New Zealand has become a sought-after destination for golfers looking to combine exceptional courses with breathtaking natural scenery. From dramatic coastal layouts to mountain-backed fairways, the country offers a diverse range of golf experiences across the North and South Islands.
Whether you are planning your next international golf holiday or searching for the courses worth adding to your 2027 itinerary, this guide explores the top golf courses in New Zealand that should not be missed.
1. Te Arai Links (South & North Courses)
- Location: 11 Te Ara Whenua Miharo Kotiti, Tomarata 0975, New Zealand
- Course Designers: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (North Course), Tom Doak & Angela Moser (South Course)
Located along the pristine coastline of Northland, Te Arai Links offers two distinct golf experiences shaped by natural dunes, native landscapes and sweeping ocean views. The North Course reflects the minimalist design philosophy of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, while the South Course delivers a traditional links-style challenge created by Tom Doak. With its untouched coastal setting, luxury accommodation and connection to New Zealand’s natural environment, Te Arai Links has quickly become one of the country’s most anticipated golf destinations for international golfers.
2. Cape Kidnappers Golf Course
- Location: 446 Clifton Road, Te Awanga 4180, New Zealand
- Course Designer: Tom Doak
Perched high above the Pacific Ocean on dramatic coastal cliffs, Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is one of New Zealand’s most recognisable golf experiences. Designed by Tom Doak, the course is famous for its cliff-edge fairways, natural ridgelines and spectacular views from almost every hole. Beyond its scenery, Cape Kidnappers challenges golfers with strategic layouts that require careful shot placement across undulating terrain. Combined with Hawke’s Bay’s renowned wineries, food culture and luxury accommodation options, it offers a complete golf travel experience rather than simply a round of golf.
3. Tara Iti Golf Club
- Location: Mangawhai 0975, New Zealand
- Course Designer: Tom Doak
Tara Iti Golf Club is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most exclusive golf experiences, offering a pure links-style course built among coastal sand dunes overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Tom Doak, the course embraces the natural landscape with minimal earth movement, creating a layout that feels seamlessly connected to its surroundings. While access is limited due to its private membership model, its reputation for exceptional design, peaceful setting and attention to detail makes Tara Iti a highly sought-after destination for experienced golfers seeking a unique New Zealand golf journey.
4. Jack’s Point Golf Course
- Location: Jack’s Point Golf Course & Restaurant 94 McAdam Drive Jack’s Point, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand
- Course Designer: John Darby and Bob Charles
Set between the Remarkables mountain range and the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Jack’s Point Golf Course showcases one of the most dramatic landscapes in New Zealand golf. Designed to work with the natural contours of the land, the course features rugged mountain backdrops, native tussock landscapes and panoramic alpine views throughout the round. Beyond the golf course, Queenstown provides an ideal destination pairing with adventure activities, fine dining and scenic experiences, making Jack’s Point a standout choice for golfers looking to combine championship golf with South Island exploration.
5. The Kinloch Club
- Location: 261 Kinloch Road, Kinloch 3377, New Zealand
- Course Designer: Jack Nicklaus
Designed by legendary golfer and course designer Jack Nicklaus, The Kinloch Club offers a unique links-inspired golf experience overlooking the volcanic landscape of Lake Taupō. The course is known for its strategic design, challenging bunkering and natural terrain that rewards thoughtful course management. Unlike many coastal golf courses in New Zealand, Kinloch provides a different perspective with dramatic inland scenery, rolling fairways and a peaceful countryside atmosphere. Its combination of world-class design and geothermal surroundings makes it a valuable addition to a North Island golf itinerary.
6. Windross Farm Golf Course
- Location: 237 Alfriston-Ardmore Road, Ardmore 2582, New Zealand
- Course Designer: Brett Thomson
Located just outside Auckland, Windross Farm Golf Course provides a modern championship golf experience within a peaceful rural setting. Designed by Brett Thomson, the course blends wide fairways, natural wetlands and carefully shaped holes to create a strategic challenge suitable for experienced golfers. Its convenient location makes it an excellent option for international travellers beginning or ending their New Zealand golf journey through Auckland. With high-quality facilities and a balance between accessibility and challenge, Windross Farm adds variety to a New Zealand golf itinerary beyond the country’s famous coastal courses.
7. Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary
- Location: 527 Wairakei Drive, Thermal Explorer Highway, 3377, New Zealand
- Course Designer: Peter Thomson & Mike Wolveridge
Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary combines championship golf with one of New Zealand’s most unique conservation experiences. Designed by five-time Open Champion Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge, the course is set within a protected wildlife sanctuary surrounded by native forest, volcanic landscapes and abundant birdlife. Golfers can experience a traditional parkland layout while enjoying encounters with New Zealand’s natural environment, including protected native species. Its combination of golf, conservation and geothermal surroundings makes Wairakei a distinctive destination for travellers seeking more than a conventional golf round.
