Golf and Lakefront Luxury in Christchurch: Peppers Clearwater Resort

Just seven minutes from Christchurch Airport, Peppers Clearwater Resort is a stunning lakefront escape where championship golf, luxury suites, and the tranquillity of the Canterbury Plains come together. Set across 465 acres bordered by shimmering spring-fed lakes and framed by the Southern Alps, it’s one of the standout luxury accommodation options in New Zealand’s South Island — perfect whether you’re here to play a round, unwind, or explore everything Christchurch and Canterbury has to offer.

Accommodation Options at Clearwater

Clearwater offers a range of suites and villas to suit couples, families, and groups:

• Lakeview Suite — A large separate living area with balcony or courtyard views, full kitchen and laundry facilities, plus a carport. Sleeps up to 2 (one king or two singles).

• Lakefront Suite — Spread over two levels with a spacious lounge, kitchenette, shared laundry, garage, and an outdoor deck overlooking the lake and golf course.

• Quay Suite — A stylish one-bedroom suite with soaker shower, full kitchen and laundry facilities.

• Lakeside Villa — An interconnecting Lakefront Suite and Lakeside Room with kitchenette, laundry, garage, and lake-view deck and balcony. Sleeps up to 6.

• Terrace Apartment — Two bedrooms with stunning indoor/outdoor entertaining areas, catering for up to 4 guests.

• Quay Villa — Three interconnecting rooms (one Quay Suite, two Quay Rooms) with full kitchen, laundry, private jetty, and balcony views. Sleeps up to 6.

World-Class Golf at Clearwater

The Clearwater golf course was designed by John Darby in consultation with New Zealand golfing legend Sir Bob Charles. Inspired by the great Scottish and Florida-style courses, it meanders around spring-fed lakes and trout-filled streams, with uninterrupted views of the Southern Alps — playable year-round from six tee choices to suit every skill level.

Clearwater has established itself as a proven venue for international professional golf, having hosted tournaments including the NZ PGA Championship, the BMW New Zealand Open, and the ISPS Handa NZ Women’s Open — where World No.1 Kiwi star Lydia Ko claimed victory.

For visitors wanting to improve their game, Clearwater Golf Club offers individual or group coaching, including on-course playing lessons covering technique, course management, and etiquette. A fully stocked golf shop provides club hire and electric carts, so you don’t need to travel with your own gear.

Explore more of New Zealand’s best courses on our Golf Destinations page, or read about Queenstown Golf Club and Ryan Fox putting NZ golf on the world stage.

Ready to plan your golfing escape to Christchurch? Talk to our travel specialists →

Beyond Golf: Fly Fishing, Wellness & Weddings

Clearwater’s lakes and streams are home to an abundance of brown and rainbow trout, with local guides offering lessons, equipment, licenses, and off-site fly fishing expeditions for those chasing more adventure.

The resort also features nine kilometres of walking and cycling trails through its rural grounds, along with tennis and leisurely lake-side strolls — all with the Southern Alps as a backdrop.

Overlooking Kaikainui Lake and the 18th green, The Lakes Restaurant serves modern New Zealand cuisine with a focus on Canterbury’s seasonal, local produce in a relaxed, casual setting.

Planning a destination wedding? Clearwater’s specialist wedding coordinator can arrange everything from an intimate ceremony to a lavish celebration for up to 144 guests.

What to Do Near Clearwater

With three days in the Christchurch area, we recommend:

• See the city — Take a guided coach tour through Christchurch’s parks, gardens, and seaside suburbs, including the tram, gondola, and punting on the Avon.

• Experience Māori culture — Visit Ko Tane at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for a traditional powhiri, cultural performance, and a Taste of New Zealand dinner.

• Relax at Hanmer Springs — Just 90 minutes from Christchurch, soak in nine open-air thermal pools, three sulphur pools, and four private thermal pools surrounded by forest and mountains.

Further afield, explore whitewater rafting and jet boating on Canterbury’s rivers, browse the boutiques of Cashel Mall, sample Canterbury wineries, wander the French-settler village of Akaroa, or head to Mount Hutt southwest of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Peppers Clearwater Resort from Christchurch Airport?
Just seven minutes’ drive, making it one of the most convenient luxury stays for travellers flying in or out of Christchurch.

Can I rent golf clubs and equipment at Clearwater?
Yes — the resort has a fully stocked golf shop offering club hire and electric cart rental, so you don’t need to bring your own equipment.

What championships has the Clearwater golf course hosted?
Clearwater has hosted the NZ PGA Championship, the BMW New Zealand Open, and the ISPS Handa NZ Women’s Open, where Lydia Ko took the title.

Does Peppers Clearwater Resort host weddings?
Yes, a dedicated wedding coordinator can arrange everything from intimate ceremonies to celebrations for up to 144 guests.

Is fly fishing available on-site?
Yes — Clearwater’s lakes and streams are stocked with brown and rainbow trout, with local guides offering lessons and equipment hire.

Is Clearwater suitable for non-golfers?
Absolutely. With walking and cycling trails, fly fishing, tennis, an on-site restaurant, and easy access to Christchurch and Hanmer Springs, there’s plenty to enjoy beyond the fairway.

Ready to experience golf and lakefront luxury in Christchurch? Contact our New Zealand travel specialists to start planning your stay at Peppers Clearwater Resort.