For some, golf is a passion and the ultimate in relaxation.
Others sometimes believe that they called the game 'golf' because all the other four-letter words were taken.
But hackers and heroes alike look for three things in golf courses and New Zealand has them all - accessibility, climate and price. Throw in beautifully maintained greens and fairways and spectacular natural scenery and you have golfer's paradise.

NZ has more courses per capita than any country in the world - over 400 of them - and only 2 of those fall into the 'invitation only' category. Another great thing about having a round or two is the 'apres-golf' - friendly locals with whom you already have something in common will make you welcome at the bar. And, if you want to watch a great golf tournament, the NZ Open is held in December, alternating between Wellington and Auckland.

You may opt for a complete golfing holiday (which Travel Online can arrange for you) or simply have the occasional whack as you travel around the country. Either way you won't have to drive a fair way to drive a fairway. But enough bad puns for now, let's tee off…

Climate & Cost

New Zealand's temperate climate means you can play golf all year round in all parts of the country and the cost has to be the cheapest in the world, even before you take the exchange rate into consideration. Although a few resorts have premium weekend rates as high as $NZ100 per round (including cart), the average fees are NZ$20 - 30 with cart extra. Some country courses charge as little as NZ$10. Allow NZ$15 to 30 for cart hire.
In the following sample of clubs and courses around the country there is a price guide of 'low' (under NZ$25), 'medium' (NZ$26 - 45) and 'high' (over NZ$45).

Gear Hire

It's safe to assume that the larger towns and cities will have a resident professional as well as hiring of clubs, shoes, pull-carts or golf cars. Of course you may like to bring your own gear, or maybe buy it when you arrive. There are many on-course and off course sports shops that, because of the exchange rate, could provide some real bargains.

Resort Golf

NZ has several luxury golf resorts, all set in wonderful surroundings.
The Formosa Auckland Country Club has the longest (over 6000m) and most challenging PGA-rated course. Also in Auckland is the Gulf Harbour Country Club which hosted the 1988 World Cup.
Stunning Millbrook Resort is in charming Arrowtown in the South Island. Both these courses were designed by one of NZ's best golfers, Bob Charles.
Terrace Downs, in Methven near Christchurch, is nearly complete and the famous Wairakei International Course in Taupo is adding luxury hotel accommodation.

Sample Courses

We've chosen around 40 of the 400 courses on offer and all are 18 hole courses. Distances are from the championship tees and are in metres.

Remuera Golf Club

Auckland's most central course, this is a well-maintained course that is still maturing (two lakes are recent additions). It hosted the 1994 NZ Open at short notice and drew praise from players and officials. Bookings essential.

Green fees: High.

Length: Men 6128m Par 72; Women 5239m Par 73

 

Chamberlain Park Municipal Course

The country's oldest public course providing an interesting test of golf. No pre-bookings.

Green fees: Medium.

Length: Men 5678m Par 69; Women 5040m Par 70

 

For accommodation in Auckland, click here.

Tauranga Golf Club

Located beside the Tauranga racecourse means an interesting game on race days. It's an easy walk, which can produce a good score. Was regularly the site for the New Zealand PGA Championships. Bookings recommended.

Green fees: Medium.

Length: Men 5590m Par 71; Women 5154m Par 72

 

Rotorua Golf Club (Arikikapakapa)

Sitting beside the renowned Whakarewarewa thermal wonderland this course features many native and exotic trees. It's a fun course with many traps for the unwary including mud pools. Bookings recommended (it's a busy tourist town).

Green fees: Medium.

Length: Men 5433m Par 69; Women 5011m Par 70

 

Wairakei International Golf Course

Just north of Taupo this course was once one of the country's top courses. It's been recently restored to its former glory and is a must for any golfer visiting the area. The championship and standard tees make it interesting for all levels of player. Bookings essential.

Green fees: High.

Length: Men 6414m Par 72; Women 4748m Par 72

 

For accommodation in the area, click here.

For accommodation in the area, click here.

Taumarunui Golf Club

Only basic facilities but a challenging course set in a beautiful, deep valley. No pro shop or rental facilities.

Green fees: Low.

Length: Men 5648m Par 71; Women 5085m Par 73

 

New Plymouth Golf Club/Ngamotu Links

Under the shadow of Mount Taranaki this is one of the best and most popular courses in the country. No weak holes and many superb ones on a course that has hosted every major NZ event. Bookings recommended.

Green fees: Low (great value!)

Length: Men 6082m Par 72; Women 5306m Par 72

 

Wanganui Golf Club - Belmont

A very old, mature course that rates highly among experienced golfers. Bookings recommended.

Green fees: Medium.

Length: Men 5939m Par 70; Women 5136m Par 74

 

For accommodation in the area, click here.

Miramar Golf Club

Wellington's only inner city club (runs beside the airport). It's a mixture of flat land and dunes and wind is pretty sure to come into play. There is also a floodlit evening driving range. Bookings essential.

Green fees: High on weekends, reduced mid-week.

Length: Men 5635m Par 70; Women 5078m Par 70

 

For accommodation in the area, click here.

Nelson Golf Club

With magnificent views of the sea and surrounding mountains, the course features fairly narrow undulating fairways and fast greens. Bookings recommended.

Green fees: Low.

Length: Men 6323m Par 72; Women 5474m Par 72

 

Westport Golf Club

The nearby headland to this coastal course is called Cape Foulwind and the breeze can indeed present an interesting and enjoyable challenge. Bookings recommended.

Green fees: Low.

Length: Men 5617m Par 72; Women 5047m Par 72

 

For accommodation in the area, click here.

Timaru Golf Club/The Levels

The best course in the South Canterbury region with undulating, well-bunkered, tree-lined fairways. Bookings recommended.

Green fees: Low.

Length: Men 6031m Par 72; Women 5321m Par 73

 

For accommodation in the area, click here.

For accommodation in the area, click here.

Finally, although non-golfers would have probably tuned out by now, if you believe a game of golf is a good walk ruined, check out our NZ Walks section for some great, un-ruined walks.