NZ Luxury Golf Courses - North Island
New Zealand is internationally recognised for it's diverse geography,
temperate climate and sporting prowess. Golf is no stranger to the
New Zealand public, with more golfers per capita than any other
country in the world. It's no wonder then that its golf courses
feature amongst some of the best in the world.
This is good news for Northern Hemisphere based golfers seeking
an off-season golfing vacation.
To seek out the best New Zealand has to offer the first class international
golfer, Tourism New Zealand, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise,
New Zealand Golf Association, and the New Zealand PGA formed a quality-control
group "The Best of Golf New Zealand". Those courses that
have met their approval include:
The following golf courses are located in the North Island
of New Zealand.
Carrington Resort – Northland
Carrington Resort is located on the Karikari Peninsula, halfway
between Doubtless Bay and the northern spit. With panoramic sea
views from several holes, the course lies within the boundaries
of an extensive vineyard and winery – the perfect combination
for a golfing vacation. The course is relatively new, opening in
2002, and was recently redesigned by Matt Dye to give an interesting
and challenging test for golfers of all levels. For those that prefer
to see sand on the beach rather than the golf course during their
vacation, you will be delighted that the course in not heavily bunkered.
The accommodation matches the course in terms of quality with a
members area providing common meeting ground for rehashing the golfing
prowess of the day before relaxing to dine in an equally superb
restaurant, naturally with its own excellent wine cellar. And for
partners not into the golfing frenzy there is a range of fitness
and exploring options ideal for unwinding after a long flight.
Kauri Cliffs - Northland, Bay of Islands
Moving down the coast a bit we come upon Kauri Cliffs, with 180
degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands.
Opened in 2000, the 6510 metre par 72 golf course was designed by
David Harman, Orlando, Florida. Kauri Cliffs will test the best,
and was named 49th best golf course in the world by Golf magazine
and awarded Best New International Golf Course in 2001 by Golf Digest.
Its holes wind through marsh, forest and farmland, and of the 15
holes with sea views, six are played along sea plunging cliff-tops.
There’s no retrieving those water shots here!
Non-golfers can enjoy the spa and pool facilities, or venture to
one of three private beaches. For a little more adventure, try fishing,
sea kayaking or hunting possum or wild boar with a resort guide.
Gulf Harbour - North Auckland, Whangaparoa Peninsula
Gulf Harbour, just 40 minutes north of Auckland is another cliff
hugging course, designed by American designer Robert Trent Jones
Jr. It hosted the 1998 World Cup of Golf and 2005 NZ Open. As an
important part of a residential / hotel / marina complex, the course
claims to offer “one of the best golfing experiences for players
of all handicaps”.
Gulf Harbour Country Club has an association with nearby Gulf Harbour
Lodge to provide accommodation packages, giving it a pseudo resort
persona. A magical area for a relaxing after dinner stroll around
the marina.
Lakes Resort - North Auckland
Moving further down the North Island, on the eastern coast you
will find Lakes Resort on the Coromandel Peninsula, well known for
its white sand beaches, boating and adventure activity.
The Lakes Resort golf course, designed by Canadian firm Sid Puddicombe
Associates, claims to have “the best back nine holes in New
Zealand”. Its wetlands, native bush and white sand bunkers
typify the diverse landscape that makes New Zealand so beautiful.
But don’t let all this talk of natural splendour fool you.
The greens at The Lakes are without question among the best in New
Zealand; being made from L93 Bent grass developed at the University
of Georgia in the U.S.
Non-golfers are not forgotten with deep sea fishing, sea kayaking
tours, swimming with dolphins, snorkelling and diving in some of
the clearest and most beautiful coastal waters of New Zealand.
Wairakei International - Bay of Plenty, Taupo
Moving inland to the center of the North Island is another NZ,
golfing showcase, the Wairakei International. Wairakei borders the
spectacular Lake Taupo at the southern end of the countries main
volcanic region. One of New Zealand’s oldest courses, its
grand wooden boundaries and recent upgrades maintain its status
of one of New Zealand's finest golf courses.
For the luxury seeking, Huka Lodge, on the banks of the Waikato
River above the Huka Falls, is only a few minutes drive. Relax at
the end of the day with fishing pole and superb NZ wine. A real
mans dream.
Cape Kidnappers - Hawkes Bay
Venturing back out to the East Coast from Taupo to the Hawkes Bay
we have Cape Kidnappers, well known for its gannet colony, but better
known amongst golfers for its wineries. Natural features aside,
we have another cliff top surprise for you with the Cape Kidnappers
course. Built on a ridge-and-valley landscape with spectacular sea
views, this course boasts one of the great golf holes of the world.
Cape Kidnappers is a par-71, 6400metre course and an ideal location
for your teams long drive contest. The back tees are more suited
to single-figure handicappers long and straight off the tee. But
don’t fret – there are four other tee boxes. A spectacular
and challenging course.
There is a wide range of private lodge style accommodation in this
region to choose from and its winery based cuisine is world-class.
There is no boredom for either golfers or non-golfers in this region.
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