offers a world-class golfing experience that combines stunning natural scenery, challenging gameplay, and luxurious amenities. It is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts and travelers seeking a high-end golfing getaway.

Clearwater Golf Club - Christchurch, New Zealand

Clearwater Golf Club is a prestigious golf course located in Christchurch, New Zealand, on the South Island. Collaboratively designed by John Darby and Bob Charles, the course offers 18 holes of championship-level golf.

The course is known for its stunning natural surroundings, with water hazards, sand dunes, and native flora creating a challenging and scenic golfing experience. Clearwater Golf Club has hosted numerous national and international events, including the New Zealand Open and the Women's New Zealand Open.

Clearwater Golf Club has been recognized as one of the top golf courses in New Zealand, and has received several awards, including the title of Oceania's Best Golf Course at the 2019 World Golf Awards.