Here’s our list of the top 10 courses in New Zealand
1. TARA ITI, Mangawhai
As linksy a layout as you’ll find in the Southern Hemisphere, this Tom Doak design stretches along an idyllic beach 90 minutes northeast of Auckland. Originally a pine plantation, the site was cleared and the fairways and greens planted with fescue, leaving spectacular sea views and fast-running conditions.
2. TE ARAI (SOUTH), Tomarata
Coore & Crenshaw displayed the full measure of their talent on this dramatic piece of land, with the closing stretch of each nine beside the Pacific, making this among the handful of the world’s most beautiful courses.
3. TE ARAI (NORTH), Tomarata
Barely a year old, the North already stands side by side with its sister. There is no shortage of excitement in this Doak design, particularly on the slick, rollercoaster greens. The two Te Arai courses, along with Tara Iti, have quickly transformed the North Island into golf’s latest must-play destination.
4. CAPE KIDNAPPERS, Hawke’s Bay
Few courses are set more spectacularly than this Doak design, wedged between a remote sheep station and the edge of a cliff—its fingers of fairway separated by caverns that drop 100 feet to the sea.
5. PARAPARAUMU BEACH, Paraparaumu Beach
Near Wellington is the nation’s oldest course (1929), set in a seaside fishing village. It began as a 9-holer, and it was Australian Alex Russell in 1949 who instilled its enduring character, modeling several holes after the best links of the British Isles.
6. KINLOCH CLUB, Kinloch
New Zealand’s only Jack Nicklaus course rambles through undulating fairways and fast putting surfaces, all with stunning views of Lake Taupo. In keeping with Nicklaus’s reputation, the greens are tightly guarded and the back-tee yardage is a brawny 7,363, making this the nation’s hardest course.
7. KAURI CLIFFS, Matauri Bay
David Harman got a major opportunity to design this course, and he took full advantage of the jaw-dropping 6,000-acre site, with 15 holes offering views of the Pacific and six that play along cliffs that plunge to the sea.
8. JACK’S POINT, Wakatipu
Nestled between the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu, this is dramatic New Zealand golf at its ruggedly beautiful best. The scenic journey moves from wetlands to rocky hillsides, lakeshore to native bush all just 20 minutes from Queensland.
9. WAIRAKEI, Taupo
Steam spouts are among the hazards of this 450 acres of bubbling geothermal terrain, the longtime golf centerpiece of the Taupo/Rotorua tourist mecca.
10. THE HILLS, Arrowtown
Located on the South Island in a former gold-mining town, this is one of the nation’s most private courses. A mill stream winds through the property, feeding 10 lakes and various ponds and waterways, while sheer rock faces, steep elevation changes, and deep canyons—plus towering modern sculpture—add to both the beauty and challenge.
Jack’s Point is near Queenstown, not Queensland
I played Cape Kidnappers and was disappointed. This was rated at 20 in the rest of the world. we were staying there no matter what and Everything else was fabulous…. except the golf. Yes, the view of the ocean, the cliffs, etc. But the course lacked anything special. I see it here as your #4 in New Zealand, having not played the others I can’t say if that is right.
But when looking at the rest of the world, it’s not #20. Old Head in Ireland is a better golf course. I think it is rated highly because the raters are wined and dined and stay in fabulous accommodations and writing less than stellar reviews doesn’t get them invited back.