Stunning scenery, diverse landscapes, and world-class courses designed by renowned golf architects ensure New Zealand holds a cherished place on every golfer’s aspirational list. From alpine valleys ringed by mountains to dramatic clifftop fairways, the best golf courses in New Zealand offer an exciting challenge in awe-inspiring surrounds.
Since the country’s first golf course opened in 1895, New Zealand has grown into an internationally prominent golfing destination. There are now more than 400 courses in the country, of which 15 are recognized as marquee courses renowned for their breathtaking vistas and exceptional experiences both on and off the fairways. These are the bucket-list courses that golfers around the world dream of playing at, and many are surprisingly accessible despite their remote surrounds.
Of the marquee courses, these are the ten best golf courses in New Zealand.
The 10 Best Golf Courses in New Zealand
1A. Tara Iti
Key Stats on Tara Iti Golf Course
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 71
- Level of difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Year opened: 2015
- Awards: Ranked as the No.1 golf course in New Zealand and No.7 in the world outside the US by Golf Digest
Widely considered one of the world’s top golf courses, Tara Iti is an exclusive club that only welcomes members and their guests. Those lucky enough to merit a visit will discover a refreshingly unpretentious experience, with relaxed rules and warm kiwi hospitality.
The course traces its way between rugged coastal dunes, featuring sandy waste areas juxtaposed with manicured fairways. Stunningly situated along a stretch of pristine coastline looking out to the Hauraki Gulf, Tara Iti serves up a magnificent challenge, its brilliant yet subtle features creating a visual spectacle.
Designed by Tom Doak, the course includes a clubhouse and lodges available for members and their guests. Originally open to select visitors as a “once-in-a-lifetime” arrangement, Tara Iti now only accepts guests who have been invited by members.
We say: The nearby Te Arai Links offers a similar oceanside experience open for all golfers, with the North Course also designed by Tom Doak.
1B. Te Arai Links – South Course
Key Stats on Te Arai Links – South Course
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Level of difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Year opened: 2022
- Awards: Ranked in the 2024 Golf Digest World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses
Tied in first place is Te Arai Links South Course. Opening recently to much acclaim, the south course at Te Arai Links follows the undulating coastline through sand dunes and wind-blown grasses. Featuring two separate courses, Te Arai Links complements the nearby members-only Tara Iti, offering a similar combination of coastal splendour and rewarding challenge.
Designed by world-renowned golf architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the South Course showcases the region’s spectacular oceanside beauty, with eight holes bordering on the ocean and sixteen taking in views over the coast. Relatively remote for a New Zealand golf course, Te Arai Links is a destination in itself, with a range of luxury accommodation offerings on site and a diverse set of restaurants and eateries for golfers to enjoy both on and off the course.
We say: While the views are excellent from most of the course, the closing holes on each nine are a highlight, commanding a spectacular position right on the oceanfront.
2. Jack’s Point
Key Stats on Jack’s Point Golf Course
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Level of difficulty: Challenging
- Year opened: 2008
- Awards: Named New Zealand’s best golf course at the 2020 World Golf Awards, winner of the prestigious global tourism IAGTO 2019 Sustainability Award for Nature Protection
Nestled between the towering Remarkables mountain range and the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Jack’s Point is both the top golf course on the South Island and one of three notable championship courses in Queenstown.
Designed by John Darby, the course encompasses the most scenic stretch of lakefront. As the fairways wind past stone walls, schist outcrops, steep bluffs, native tussock grasslands, and swathes of native bush, the breathtaking alpine panoramas command attention.
Though Jack’s Point does not host golfers at a dedicated lodge, the course is within easy reach of countless luxury hotels and lodges in the Queenstown region.
We say: The 7th Par 3 hole is perhaps the most spectacular on the course, with an elevated tee box and a challenging shot toward the water.
3. Cape Kidnappers
Key Stats on Cape Kidnappers Golf Course
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 71
- Level of difficulty: Challenging
- Year opened: 2004
- Awards: Ranks among the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World
Set atop a spectacular clifftop peninsula sliced through with deep ravines, Cape Kidnappers is a golf course like no other. Dizzying fairways perch atop towering ocean cliffs that give way to expansive sea views, while others hug the deep ravines that serve as a home for abundant native wildlife.
Cape Kidnappers is the work of legendary golf architect Tom Doak, who was responsible for many of the best golf courses in New Zealand. Dramatic and thrilling, the course challenges golfers of all skill levels as it tackles the unique topography of the peninsula.
Not only is it home to the world-renowned golf course, Cape Kidnappers is also a wildlife sanctuary and a working farm. Stay at the supremely indulgent Rosewood Cape Kidnappers lodge and experience gourmet dining, private tours, and wildlife encounters during your golf tour.
We say: Though the iconic oceanfront holes get all the attention, the inland front nine are even more exciting in terms of layout and elevation changes.
