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Best Golf Courses in New Zealand

Best Golf Courses in New Zealand

Looking to play the best golf courses in New Zealand? GolfReviewsGuide.com picks out the top courses to play in New Zealand.

The South Pacific island nation of New Zealand has an endless golf season, running year-round from January 1st to December 31st. There is a lengthy busy season, one that starts as early as September and continues all the way until May.

The small country has a temperate climate with subtropical weather during the summer months. Furthermore, you are never too far from the coast in New Zealand, which helps to keep temperatures mild making both the north and south islands ideal for golf.

In our list, a budget-friendly 9-hole course is joined by some stand out golf courses in the list of the best golf courses in New Zealand.

RELATED: Top Golf Courses in Australia

1. Cape Kidnappers Golf Course

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course

The Cape Kidnappers golf course in Clifton, Hawke’s Bay, is a public and resort course that Tom Doak designed in 2004

The American architect is well known for his body of work as a golf-course architect and Cape Kidnappers is among his best.

The name of the course is a little odd but it is derived from a nearby headland. Cape Kidnappers offers amazing ocean views from the heights of mesmerizing cliffs that are 140 meters above sea level.

Today, the course plays as a par-71 at a length of 7,147 yards with firm and fast surfaces that have made a strong impression on course patrons.

Back in 2007, Golf Digest ranked this course as No. 10 in the world in a list of venues outside the United States.

2. Kauri Cliffs Golf Club

Kauri Cliffs Golf Club

Located at Matauri Bay, the golf course at the Kauri Cliffs Golf Club opened in 2000. Today, it is a par-72 venue with a total yardage of 7,139 yards.

David Harman of Golf Course Consultants was the designer and Ree Jones performed a recent update.

No less than 15 holes at this course offer ocean views, many of them enjoyable from the elevated cliffs.

With a top-notch practice range, practice greens, and premium facilities, this course has impressed many, earning a place in the top 100 courses worldwide lists.

3. Royal Wellington Golf Club (Heretaunga Course)

Royal Wellington Golf Club

The Heretaunga golf course at the Royal Wellington Golf Club was founded in 1895. It is world class, however, it is a private course and that will put it off-limits to some golfers on vacation.

For those that are able to play here, the course is a par-72 at 7,219 yards in total length. It is located in Heretaunga in Upper Hutt, New Zealand.

Architects that have worked on the course over the years are plenty and they include both Sir Bob Charles and John Darby in 1992. Furthermore, Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson performed a redesign in 2013.

The course, which is located near a stream, is of the parkland-style with mature trees. A complete venue, there is a nine-hole course in addition to the championship course here.

Heretaunga has played host to several New Zealand Opens but not since 1995.

4. The Hills Golf Club

The Hills Golf Club

The championship-level golf course at The Hills Golf Club is s private members course located just to the north of Queenstown.

The course is a fairly modern one, having opened in 2007. It plays as a par-72 contest at a distance of 7,255 yards with mountain views to be enjoyed while playing.

The John Darby designed course has hosted the New Zealand Open on more than one occasion.

Water scenery and water hazards play a major role in the course’s natural beauty with lakes, waterways, and wetland areas with birdlife.

5. Mahia Golf Club

Mahia Golf Club

Located in Mahia, the Mahia Golf Club course is a budget-friendly nine-hole venue of the parkland style.

It opened in 1974, and is incredibly moderately priced to play. It should not be missed for those looking to get quality value at a well-liked golfing venue.

It plays as a par-36 at total yardage of just 3,173 yards, which is short in distance even for a nine-hole venue.

The course is located on the north island, in between the cities of Gisborne and Napier, and this seaside track is a public one and it is a great choice for a golfer looking for a half-day on the fairways without breaking the budget.