Take your pick of ocean or lake views, native bush filled with birdsong or rolling green hills and buckets of sunshine, and enjoy a round on some of Aotearoa’s top-rated courses. This lush green land is perfect for golf, and these world-class, world-famous courses designed by legendary architects show off the best it has to offer.

Cape Kidnappers

Set on a clifftop and boasting staggering views in all directions, this Hawke’s Bay course is considered to be one of golf’s great modern marvels and will challenge players of all levels. The legendary and award-winning course was designed by renowned golf architect Tom Doak and regularly makes it onto lists of the world’s best golf courses.

Kauri Cliffs

Nestled into the hillside in the beautiful Bay of Islands, Kauri Cliffs’ 18 holes take players through marsh, forest, farmland, alongside cliffs and overlooking ocean. The course is ranked in the top 100 in the world, and the resort also offers luxury accommodation, private beaches and a day spa.

Carrington Golf Course

Carrington Estate’s course in Northland is a championship-standard 18-hole course with a variety of terrain designed to accommodate golfers of all abilities. Enjoy the unique vistas of wetlands, beach and ocean while navigating the waters and rolling vales of the course.

Kinloch Golf Club

A visual feast from beginning to end, this Taupō course designed by Jack Nicklaus enjoys stunning lake views and challenging strategic play. Kinloch Club plays homage to the great links of the British Isles and is one of New Zealand’s most respected and stimulating golf experiences.

Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary

This unique course doubles as a predator-free wildlife sanctuary, home to native birds such as kiwi and takahē as well as deer, pheasants and guinea fowl. Designed to take advantage of the natural landscape, the Wairakei Golf is truly world-class.

Ohope Beach Golf Links

A hidden gem on a narrow finger of land between the Pacific Ocean and Ohiwa Harbour, this beautiful seaside links course is rustic and natural, with undulating terrain and challenging fairways that have attracted golfers from all around the world.

Tara Iti

Another absolute beauty designed by Tom Doak, Tara Iti is an exclusive club just outside of Mangawhai, opened in 2015 and ranking at number six on Golf Digest’s list of the World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses, the highest-ever debut on any of Golf Digest’s rankings. The course sits on the edge of Te Arai Beach and every hole offers gorgeous ocean views, and although membership is invite-only, it’s possible to play a round at Tara Iti as a non-member if you’re vouched for and stay on site overnight.

Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club

Commonly regarded as one of the greatest links courses in the Southern Hemisphere, this world-renowned course has hosted the New Zealand Open 12 times, more than any other course. With messy dunes and bumpy fairways, this course will challenge all elements of a golfer’s skill.