4. Kinloch Golf Club
Key Stats on Kinloch Club Golf Course
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Level of difficulty: Challenging
- Year opened: 2007
- Awards: Recognized as New Zealand’s #1 golf course in the 2023 World Golf Awards
Comparing favourably with the best links courses of Scotland, Kinloch Club offers a rousing challenge, with sweeping views over the undulating fairways to Lake Taupo. The course combines natural beauty and diversity to create one of the best golf courses in New Zealand, designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. This is a course to play time and again, testing yourself against the strategic genius of its designer.
Overlooking the course, the Kinloch Manor & Villas pamper guests with world-class luxury and attentive service. Kinloch Club is one of two marquee courses near Taupo, making the central North Island a top golfing destination.
We say: Every hole on this course is strong, and each play requires a fine balance between risks and rewards. The Par 4 10th hole is the signature hole, with elevated views across to Lake Taupo.
5. Kauri Cliffs
Key Stats on Kauri Cliffs Golf Course
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Level of difficulty: Challenging
- Year opened: 2001
- Awards: Ranks among the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World
Spectacularly situated in the subtropical paradise of the Bay of Islands, Kauri Cliffs Golf Course stretches across breathtaking oceanside terrain overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This is seaside golf at its finest, encompassing varied landforms from verdant cliffs plunging to the sea, to bush-clad valleys and ravines.
Designed by Jack Nicklaus protégé David Harman, Kauri Cliffs is a superb golf destination in every way, from its challenging and expertly designed fairways to its stunning views.
As a sister property to the renowned Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs offers the same sense of remote, exclusive luxury and expansive views. Stay at the Rosewood Kauri Cliffs lodge or luxury villas and experience the region’s warm and inviting weather, refined hospitality, and world-class golf.
We say: The signature Par 3 7th hole is notably scenic, hugging the edge of a cliff and demanding a daunting tee shot.
6. Te Arai Links – North Course
Key Stats on Te Arai Links – North Course
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 71
- Level of difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Year opened: 2023
- Awards: Ranked in the 2024 Golf Digest World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses
As one of New Zealand’s newest and most lauded golf courses, the North Course at Te Arai Links has drawn much international attention. While nestled close to the South Course, the North Course has its own character, with unique shapes and dramatic approaches. And though the course is set back from the beachfront, the ocean features spectacularly in many of the holes.
Designed by Tom Doak, who was responsible for the world-leading Tara Iti Golf Club nearby, the North Course challenges and delights players of all levels. Players stay at the luxury suites and villas of Te Arai Links, where they can tackle both the North and South courses, with a diverse range of on-site dining options to sample during their visit.
We say: Our guests often wish they had a chance to play this course again, as the intriguing design calls for lots of creativity and offers many potential approaches.
7. The Hills
Key Stats on The Hills Golf Course
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Level of difficulty: Challenging
- Year opened: 2007
- Awards: Frequently recognized as one of the top golf courses in New Zealand
Unique among New Zealand’s best marquee golf courses, The Hills combines golf with open-air art installations situated before a dramatic mountain backdrop. Originally conceived as a private putting green commissioned by Sir Michael Hill, (of the jewellery company fame), the course evolved to become a world-class championship course.
Set amidst the rugged alpine landscapes of Arrowtown, near Queenstown, the course tackles dramatic elevation changes and features native tussocks, schist outcrops, and sweeping mountain views. John Darby designed this course to meld seamlessly with its surrounds, and the architectural award-winning clubhouse continues this theme, with a roof covered in native tussock grasses.
For guests playing this unforgettable Queenstown course, Lodge at The Hills offers a fully hosted and catered exclusive use option for up to twelve guests. Spacious and visually arresting, the lodge showcases rare artwork and pampers guests with a wide range of private facilities.
We say: The Par 5 17th hole is the most exciting on the beautifully designed course, playing uphill through a schist canyon.
8. Wairakei Golf Course
Key Stats on Wairakei Golf Course
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Level of difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Year opened: 1970
- Awards: Recognized as New Zealand’s Best Golf Course by the World Golf Awards in 2010
Incorporating geothermal features and natural hazards, Wairakei Golf Course is not only a diverse and beautiful course but also a predator-free sanctuary. Carefully sculpted to reveal only one hole at a time, the course immerses golfers in each play. Encounter rare wildlife between the fairways and tee off to ringing birdsong.
Designed by John Harris, England’s leading golf course architect at the time, Wairakei Golf Course is one of New Zealand’s oldest championship courses. The course delivers an enjoyable level of challenge for players of all abilities.
Accommodation on-site is the 4-star Wairakei Resort, which offers a more moderate 9-hole course for guests to practice at. However, Wairakei Golf Course is also close to both the lodge at Kinloch Club and other luxury accommodation around Taupo.
We say: Excitement and challenge await golfers at the marathon Par 5 14th hole, called “The Rogue”, which approaches a geyser that releases jets of sulphurous steam.
