Aerial golf course on cliff by ocean at sunset with green fairways and sand bunkers.

Golf

Play world-class golf courses across New Zealand, from coastal links like Te Arai to clifftop layouts at Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs.

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Man swinging golf club on a green course with mountains and water in the background under clear sky.

Play the courses worth travelling for

Golf in New Zealand is defined by where you play. Courses are set along coastlines, across high country stations, and through landscapes that feel untouched. The design works with the land, not against it, creating rounds that feel as much about the setting as the game itself.

Some days are about playing iconic courses like Kauri Cliffs or Cape Kidnappers. Others take you further, combining private access, helicopter transfers, and time to enjoy each course properly. You might start the day on a clifftop fairway, finish with a long lunch overlooking the ocean, or play a round where the only sounds are wind and open space. This is golf played at a different pace, shaped around how you like to play and where you want to be.

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Where to play

Aerial view of Rosewood Kauri Cliffs golf course overlooking the ocean in Northland, New Zealand.

Rosewood Kauri Cliffs

A world-class coastal golf course featuring bright green undulating fairways and a red flag, nestled among sandy dunes overlooking the blue Pacific Ocean under a soft sky.

Te Arai Links

Sunrise over a green golf course with hills and mountains in the background.

Millbrook Golf Course

Aerial view of a luxury timber lodge at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers

Two Carts on Kinloch Golf Course.

Kinloch

Golf green with flagstick near a lake, mountains in the background, and sunlight streaming through trees.

Jack's Point

Plan your golf trip with locals who know the courses

A golf trip here isn’t just about booking tee times, it’s about how the courses fit together. We’ve played these courses ourselves and know how they feel on the ground, how they play in different conditions, and how to sequence them in a way that works. Some courses are best paired together, others need space between them.

We also understand the details that make a difference, timing your rounds, avoiding busy periods, and building in the right balance between play and downtime. That means your trip flows properly, with each round feeling considered, not rushed.

Colorful hot air balloon flying over a golf course with mountains and houses in the distance.
Aerial view of coastal golf course with green fairways and cliffs by the ocean at sunset.

Want a once-in-a-lifetime golf itinerary?

Tell us which courses you want to play, and we’ll build an itinerary that brings them together in the right way.

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Popular Golf Courses in New Zealand

Aerial view of Rosewood Kauri Cliffs golf course overlooking the ocean in Northland, New Zealand.
Exterior of a lodge with white columns, steps, and greenery in sunlight.
Junior suite bedroom with large bed, armchair, desk, and open balcony doors showing ocean view.

Kauri Cliffs

Kauri Cliffs is one of New Zealand’s most recognised courses, combining inland holes with a series of dramatic oceanfront fairways set high above the Pacific.

Several holes run directly along the clifftop, with wide views that stay with you long after the round. The layout balances challenge with playability, making it as enjoyable as it is memorable.

Staying on site adds another layer, with the lodge offering a seamless stay-and-play experience, where everything is taken care of from the moment you arrive.

Cape Kidnappers

Cape Kidnappers is one of the most distinctive courses in the country, set high above the ocean with holes that follow dramatic ridgelines and cliffs.

The scale is what stands out. Fairways stretch out over open land, while elevated tees and greens create a sense of exposure that makes every shot feel considered.

It’s a course that is as visually striking as it is rewarding to play.

Aerial view of Cape Kidnappers Golf Course on cliffs above the ocean with green fairways and rolling hills.
Aerial view of a luxury timber lodge at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand.
Outdoor seating with beige sofa and chair on stone patio beside building under a partly cloudy sky.
Modern lodge on a grassy hill beside a golf course with mountain views at sunset.
Golf on Kinloch Golf course.
Modern bedroom suite with blue bedding and river view through glass doors

Kinloch

Kinloch offers a more traditional championship layout, designed by Jack Nicklaus and set above Lake Taupō.

The course rewards precision and course management, with strategic bunkering and a layout that challenges decision-making throughout the round.

It’s a strong contrast to the coastal courses, offering a more structured and technical playing experience.

Queenstown & heli golf

Queenstown brings together several high-quality courses within a compact area. Jacks Point sits beneath the Remarkables, offering a course shaped by natural terrain and wide alpine views. Millbrook provides a more refined setting, with multiple courses and a landscaped valley environment. The Hills offers a private, more exclusive experience, combining course design with sculpture and curated surroundings.

For something different, heli golf with operators like Over The Top takes you beyond traditional courses, combining scenic flights with remote landings and tailored experiences. This is where variety and setting come together, giving you multiple ways to experience the game.

Man golfing on a green next to a helicopter with mountains and a lake behind him.
Golf green with flagstick near a lake, mountains in the background, and sunlight streaming through trees.
Colorful hot air balloon flying over a golf course with mountains and houses in the distance.
Aerial view of a golf course along a sandy beach coastline with ocean waves and forested hills in the background at sunset.
Bedroom with open sliding door showing balcony chairs and ocean with pine trees in the background.
Modern wooden villa with glass doors overlooking beach, outdoor seating and sand dunes in front.

Te Arai Links

Te Arai Links offers a true links-style experience, with courses shaped by natural dunes and set directly along the ocean

Wide fairways, firm conditions, and shifting coastal winds define the round, rewarding strategy and shot-making rather than power alone.

It’s a course that feels grounded in tradition, but with a modern edge, where the landscape drives every decision.

Popular Golf Tours

Golfer swinging club on elevated platform with mountains and lake in the background.

Golf in New Zealand FAQs

Spring through autumn offers the most consistent conditions, though many courses are playable year-round.

Yes, especially for courses like Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers, and Te Arai Links.

Yes. Many itineraries are designed around regional clusters like Northland, Hawke’s Bay, Taupō, and Queenstown.

Most courses offer multiple tee options, though some layouts can be challenging depending on conditions.

It can be arranged as part of a tailored itinerary, including private transfers or domestic flights.

Expert travel consultants

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Planning New Zealand but not sure where to start?

Download our New Zealand travel guide for practical advice on where to go, how long to spend, and how to plan a trip that feels well paced from the start.

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