Best Golf Courses in New Zealand: From Kauri Cliffs to Cape Kidnappers’ Coastal Greens

Janine
Oct 29
6 min read

There’s a reason golfers around the world whisper about the best golf courses in New Zealand like they’re sharing a secret. Because here, golf isn’t just a sport. It’s an experience carved between ocean cliffs, alpine peaks, and rolling farmland. Each round feels less like a day on the green and more like a cinematic adventure.

From the windswept beauty of Kauri Cliffs Golf Course to the cliff-edge drama of Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, and the hidden elegance of Otago Golf Club down south, New Zealand turns every tee into a postcard moment. Whether you’re planning New Zealand golf holidays for pure leisure or chasing world-class challenges, these fairways deliver the perfect mix of luxury, nature, and adrenaline.

Best Golf Courses in New Zealand: From Kauri Cliffs to Cape Kidnappers’ Coastal Greens

North Island’s Icons — Golf with a View

Kauri Cliffs Golf Course – Coastal Majesty in the Bay of Islands

Set on 6,000 acres overlooking the Pacific, Kauri Cliffs Golf Course is what happens when golf meets grandeur. Perched high above Matauri Bay, it’s consistently ranked among the best golf courses in New Zealand. And frankly, it’s easy to see why.

Sixteen holes offer ocean views so staggering you might forget to swing. Oh, and don’t worry if you forget about par. You won’t be the first, or the last!

Designed by David Harman, the layout of this golf course in New Zealand is both challenging and breathtaking. It weaves through native forest and farmland before spilling onto seaside cliffs.

The 7th and 14th holes, in particular, test precision and nerve as waves crash far below.

And when the round ends, the luxury doesn’t. The lodge here is one of the top golf resorts in New Zealand. It’s known for elegant suites, fine dining, and a spa that looks out to the endless Pacific.

Kauri Cliffs is the definition of luxury golf courses in New Zealand. And it’s where every swing comes with a side of serenity.

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course – Where the Land Meets the Sky

Few places in the world rival Cape Kidnappers Golf Course when it comes to drama. This golf course designed by Tom Doak is perched 400 feet above the ocean in Hawke’s Bay. It takes players on a thrilling journey across narrow ridges and deep ravines that tumble into the sea.

It’s the course that makes even the pros pause for photos. The infamous “Pirate’s Plank” hole stretches out like a dare above the Pacific. One wrong slice, and your ball’s bound for Davy Jones’ locker. Yet for all its intimidation, the course rewards creativity and courage.

Part of a world-class estate and lodge, Cape Kidnappers embodies scenic golf courses in New Zealand.

Sheep graze near the fairways. Winds swirl unpredictably. And every tee box offers a new postcard-perfect view.

It’s easy to see why it anchors so many New Zealand golf holidays. And why it ranks among the top golf destinations in New Zealand.

Kinloch Golf Club New Zealand – Nicklaus Precision on Lake Taupo’s Edge

In the heart of the North Island, Kinloch Golf Club New Zealand stands out for a completely different reason. Designed by the Golden Bear himself, Jack Nicklaus, this inland masterpiece channels Scottish links style over volcanic terrain.

Don’t let the tranquil views of Lake Taupo fool you. Kinloch is a thinking golfer’s course.

Deep bunkers, wild fescue, and undulating fairways make it as strategic as it is scenic. It’s regularly ranked not just among the best golf courses in New Zealand, but among the world’s toughest, most rewarding layouts. Which honestly isn’t surprising since Nicklaus designed it!

The Kinloch Manor & Villas elevate the experience further, making it a must for travelers seeking luxury golf courses in New Zealand. After a round, unwind with a local pinot noir and a lakeside sunset. The perfect recipe for a memorable New Zealand golf holiday.

South Island Splendor — Greens Between Glaciers and Vineyards

Christchurch Golf Club – Heritage Golf in the Garden City

If you crave golf steeped in history and tradition, head south to Christchurch Golf Club. This is one of the oldest golf clubs outside Scotland. Founded in 1873, it’s more than just a course. It’s a living legacy of the game.

