On a par with the best – Golfing in New Zealand

Well, it’s that time of year again – put the hoodies and trackies in the bottom drawer and pull out the shorts and jandals. It’s also time you thought about dusting off the golf clubs and getting into the swing of it.

Golf was once thought of as a sport only for the silver-tops or the rich but these days it’s anyone’s game. Although most golf clubs still expect a reasonably high standard of dress and certain etiquette, a lot of the old school snobbery has gone. 

Make this summer a year to improve your handicap and see some of New Zealand’s most amazing scenery while you’re at it. With over 400 public and private courses across the country, (the highest amount per capita in the OECD) it’s the perfect excuse for a weekend away.

Green fees are fairly reasonable by international standards, but they can differ dramatically from course to course. At public courses you can expect to pay $20-30, private courses are around $40-80 and you’re staring in the face of $100 or more at championship courses and exclusive resorts.

Where to go

There are courses all over our fair isles, so it’s best to do some investigating before you plan a trip. Some of the regions where golf is well established and becoming even more popular include the Hawkes Bay, Rotorua and Otago.

The Hawkes Bay is well known for its golf courses, with the award winning Cape Kidnappers among its finest.  Set 140 metres above the sea, with spectacular views across the cliffs, this rolling coastal terrain is incredibly unique.

Some other courses well worth a look but not so well known are Bridge Pa in Hastings and the Napier Golf Club.  There is plenty of choice in the way of accommodation in the region, with one place - Greenhill Estate - offering its guests complimentary green fees at Bridge Pa Golf Course.  Don’t leave the Hawkes Bay region without taking advantage of the local wineries. 
 
The Otago region is becoming better recognised as a golf destination, with more than 40 courses. Chisholm Park Golf Club, which is a links style course, has spectacular views out to sea.  The course is only 8 minutes from the city so finding accommodation to suit your taste and budget is easy.
 
For a one of a kind golfing experience, try Arikikapakapa Golf Course, found next to the thermal area of Whakarewarewa in Rotorua.  Meaning "bubbling waters", the course is situated within an active thermal area, offering a variety of hazards you just can’t find on other courses. Bubbling mud pools, steam vents and a thermal crater are just some of the challenges you’ll face here.  Being close to the city allows you plenty of accommodation options in and around the Rotorua region.