Travel: NZ's best golf courses
Relevant offers
Entertainment
MOST AUTHENTIC FAR NORTH EXPERIENCE: Carrington Resort, Northland
Where else can you find a working Black Angus beef stud farm, vineyard, white sand beach and golf course all in one? This hilly parklands-style course on the tip of the Karikari Peninsula is also surrounded by Maori totems (pou) carved by Hector Busby. From $595 for a golfing getaway package including accommodation, golf cart, breakfast and lunch.
www.heritagehotels.co.nz/carrington-resort/
MOST BIRD-FRIENDLY COURSE: Onewhero Golf Club, Pukekawa
Set on volcanic, free-draining soil, the course is rarely closed. The backdrop of native bush means that wood pigeons can often be one of the hazards. The tree-lined fairways give way to challenging greens and there's a two-storey clubhouse with a pro shop, catered restaurant and bar. $35 non-affiliated, $30 affiliated.
HOTTEST GOLF COURSE: Rotorua Golf Club, Rotorua
Hear the gentle plopping of mud and smell the sulphur rising from the "thermal course" next door. The Arikikapakapa course, as it's better known, is an 18-hole all-weather links-style course with all amenities. The fairways are rarely flat because of Rotorua's unique geographical features. A monster thermal crater is to the left of the 14th hole. $25 for Rotorua residents, $60 non-members.
SPOOKIEST COURSE: Napier Golf Club, Napier
There's nowhere else in New Zealand where you are in danger of stepping on two unmarked graves after completing the 13th hole. It's one of the oldest golf clubs in New Zealand, having celebrated its centenary in 1996. The graves are thought to be the 120-year-old final resting places of two children of the former occupants, the Tareha family. $65 for 18 holes for non-members.
SOUTHERNMOST (AND SMALLEST) COURSE: Ringaringa Heights Golf Course, Stewart Island
This tiny six-hole course with sweeping views over Ringaringa Bay and Paterson Inlet is also the southernmost and smallest course in New Zealand. It has a small but keen membership base and is good for all levels. The course itself is a little hidden about a 25-minute walk by road or bush track to the main entrance. It's the second southernmost golf course in the world, the first being Ushuaia Golf Course in Argentina. Nine and 18 holes for $5, full membership $100.
Phone (03) 219-1327 or email ringaringa@paradise.net.nz
MOST ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY COURSE: Kaitoke Beach Links, Great Barrier Island
If you love mother earth, then this organic, natural and green-friendly nine-hole golf course is for you. The course itself was built by nature the wind, sea and weather elements. A good course for families to play while also absorbing the sights and smells of nature. $25 green fees.
www.thebarrier.co.nz/holeinone
GREAT RURAL GOLF EXPERIENCE, number 1: Tarras Golf Club, Central Otago
An honesty box system to put your $10 green fees in to sets this small, nine-hole rural golf course apart from others of its ilk. That, and the fact that its "greenkeepers" are our woolly four-legged friends (sheep). There's a balance of flat and undulating fairways, with a fair bit of sheep dung there to remind you of where you are. The courses are fenced to keep the sheep away, but if you hit a fence, you get to replay the shot.
Phone (03) 445-2020 or email info@lindisriver.co.nz
GREAT RURAL GOLF EXPERIENCE, number 2: Tahunga Golf Course, East Cape
Inland from Gisborne by 50km on Pehiri Rd lies this links-type nine-hole farmers' course, where the only thing keeping the sheep and cattle away are wire netting. It's open only at certain times of the year and is famous for its par three "river hole". Leishman recommends it as the best farm golfing experience in the country. $2 per game with guide.
Phone Anne Gemmell on (06) 867-0849
OLDEST GOLF CLUB: Otago Golf Club (Balmacewen), Dunedin
The oldest golf club in New Zealand and the southern hemisphere. It was founded in 1871 and the championship course, Balmacewen, has hosted several New Zealand Open championships and national tournaments. The course is challenging and considered a test of prowess. Guest of members $30, member $45.
Phone (03) 467-2096 or www.otagogolfclub.co.nz
MOST ACCLAIMED COURSE: Cape Kidnappers, Hawke's Bay
Named No 1 in the world by Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper, this spectacularly expensive and exclusive course is still one of the most picturesque and well-designed in the country. The course, which is linked to a luxury lodge, tips towards the sea on the high cliffs yet the surface remains smooth and firm. Stay and play from $880 per person in a hilltop suite.
MOST SCENIC COURSE: Kelvin Heights Golf Course, Queenstown
It's situated on the Queenstown peninsula, surrounded by the rugged Remarkables and on the shore of the beautiful Lake Wakatipu. This 18-hole course will give you reason to pause and drink in the scenery. You have the lake on three sides and the craggy Remarkables on the other, with Coronet Peak and the town behind you. The course is not long, but fairly tight and challenging. Guests $70, members $40, guest of members $20.
WINDIEST GOLF COURSE: Miramar Links Golf Club, Wellington
"I probably won't be invited back for saying this," says Leishman, "but Miramar is an exposed golf course that's hard to beat during a good southerly." The 18-hole course is set on the doorstep of Wellington International Airport's runway, close enough that you can feel a breeze when planes take-off and land. And Wellington isn't called the "windy city" for nothing. Affiliated $50, non-affiliated $65.
MOST REMOTE COURSE: Houhora Golf Club, Houhora
About five hours from Auckland on the way to Cape Reinga and one of the last stops that you will find is Houhora. It's the northern-most course in New Zealand. The course is a par-72 with all facilities including club and cart hire and a full bar. $20 for 18 holes; $15 for 9.
Phone (09) 409-8266 or email houhoragolfclub@paradise.net.nz
MOST UNDERRATED COURSE: Kinloch Golf Club, Taupo
Leishman calls this Jack Nicklaus-designed course brilliant and says "a lot of people don't appreciate it because it's been struggling financially to survive". Nicklaus is a living international golf legend and his company has designed more than 322 courses all over the world. Says Leishman: "Those who play at Kinloch are either totally intimidated by its challenge or love it." The fees are $160 per person for 18 holes.
- © Fairfax NZ News
Sponsored links
Australian criminals sneaking into NZ
Police training freeze puts recruits on hold
DOC staff get death threats over GPS use
Kiwi puts pressure on euro tourists
Knife jobs on rise to help boost careers
Labour Dept says staff not in gun
What are you drinking? Chateaux cordial
Who is really buying New Zealand?
Minimum wage rises - by 50 cents
Wife murderer freed after 20 years
Peters demands apology over Whanau Ora row
Kiwi billionaire takes stake in Aussie timber firm
Another shot fired in milk price battle
Floods rage through NSW, Queensland
Stolen python gets its own back on thief
Indonesia tweeters fly in the face of censorship
Student loan bill 'a disaster'
Louisa Hill wins Olympic dressage selection
After 50 years Cubans can now buy new cars
Search for events in your area
Our listings are updated every day - and there's something for everyone
