There are many exquisite golf courses around the world, with many of them found in the land of the Kiwis.
New Zealand has some of the world’s best golf courses, in spite of the fact that the quality of many of those courses was fairly poor up until recently thanks to a couple of investments from some exceptionally wealthy people.
We’re taking a look at the best of the best according to how challenging and enjoyable they are for golfers of any skill level, along with the design and whether it answers one question – will you want to go back again?
5. Kauri Cliffs
Kauri Cliffs is a magnificent resort course, and the first that financier Julian Robertson invested in, that you can find 115km north of Whangarei. The fairways are wide and golfers that manage to hit to right part of them are rewarded with some considerably better angles to greens.
Unfortunately, high winds on cliff-top courses and no dunes can make a course quite tough and while the threes are incredible, the fifth, seventh and the twelfth have a bit too much carry on windier days.
4. Titirangi
Next on our list of top golf courses in New Zealand is Auckland’s Titirangi course that has not only stood the test of time but was designed by one of the best golf course architect the world has ever seen.
Just about every par four is great, the third and the sixth have sharp uphills on tiered greens make this a fairly challenging course – almost enough to make you want to whip out your phone to engage in some NZ betting on a game with friends.
3. Cape Kidnappers
The first course Tom Doak ever funded in New Zealand is an absolute stunner that sits above the ocean in Hawke’s Bay on a sheep farm that really is something of a subtle masterpiece.
The inland holes are just as good as the ones along the cliffs, in spite of them being photographed a lot less. The seventh, fourteenth, seventeenth and eighteen holes are exceptional, which is why this course come in at third on our list.
2. Paraparaumu
Rebuilt by Alex Russel back in 1946, Paraparaumu comes in at second place, offering players an excellent example of how to best utilise the bumps and humps that sand dunes bring.
The par fours here in on their own level, with the eighth, thirteenth, fifteenth and seventeenth giving you the chance to indulge in a world-class game of golf.
1. Tara Iti
New Zealand is now home to one of the best golf course in the world, with Tara Iti already being included in the same breath as the awe-inspiring Cypress Point by some leading course architecture critics.
With none of the holes ordinary, the three pars out of this world, 2 of the short par fours absolutely superb, some burly two shot holes and a punch bowl green that will blow your mind, it’s easy to see why this is first on our list.