Golf
New Zealand has the highest number of golf courses per capita in the world, with over 400 golf courses and facilities to choose from.
Just like the landscape, the range of golf courses in New Zealand is diverse and the locations are among some of the world’s most memorable - between snowy mountain ranges, beside stunning lakes and cliff-top ocean views, amid the steamy atmosphere of geothermal areas activity and rolling agricultural lands.
From traditional rural fairways in local farmlands to the internationally recognised luxury courses at Cape Kidnappers (Hawkes Bay), Clearwater (Christchurch), The Hills (Queenstown) and Kauri Cliffs (Northland), the possibilities are endless for golfers who have many excuses to grab their bags and disappear for a day, a week or longer.
New Zealand’s small population has also produced a long list of top international players, among them rising star Danny Lee, top-ranked Michael Campbell and all-time legend Sir Bob Charles. Tiger Woods' caddy, New Zealander Steve Williams, also learned his trade on the greens at home.
View these and more Golf images from Tourism New Zealand's Image Library. All images are available to download.
Kauri Cliffs - in Matauri Bay, Northland - is one of New Zealand's newest luxury golf courses.
Set amidst 1620 hectares of farmland overlooking Matauri Bay, the course is a par 72 championship with four sets of tees to challenge every skill level. Golfers can enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
David Harman, the designer of the course, said "natural forces created Kauri Cliffs. I just built the greens and tees."
Photo credit: Chris McLennan
Designed by American Tom Doak, the golf course at Cape Kidnappers plays above the ocean, atop dramatic cliffs. The ridge and valley landscape provides an epic game, and you can keep an eye out for gannets while you navigate the course. The sixth hole at Cape Kidnappers is widely regarded as one of the great golf holes of the world.
Photo credit: Chris McLennan
|  |
The Clubhouse at Clearwater Resort, Christchuch. Set within 465 acres, Clearwater is an 18-hole championship golf course that's home to the NZPGA tournament. The Clearwater Resort offers chic waterfront rooms, suites and apartments, with tranquil water views.
Photo credit: Clearwater Resort
The spectacular 5th, 6th and 7th holes at Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, in the Hawke's Bay, sit on a wild peninsula high above the Pacific Ocean. Cape Kidnappers is New Zealand's newest international golf course and luxury lodge. The golf course is open to the public.
Photo credit: Golf Cluster
|
| |
|
|
|
