Top Tips for Visiting Golfers

• Before you get on the plane clean your golf shoes or better still remove the spikes and replace them when you get here. New Zealand customs officials have very high biosecurity standards to protect the country’s native flora and fauna.
• Soft spikes are preferred on most courses rather than metal. Some resort courses will re-spike your shoes for you.
• Almost all New Zealand courses are membership based and welcome visitors but you must book ahead to make sure there is a tee time available. Tour operators can pre-book tee times with all courses.
• If you want to play with a local club member this can usually be arranged at most courses. It will be necessary to give the club a few days notice, but can be easily arranged through your tour operator.
• Most golf clubs in New Zealand have excellent pro shops selling all the major golf brands. Electric carts, trundlers and golf clubs are available for hire at most of the leading golf courses but it pays to check in advance.
• Bring wet weather gear. New Zealand does not have a rainy season but showers can be expected at any time of the year so it pays to be prepared.
• Bring sun screen, sun glasses and a sun hat. Summertime temperatures rarely get above 80 degrees but the sun is particularly strong and you need to protect yourself from sunburn.
• Measurements are in metres, not yards. Again most New Zealand courses have distance markers to assist.
• Best of New Zealand Golf Courses include Carrington, Gulf Harbour Country Club, Lakes Resort Pauanui, Wairakei International, Clearwater, Terrace Downs, Millbrook and Jacks Point.