8. The Hills Golf Club
- Location: Rapid 164 McDonnell Road, Arrowtown 9351, New Zealand
- Course Designer: Darby Partners
Located near Queenstown’s famous alpine scenery, The Hills Golf Club offers a premium golf experience surrounded by mountains, lakes and historic Central Otago landscapes. Originally developed as a private course, it is known for its dramatic design, large-scale landscapes and integration of art throughout the property. The course combines strategic golf challenges with unique visual elements, including sculptures positioned across the fairways. For golfers visiting Queenstown, The Hills provides a different experience from Jack’s Point, blending championship golf with culture, design and the region’s distinctive character.
9. Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
- Location: 376 Kapiti Road, Paraparaumu Beach 5252, New Zealand
- Course Designer: Alex Russell
Established in 1949, Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club is one of New Zealand’s most respected traditional links courses, offering golfers an authentic seaside experience shaped by natural dunes, coastal winds and strategic shot-making challenges. Designed by Australian architect Alex Russell, the course reflects the classic principles of links golf, rewarding creativity and careful course management rather than relying solely on power. Its reputation is further strengthened by its history of hosting the New Zealand Open 12 times between 1959 and 2002, making it one of the most significant championship venues in the country. For golfers seeking a connection to New Zealand’s golfing heritage, Paraparaumu Beach provides a different experience from modern luxury courses while showcasing the timeless character of coastal links golf.
Tips for Planning Your New Zealand Golf Holiday in 2027
Planning a New Zealand golf holiday requires careful preparation, especially for international golfers looking to experience multiple courses across different regions. Popular destinations and premium golf courses can have limited availability, so arranging your itinerary early helps secure preferred tee times, accommodation and travel connections. Booking your journey in advance with Teed Up Golf Tours allows golfers to enjoy a professionally planned experience with expert support throughout the trip.
- Plan 12–18 months ahead to secure access to popular courses and preferred travel dates.
- Consider regional distances when combining North Island and South Island golf destinations.
- Choose the right season based on weather, daylight hours and course availability.
- Allow time beyond golf to experience New Zealand’s scenery, food and local attractions.
- Join a hosted golf tour to simplify transport, accommodation and tee-time arrangements.
Explore more: The Best Season for a Scenic New Zealand Golf Holiday
Experience the Best Golf Courses in New Zealand With Teed Up Golf Tours
Exploring New Zealand’s top golf courses is about more than choosing where to play; it is about creating a seamless journey that combines exceptional golf, stunning landscapes and memorable travel experiences. Teed Up Golf Tours specialises in hosted golf journeys designed for golfers who want to experience the country’s best courses while enjoying expert planning and personalised support throughout their trip.
With more than 20 years of experience creating international golf tours, Teed Up helps golfers enjoy New Zealand with confidence through:
- Carefully planned golf itineraries featuring some of New Zealand’s most sought-after courses and destinations.
- Experienced golf hosts including Mike Mosher, Sandy Baltussen and Bede Hendren, providing local knowledge and support throughout the journey.
- Complete travel arrangements including accommodation, transport, tee-time coordination and day-to-day logistics.
- Hosted group experiences designed for senior golfers who value comfort, convenience and companionship.
- A focus on authentic experiences combining golf with New Zealand’s scenery, culture, food and local attractions.
Ready to discover the best golf courses in New Zealand in 2027? Get in touch with Teed Up Golf Tours to explore upcoming golf journeys and start planning your next New Zealand golf adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best golf courses in New Zealand?
Some of the best golf courses in New Zealand include Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs, Jack’s Point, Tara Iti and The Hills. The ideal choice depends on your preferred scenery, course style, accessibility and overall travel plans.
2. Is New Zealand good for a golf holiday?
Yes, New Zealand is an excellent golf holiday destination, offering diverse landscapes, championship courses and opportunities to combine golf with sightseeing, local cuisine, nature experiences and scenic travel.
3. What is the best month to play golf in New Zealand?
The best months to play golf in New Zealand are during summer, from December to February. This period offers warmer weather, longer daylight hours and ideal conditions for exploring multiple golf courses.
4. Can you play Tara Iti Golf Club?
Tara Iti Golf Club is a private golf club with limited visitor access. Golfers typically need advance arrangements or authorised access to experience this highly regarded coastal links course in New Zealand.
5. How long should a New Zealand golf trip take?
A 7–10 day New Zealand golf trip is recommended for international golfers, providing enough time to experience multiple courses while allowing opportunities for sightseeing, travel between regions and relaxation.
6. Does Teed Up Golf Tours offer New Zealand golf tours?
Yes, Teed Up Golf Tours offers hosted golf journeys with carefully planned itineraries, accommodation, transport and golf arrangements. Contact Teed Up to explore upcoming New Zealand golf tours and start planning your trip.
Phone: +61 (2) 8458 9000
Email: info@teed-up.com
