New Zealand Golf - Dramatic Backdrop For Dramatic Play

Internationally-acclaimed private and public golf courses with views of snow-capped mountains, sandy beaches, rolling hills, lakes or sea - New Zealand offers a variety of stunning courses for anyone who likes a round of golf. Moreover, novices and golf fanatics alike are welcome to play.

Here is a place where the glorious pleasure of a round of golf is intensified by some of the most magnificent scenery in the world. It doesn't matter whether you're playing on a private, club or resort golf course in the North or South Island, east or west - the views might change but the drama of it will not.

Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers

	FAST FACT: All the courses with the exception of Wairakei (partnered with Huka Lodge and Bayview Wairakei Resort for accommodation) have very well appointed accommodation.

The only level of difficulty you need consider as a beginner or a pro is in choosing where to play. Want cliffs that shatter into the ocean combined with a championship course? Seek out Kauri Cliffs designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, Florida. Stay at Kauri Cliff's resort-style "The Lodge" and you'll enjoy the spectacular 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands. Kauri Cliffs is currently ranked 49th ranking golf course out of Top 100 courses in the world.

Or consider the new Cape Kidnappers, designed by Tom Doak, (designer of Pacific Dunes, Oregon, USA). Describing playing here Brian Hewitt said in Golfweek, February 2004, "At times you feel like you are inside the womb of golf … other times you'll feel like a missed shot will send your ball off the end of the world."

You'll find this stunning seaside course in the far east of the North Island. "Can golf's eager, affluent and growing wave of travel adventurers be far behind now that there is a new jewel in the Kiwi tiara that already includes Kauri Cliffs, Wairakei, Paraparaumu, Terrace Downs, Clearwater and Gulf Harbour?" said Brian.

Carrington, Gulf Harbour, Lakes Resort, and Millbrook

Distracting views at Terrace Downs
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Situated on the Karikari peninsula, near Kaitaia, the Carrington Golf Course is an internationally acclaimed Par 72 course and world class golf resort facility. Designed by Matt Dye, from one of the best known families of golf designers in the world, it features an ocean side, tournament-quality, 18-hole golf course. Carrington also offers luxury accommodation in either lodge or villa options, an award winning vineyard and winery, Karikari Estate, and many more activities.

Gulf Harbour Golf Course sits majestically on a peninsula jutting into the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland. The 1998 World Cup Golf event was held here - the only course set within a new seaside community, complete with a 1000-berth Marina.

Travel a little further afield to the popular Coromandel area and you'll find the new Lakes Resort Golf & Country Club. Lakes Resort opened in late 2004 and is already rated as one of the very best courses in the country. Lakes dominate the course with 17 fairways near water. And Maori art and culture uniquely suffuses the course and its environs. There's also a 300-metre driving range in the midst of stunning native forest. Villa and apartment accommodation, recreation area and a superb Clubhouse are in the process of construction.

Contrast this with the Millbrook Resort course near Queenstown in the South Island. Nestled within a spectacular alpine amphitheatre and challenging for both higher and lower handicap golfers, it is one of the most impressive international golf arenas in the world.

Terrace Downs, Clearwater Resort and Wairakei

Breathe the clear mountain air as you play at Terrace Downs High Country Resort set at 450m altitude on the edge of the Rakaia Gorge. Terrace Downs is near Christchurch with views of the snow-dusted Southern Alps and golden-tussocked foothills. Wide fairways and 8 lakes contribute to the magic of playing 'The Taniwha' (Maori for a supernatural being).

	Natural contours at Wairakei golf course
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Designed by John Darby in consultation with Sir Bob Charles, the course meanders around a succession of spring fed lakes and trout-filled streams, with uninterrupted view of the Southern Alps.

Officially opened in 1970, Wairakei International Golf Course graces natural rolling countryside near Taupo in the central North Island. With 108 large well-placed bunkers, Wairakei was rated 17th best golf course in the world outside the US by US Golf Digest magazine, 1996.It is considered New Zealand's finest inland course.

As you can see, New Zealand's golf courses are of world standard set in scenery that is nothing short of out of this world. Whether you're thinking of a New Zealand golfing holiday or just a quick round of golf during your vacation, New Zealand is both a golfer's paradise and simply paradise for a round of golf.

Jacks Point, Kinloch, and The Hills

8th Green at Jacks Point Golf Course
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Kinloch, the new Jack Nicklaus signature course near Lake Taupo, an easy three hour drive south of Auckland. It is a true links-style property that makes impressive use of the land, the course features a superbly sculptured bunkering to attract even the most focused golfer, resulting in a challenging and compelling golf experience.

The Hills is nestled beneath the majestic Southern Alps, providing a stunning backdrop for this spectacular course. The Michael Hill NZ Open is the country's premier golf tournament. Co-sanctioned with the PGA Tour of Australasia and the European Tour, the event carries a $1.5m prize purse. This is one of the few courses that is not generally open to green fee players and tee bookings are on application.

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