My Top Ten Golf Courses in New Zealand
As a passionate golfer and traveller, I can tell you without hesitation New Zealand should be on everyone’s bucket list for a golfing get away. The country’s dramatic landscapes, friendly locals, and world-class golf courses make it a dream destination for anyone who loves the game. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to play a lot of the courses in New Zealand, exploring not just the fairways and greens, but also the regions, accommodation, and restaurants that make each stop unique. Here’s my personal journey through Aotearoa’s golfing gems as we countdown to the number spot!
10. Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary (Taupō, Central North Island)
Coming in 10th spot, near Lake Taupō, is Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary, which offers a different kind of experience. The course is set within a wildlife sanctuary, and when you play, you can spot native birds and even a few deer.
The facilities are excellent. The range has you hitting up a long hill which was interesting, with many Deer happy to sit or walk across the range with balls whizzing straight past them. The course plays long, and the layout is a lush, parkland-style, with mature trees and bubbling streams. The course has some twists and turns, water carries, as well as some elevated tee boxes. There are ascents at different times but it is generally flat. The greens are all pretty big and they were certainly fast but without huge breaks. There are many bunkers surrounding the greens and littered amongst the fairways that seem to be perfectly placed (in the most annoying way). A great course with good variety and it is quite unique with the sanctuary sharing the land.
While Wairakei doesn’t have a lodge on site, its does have a great restaurant and Pro-shop. Taupō is just a short drive away, offering a range of accommodation from boutique hotels to luxury accommodation like Huka Lodge.
9. Clearwater Golf Club (Christchurch, Canterbury)
Clearwater Golf Club, in Christchurch is always a great round of golf. The course is set around a series of lakes and streams, with a layout that can be forgiving, provided you can hit straight majority of the time. Clearwater has hosted the New Zealand Open and is beautifully maintained. The water hazards and man made lakes are a feature and they definitely keep you on your toes. It can play quite long on some holes and the greens are big and fast with sloping breaks. It’s a reasonably flat track, with the front nine a lot more open then the back. This is one of my favourite courses and one I’ve played quite a bit being a local myself for many years. With the opening of the state of the art Sir Bob Charles Driving Range just 30 seconds away on the same property, this is why Clearwater gets the nod over the Christchurch Golf Club and Pegasus which are also great courses in Christchurch.
Otahuna Lodge in Christchurch offers beautiful luxury accommodation or The Peppers Clearwater Resort has lakeside accommodation right on the course. The Lakes Restaurant serves up local produce, all with views over the water and is also great for coffee before the round or a bowl fries upon finishing.
8. Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club (Kapiti Coast, Wellington region)
Paraparaumu Beach is a classic links course in the outer suburbs of Wellington which has hosted the New Zealand Open on many occasions. This course is one of the best, a real golf purists dream. Tiger Woods played it in 2002 and made comment of his enjoyment and how well it has been constructed. It has fast-running links fairways and challenging greens, particularly on the Par 3’s. Generally speaking, the layout is pretty challenging but not impossible. Be prepared to lose balls in the thick stuff but you’ll be rewarded for making good strategic shots. The bunkers are all deep and will take some negotiation to find the elevation needed to exit and not drop shots. The lightning fast greens are possibly the best I’ve seen and although they don’t have some of the buckle the other links courses have, they are certainly at a super high quality.
There’s no accommodation on site, but Wharekauhau Estate is only a short helicopter flight away and is one of the most prestigious lodges in New Zealand.
7. Jack’s Point (Queenstown, Otago)
Jack’s Point is a Queenstown gem. This course is set against the Remarkables mountain range, with Lake Wakatipu glimmering below. Every hole offers a postcard view, with all the natural contours of the land being used brilliantly, and don’t be surprised by its notorious difficulty. The course plays up down and around, with shot selection and wind adjustment an important factor. A beautiful course and a must play for any keen golfers looking for resort style golf in Queenstown.
Jack’s Point Clubhouse is a destination in itself, with a restaurant serving local lamb, venison, and Central Otago wines. Queenstown has a wide range of accommodation, from luxury lodges to boutique hotels. Right in the middle of town is Eichardt’s Private Hotel, one of the best in the country.
6. Millbrook Resort (Arrowtown, Queenstown Lakes District)
Located in the Arrowtown area near Queenstown, Millbrook Resort is a golfer’s paradise. Home of the New Zealand Open, It has two championship courses that wind through rolling hills, streams, and historic buildings, with the mountains as a constant backdrop. You’ve got the Coronet and Remarkables courses which are the complete package as far as standard. Plenty of hole variety and big greens. When we played, it was a composite 18 holes made up of some of the holes from either course. The resort itself is five-star, with a range of villas and suites, a world-class spa, and several excellent restaurants.
I spent a few days here, enjoying not just the golf but also the resort’s Japanese and European dining options. The breakfast buffet was a highlight, with fresh pastries, local honey, and made-to-order omelettes. Millbrook offers a complete luxury golf and leisure experience.