The Shirley Links layout offers tree-lined fairways, manicured greens, and subtle challenges that keep you engaged without overwhelming. On calm mornings, you can see the distant peaks of the Southern Alps. And if you’re lucky, you’ll hear a tui bird serenading your backswing.

Just minutes from the city center, it’s a perfect blend of accessibility and charm. For those exploring Christchurch golf courses as part of broader New Zealand golf holidays, this stop adds culture, comfort, and a sense of classic sophistication.

Otago Golf Club – Timeless Fairways in Dunedin’s Highlands

Welcome to Otago Golf Club, the oldest golf course in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s considered a true jewel amongst all the Otago golf courses.

Nestled in the hills above Dunedin, this course offers panoramic views over the city and harbor. Add in the undulating terrain that challenges every club in your bag and you won’t soon forget this golf course in New Zealand.

The design of this golf course feels authentic and old-world. Strategic bunkering. Rolling greens. And a back nine that rewards patience.

Every shot seems to come with a view. Whether it’s over the sparkling coastline or the green valleys below.

What makes Otago truly special is its blend of heritage and hospitality. It’s a place where local golfers chat with travelers at the clubhouse. And where you can soak in history while playing one of the best golf courses in New Zealand.

Hidden Gems – Top Golf Destinations in New Zealand Beyond the Usual Names

Even in a land of legends, some fairways fly just under the radar. For golfers seeking something off the beaten path, these hidden gems prove there’s much more to golf in New Zealand than the famous names.

Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary – Where Wildlife Roams the Fairways

Located near Lake Taupo, Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary feels like a tranquil retreat from the modern world. This 18-hole course winds through geothermal valleys and native forests. Plus, it is surrounded by a fully fenced wildlife sanctuary.

As you line up your shot, you might spot deer grazing or native birds flitting nearby. A surreal experience that few destinations can match.

It’s not just beautiful. It’s meticulously maintained and accessible to a range of skill levels. For those looking to combine nature, sustainability, and sport, Wairakei ranks high among top golf destinations in New Zealand beyond the usual names.

Tara Iti – The Secret Sands of Mangawhai

If exclusivity and coastal perfection are your style, Tara Iti delivers an unmatched golf fantasy. Set along the North Island’s east coast near Mangawhai, it’s often called the most beautiful course in the Southern Hemisphere. As well as one of the most exclusive.

Sculpted into sand dunes and framed by the Pacific, every hole feels handcrafted by the wind and sea. Access is limited. Membership is private. And the experience is unforgettable.

It’s pure golf poetry and one of the ultimate luxury golf courses in New Zealand for those lucky enough to play it.

Planning Your Perfect New Zealand Golf Holiday

Dreaming of turning these fairways into your next adventure? Planning a New Zealand golf holiday is surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding.

When to Visit

New Zealand’s golf season runs best from September through May. Spring and autumn offer ideal temperatures and fewer crowds.

The North Island is mild year-round, while the South Island offers crisp alpine air and brilliant blue skies through summer.

Getting Around

Many travelers choose to drive between golf resorts in New Zealand. They use scenic routes that double as sightseeing experiences. From Taupo to Dunedin, you’ll find every course worth the journey.

Booking Tips

Reserve tee times early. Especially at icons like Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers. Most resorts offer complete New Zealand golf holidays packages, including accommodation, transfers, and gourmet dining. Basically, everything you need for a seamless experience.

New Zealand doesn’t just have good golf. It has golf that tells stories. From the cliffside elegance of Kauri Cliffs to the wild allure of Cape Kidnappers, and from the alpine serenity of Otago Golf Club to the hidden wildlife haven of Wairakei, every course feels like an adventure waiting to unfold.

Whether you’re chasing championship-level challenges or a scenic stroll through paradise, the best golf courses in New Zealand deliver both. This is a place where the fairways roll toward the sea, mountains frame the horizon, and every drive feels a little closer to heaven.

So pack your clubs. Polish your swing. And contact me to start planning your New Zealand golf holiday. The greens are calling, and trust me, they’re worth every mile.