9. Millbrook Golf Course – Coronet
Key Stats on Millbrook Golf Course – Coronet
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Level of difficulty: Moderate
- Year opened: The full 18-hole course was completed in 2021
- Awards: Awarded Best Asia Pacific Golf Course in 2013
Home of the New Zealand Open, which showcases New Zealand golf to the rest of the world, Millbrook is one of the three renowned championship courses around Queenstown. Comprising two separate 18-hole courses set in a dramatic mountain amphitheatre, Millbrook Golf Course is part of a resort complex that encompasses 650 acres of alpine splendour.
Expansive and immaculately presented, the courses were designed by golf masters Sir Bob Charles and Greg Turner. Loop past water features and native tussock grasses as you conquer the expansive basin, with a mix of challenging and more moderate holes that provide a welcome counterpart to the two difficult Queenstown golf courses.
The recently completed Coronet course has a very different nature from the original 18-hole course, with more rugged surrounds that blend seamlessly with fast and true greens. Framed by a backdrop of towering mountains, the course incorporates a pristine mountain tarn, the meandering Mill Stream, and sheer rocky outcrops.
Millbrook is also home to a luxury resort offering numerous eating options and a range of suites and villas. Located close to The Hills Golf Course, Millbrook Resort serves as a convenient base for a Queenstown golf holiday.
We say: The Par 5 11th hole is exceptional, playing around a rocky knoll on a plateau with stunning mountain views.
10. Millbrook Golf Course – Remarkables
Key Stats on Millbrook Golf Course – Remarkables
- Number of holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Level of difficulty: Moderate
- Year opened: 1993
- Awards: Awarded Best Asia Pacific Golf Course in 2013
The original Remarkables course at Millbrook delights golfers with elevated tee shots that take in the spectacular scenery and impeccably maintained greens. Playing around water features and undulating fairways, the Remarkables course encapsulates the Millbrook experience.
Stay at Millbrook Resort and enjoy diverse restaurant options and convenient shuttles into town while you tackle the two championship courses.
We say: The back nine is considered more challenging than the front nine.
Visit the best golf courses in New Zealand with our unforgettable golf tours
Play New Zealand’s world-famous courses and experience the exclusive luxury and warm hospitality for which we are famous on all-inclusive New Zealand golf tours.
Because New Zealand is such a compact country, many of its best golf courses – even those in remote and spectacular surrounds – are easy to reach from international airports. And with Queenstown serving as a hub for three of the top golf courses in New Zealand, it’s easy to fit in multiple courses on one incredible tour.
Our New Zealand golf tours include:
All transportation within New Zealand
Many of the best golf courses in New Zealand serve as an all-inclusive destination, with luxury accommodation and meals and sometimes even sightseeing opportunities on-site. We make your travel experience seamless with shuttle or air transfers to your golf course. Alternatively, for a more curated experience, choose to travel with a private chauffeur.
Luxury accommodation
Whether you stay at sumptuous lodges adjoining the golf courses or luxury hotels in the centre of town, our New Zealand golf tours offer indulgent comfort and attentive service. We carefully select all accommodation to ensure a world-class experience.
In addition, many of the luxury lodges and hotels in our golf tours include gourmet breakfasts or even multi-course dinners.
All green fees
We include all green fees in our New Zealand golf tours, and with your tee times pre-booked, the only detail you need to worry about is perfecting your swing.
Premium golf club hire, golf carts, world-class caddies
Premium clubs, golf carts and essential equipment are available to add to your New Zealand Golf Tour, along with world class caddies and even private golf lessons. Ask your consultant to add these essentials to your New Zealand golf package.
Discover our New Zealand golf tours
We make planning a New Zealand golf holiday easy with incredible tour packages that incorporate the country’s best courses. These are the tours that tackle each of the world-renowned marquee courses in New Zealand:
Te Arai Links
- 7 Day New Zealand Golf Tour
- 7 Day North Island Golf Tour
- 10 Day New Zealand Golf Tour
- 10 Day North Island Golf Tour
- 14 Day New Zealand Golf Tour
- 21 Day New Zealand Golf Tour
Queenstown golf courses: Jack’s Point, The Hills & Millbrook
- 7 Day New Zealand Golf Tour
- 7 Day South Island Golf Tour
- 10 Day New Zealand Golf Tour
- 10 Day South Island Golf Tour
- 14 Day New Zealand Golf Tour
- 21 Day New Zealand Golf Tour
Cape Kidnappers Golf Course
- 7 Day North Island Golf Tour
- 10 Day New Zealand Golf Tour
- 10 Day North Island Golf Tour
- 14 Day New Zealand Golf Tour
- 21 Day New Zealand Golf Tour
Kinloch Club
- 7 Day North Island Golf Tour
- 10 Day New Zealand Golf Tour
- 10 Day North Island Golf Tour
- 14 Day New Zealand Golf Tour
- 21 Day New Zealand Golf Tour