5. The Hills (Arrowtown, Queenstown Lakes District)
Alrighty, onto the top five… The Hills golf course is another in the Arrowtown area of the stunning Queenstown Lakes District. This private course, owned by the late Sir Michael Hill, is an artistic marvel. Sculptures are integrated throughout the course, making many holes, a unique visual experience that you will unlikely to see elsewhere. The layout is outstanding and at a truly high level across the board. Set amidst a dramatic backdrop of alpine mountains and natural wetlands, this course is a hidden treasure. The fairways were beautiful and the greens were big in size with plenty of undulation. Some of the bunkers were as big as they were wide and add to the challenge. There are a few elevation changes with one hole in particular that plays from 100metre high tee box. This is a super duper course and extremely exclusive. As of mid 2025 the course is under going refurbishment and moving forward will no longer be available, unless playing with a member or a guest at the lodge.
The clubhouse and service is exceptional and there is also The Hills Lodge available for exclusive use accommodation, full of beautiful art in a breathtaking setting. Alternative accommodation options at the same standard would be the Blanket Bay Lodge in Glenorchy.
4.The Kinloch Club (Taupō, Central North Island)
The Kinloch Club in Taupo, is the only Jack Nicklaus Signature course in New Zealand. The design is challenging, with deep bunkers and undulating fairways, and the setting is rolling hills and views of Lake Taupō. The course is hard but fair and is an ode to traditional links golf you would find in Scotland. Shot shaping and course management are keys to playing well. There’s so much variety, you could play each hole hundreds of different ways and not get bored.
The Kinloch Manor & Villas is a modern, luxurious retreat right next to the course. Enjoy a gourmet dinner in the lodge’s restaurant, where the menu features local game, fresh fish, and produce from the region, all paired with excellent New Zealand wines and premium beers.
3. Cape Kidnappers (Hawke’s Bay)
Cape Kidnappers, on the east coast of the North Island, is another must-play. The course sits atop dramatic cliffs that drop straight into the Pacific, and the fairways seem to float above the ocean. The “Pirate’s Plank” 15th hole is both thrilling and terrifying, with a narrow green perched on a finger of land. The Tom Doak designed course starts inland before making its way to the ‘Edge of the earth’. The fairways are a beautiful fluorescent green right throughout the course and are in immaculate condition. The course plays long with elevation changes and twists and turns along the way. The cliff drops are stunningly scary! Easily one of the most captivating courses you will play, full stop.
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is a luxury lodge that rivals any in the world. My suite had panoramic views of the bay, and the restaurant served up Hawke’s Bay’s finest produce. The region is famous for its vineyards, so we made sure to sample a few local drops with dinner. The meals here are exquisite.
2. Te Arai Links – North Course (Mangawhai/Auckland)
Te Arai Links is a modern golfing marvel. Its just over an hour North of Auckland and I can tell you everything about the place is world-class. This destination boasts two incredible links courses, the North and the South, both designed to maximize the natural coastal dunes and ocean views. We played the Tom Doak designed North Course, where you start along the coast line then wind your way through an other worldly stretch of holes set amongst huge pines where it feels so calm & quiet you can almost hear a pin drop. You are then back out amongst New Zealand’s unique coastal beauty, trying to concentrate on the ball not the beauty of the surroundings. It’s hard to see the difference between the fairways and the greens the quality is that good, but it’s the playability and the grandness of its surroundings that gives Te Arai Links its undeniable majestic feel. Suits all players and is a must play.
Te Arai Links offers luxurious on-site accommodation, from stylish suites to private villas, all designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The dining options are equally impressive, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Alternatively you could check out Te Arai Lodge.
1. Kauri Cliffs (Northland)
After much personal debate there could only be one number one in my eyes! There’s something about Kauri Cliffs that really captured the essence of what makes golf its most enjoyable for me. The course itself is a masterpiece, with 15 holes offering ocean views and several playing right along the cliffs. The course has a number of elevated tee boxes, some playing up, some playing down and some across big gorges. The fairways are generous in length and are immaculately presented. The greens are massive and have that beautiful fluro green colour that seems synonymous with the Rosewood courses. It’s definitely not a two putt guarantee on these puppies, so best not get complacent!
The Kauri Cliffs luxury lodge on site is hospitality of the highest level. You can relax in your suite overlooking the ocean, then dine on fresh local seafood or New Zealand lamb in the elegant restaurant. The service was impeccable, and the wine list showcased the best of Northland and beyond. If you want to combine golf with five-star pampering, this is the place.
Top 10 golf courses in New Zealand listed:
Honourable mentions:
Of all the courses throughout New Zealand its hard to fit them all into a Top 10. The most noteworthy of these would be Queenstown Golf Club and Arrowtown Golf Course which are both are excellent courses. There’s also a couple of notable courses I haven’t played, so they haven’t been considered. Example: Tara iti, & Te Arai Links South Course.
Final Thoughts
Who doesn’t like to a Top 10 list? Especially one that’s based on playing at the best golf courses in New Zealand! One of New Zealand’s greatest assets is how much each location across the country can offer something so different. So many options delivering such high calibre experiences. Ask me anything about golf in New Zealand, I love it!
Written by Steve McKean, Co-Owner of Luxury Adventures
Luxury Adventures has over 2 decades of crafting bespoke luxury travel experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Steve is passionate about showcasing the region’s most unforgettable places, from hidden alpine retreats, sunny paradises to world-class golf courses.
A keen golfer and travel lover, he blends insider knowledge with a deep respect for local culture and sustainability. When not curating extraordinary journeys, you’ll find him exploring off-the-beaten-path lodges or teeing off at sunrise.
For more information email us: info@luxuryadventures.co.nz or follow our adventures on Instagram here
Linkedin: Connect with Luxury Adventures Directors Steve McKean & Dee McKean
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