Insider Golf Guides #1 New Zealand
Golf Traveller has extensive experience in delivering New Zealand itineraries that combine the very best golf while immersing clients in the country’s rich culture, gastronomy and history. This is our guide to the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Why go? More than anything else, New Zealand is famed for its exceptional natural beauty, its wild, verdant and often ethereal Pacific-fringed landscapes being something to behold Tucked away in the corner of the world, New Zealand has its own unique cultures and traditions, a thriving food and wine scene, endless outdoor adventures and, last but to least, awe-inspiring golf courses.
When to go? The climate in New Zealand can vary wildly - the far north has subtropical weather during summer, while inland alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as -10°C (14°F) in winter. However, with most of the county close to its 14,000 kilometres of coastline, temperatures are largely mild year-round. For golf, the best time to visit New Zealand is between November and April, through the spring, summer and autumn months. In the height of summer New Zealand enjoys long warm days where golf can be played until well after 9.00pm, meaning visitors can make the most of every golfing opportunity. December, January and February are the most popular months for tourists, so if you’re looking for sunny days but with fewer crowds, the best time to go to visit is in autumn.
Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs, Tara Iti, Te Aria and Millbrook
Why golf in New Zealand? New Zealand is one of the true homes of unspoiled natural beauty, its volcanoes, steaming geysers, dragon-back ridges and snow-capped mountains providing the perfect canvas for some of the world’s most spectacular golf. With just under 400 golf courses across the country, there are the well-known courses that make the world’s top 100 list year after year, such as Tara Iti (20), Cape Kidnappers (55), Te Arai South Course (85) and Kauri Cliffs; as well as some lesser-known gems such as Kinloch, The Hills (private) and the new-kid-on-the-block, Te Arai’s North Course, that opened in 2023.
What’s the food like? New Zealand culinary culture is varied, incorporating a mixture of European, Mediterranean, Asian and Polynesian influences, with such diversity meaning you can dine on almost any cuisine in the world despite the country’s relative isolation. Freshly caught seafood, grass-fed lamb and just-picked produce is at the heart of New Zealand’s food scene, and ever since the Māori first arrived, cooking food in earth ovens (a technique known as Maori Hangi) has been an something that every visitor must experience. Although comparatively new, New Zealand’s viticulture is also significant, particularly its world-famous sauvignon blanc, which accounts for 17% of the world’s supply. With over 700 wineries and an industry valued at over $2 billion annually, New Zealand is synonymous with the world’s best wine.
Where do you stay? When New Zealand does five-star, it’s not just about the quality of the service but unique places that are on offer, from boutique city-centre hotels to luxury farmhouses overlooking the ocean. Head to Queenstown and there are some amazing stays on offer, such as the Squire Hotel, a hotel framed with spectacular views of the surrounding city and it’s picturesque mountains. For a more rural stay there’s renowned Huka Lodge, an icon of New Zealand luxury housed in 17 acres of manicured grounds with gourmet food and wine at your fingertips. For true seclusion, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers sits atop rolling hills in the east of Hawke’s Bay wine country, rugged cliffs giving way to vast sea views, an ever-present horizon, and one of the world’s top golf courses.
The Farm at Cape Kidnapper (1 & 2), Huka Lodge
What activities can you do? With two islands each holding their own treasures, 14 national parks to explore and a host of diverse cities, New Zealand is not short in supply of attractions and activities. Indulge in nature by exploring endless golden coastline along, experience the deeply rooted culture, traditions and storytelling of the indigenous Māori, explore the vast expanse of the Milford Sound fjord, head into the mountains for a tour of the grand glaciers, or feel the power of the earth at the steaming hot springs in New Zealand’s geothermal reserves. For true thrill seeking, you can bungy jump off the Kawarau Bridge, where the first-ever commercial jump opened in 1988, wax down your surfboard and head to Wainui Beach, or see Milford sound from the skies via private helicopter tour.
Discover our New Zealand experience
What’s the ideal length of stay? As a remote location, for many visitors an extended stay is advisable. A stay of at least 14 nights will give you a chance to explore the North and South islands, hike the national parks, taste the best of New Zealand’s wine and play some of their stunning coast-hugging golf courses.