Luxury Golf in New Zealand
Championship Play in a World-Class Setting
Tee off on New Zealand’s finest golf courses, blending unforgettable scenery with five-star service and customised itineraries tailored for discerning American golfers.
For passionate golfers from the United States, New Zealand offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play some of the most breathtaking courses in the world. Imagine teeing off on dramatic alpine fairways with snow-dusted peaks as your backdrop, or testing your skills on rugged coastal links overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Every round here combines championship-level design with landscapes you won’t find anywhere else on Earth.
At New Zealand Luxury Travel Agents, we specialize in creating golf journeys that go beyond the course. From luxury transport and private drivers to world-class lodges and curated sightseeing between rounds, every detail is designed to match your style and expectations. Whether you’re looking for a dedicated golf vacation or wish to add a few unforgettable rounds into a broader New Zealand itinerary, our team ensures a seamless, personalized experience.
From Queenstown’s iconic alpine fairways to internationally celebrated coastal courses ranked among the world’s best, New Zealand golf delivers the challenge, beauty, and exclusivity today’s American golfers seek. Let us craft a tailor-made golf holiday that brings together your love of the game with the unmatched luxury and natural wonders of New Zealand.
North Island
The North Island of New Zealand offers a fantastic variety of golf experiences, from dramatic coastal settings to rolling countryside courses, all designed to challenge and inspire players of every level.
Kauri Cliffs - Bay of Islands
Set on New Zealand’s breathtaking Bay of Islands coastline, Kauri Cliffs is a true bucket-list course for serious golfers. Designed by David Harman, the layout offers a perfect balance of strategy and spectacle, with long, demanding par 4s, dramatic par 3s, and powerful par 5s that test every aspect of your game.
The front nine winds through native bushland with rolling fairways that reward accuracy and course management. As you make the turn, the back nine opens up to sweeping Pacific Ocean vistas, with several unforgettable holes that trace the cliff’s edge. The signature par-3 7th, where the tee shot soars over the ocean from a clifftop perch, delivers a challenge and a view you’ll never forget.
Beyond the fairways, Kauri Cliffs offers a five-star retreat where luxury accommodations, world-class dining, and a wealth of leisure activities complete the experience. After an exhilarating day on the course, unwind with panoramic ocean views, indulge in fine cuisine crafted from local ingredients, or simply relax in the elegance of one of New Zealand’s most celebrated golf lodges.
Luxury Lodge Accommodation
Green Fees
International Green Fee: NZD $700.00 | USD $420.00
Australia Resident: NZD $500.00 | USD $300.00
New Zealand Resident: NZD $350.00 | USD $210.00
Tara Iti – Mangawhai
Consistently ranked as New Zealand’s premier course, Tara Iti is a destination that belongs on every serious golfer’s list. Designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, this par-71, 18-hole masterpiece stretches 6,850 yards and delivers a pure links-style experience that blends strategic challenge with natural beauty.
The layout emphasizes precision and creativity, with wide, undulating fairways framed by native fescue, driveable par-4s that tempt bold play, and greens that demand a deft touch. Each hole makes full use of the property’s rolling dunes and oceanfront setting, offering a seamless mix of risk and reward that keeps even the most seasoned golfer engaged. Firm and fast conditions heighten the sense of authenticity, bringing a true links feel to the round.
What makes Tara Iti especially unforgettable is its exclusivity. Access is reserved for members and their guests, ensuring a private and unhurried pace of play in one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes. For those lucky enough to secure a tee time, Tara Iti is more than a golf course—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Green Fees
Tara Iti is a private course with limited access. Green fees are not publicly listed; access is typically granted through membership or by invitation. For detailed information, it's recommended to contact the club directly.
Cape Kidnappers – Hawke’s Bay
Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, Cape Kidnappers is one of the most dramatic golf courses in the world—and a must-play for any golfer seeking a true bucket-list experience. Designed by Tom Doak, this par-71, 7,119-yard layout combines breathtaking scenery with a demanding test of strategy, power, and precision.
The front nine takes you through rolling farmland and native bush, where elevation changes and subtle green complexes challenge every club in the bag. The back nine is nothing short of spectacular, with cliffside fairways and greens that seem to float above the ocean. The coastal winds can shift the character of the course from one round to the next, ensuring no two games are ever alike. Strategic bunkering, undulating greens, and bold risk-reward holes add to the thrill.
Ranked among the world’s elite courses, Cape Kidnappers is as much a visual spectacle as it is a test of skill. Guests who stay at the luxurious Rosewood Cape Kidnappers resort are rewarded with refined accommodations, farm-to-table dining, and panoramic views that make the experience truly unforgettable—on and off the course.
Luxury Lodge Accommodation
Green Fees
International Green Fee: NZD $950.00 | USD $570.00
Australia Resident: NZD $700.00 | USD $420.00
New Zealand Resident: NZD $450.00 | USD $270.00
Kinloch– Taupo
Set against the vast backdrop of Lake Taupō, Kinloch is New Zealand’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Course—and it plays every bit as bold and demanding as its designer intended. Opened in 2007, this par-72 championship layout has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most challenging and rewarding courses in the Southern Hemisphere.
Nicklaus carved the course into the natural volcanic terrain, creating a design that emphasizes precision, patience, and strategic decision-making. Undulating fairways, cavernous bunkers, and elevated, lightning-fast greens require thoughtful shot selection and a confident short game. It’s a course that rewards discipline and punishes carelessness, offering a true test for golfers at every level.
Beyond the fairways, the experience is equally world-class. The Kinloch Manor & Villas provide a luxurious retreat just steps from the course, with elegant accommodations, fine dining, and serene views across the lake. For golfers seeking both challenge and beauty, Kinloch delivers an unforgettable round in the heart of New Zealand.
Luxury Lodge Accommodation
Green Fees
International Green Fee: NZD $350.00 | USD $210.00
New Zealand Resident: NZD $250.00 | USD $150.00
Golf Cart: NZD $50.00 | USD $30.00
South Island
Golf in the South Island offers a unique experience, with courses set against breathtaking landscapes ranging from rugged coastlines to snow-capped mountains, providing both challenging play and stunning scenery.
Clearwater - Christchurch
Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch delivers a championship-caliber experience that blends precision design with natural beauty. Co-created by John Darby and golfing legend Sir Bob Charles, this par-72 course stretches over 7,142 yards and has proudly hosted the New Zealand PGA Championship and the New Zealand Women’s Open. Its pedigree is matched only by the quality of play it demands.
The layout combines the best of links-style and parkland golf, with pristine fairways framed by native grasses and sparkling waterways. Water hazards come into play on 14 holes, requiring both strategy and accuracy, while multiple tee positions ensure that golfers of all levels can embrace the challenge. Each round rewards thoughtful shot-making, whether navigating a risk-reward par 5 or threading an approach to a guarded green.
Conveniently located just 10 minutes from Christchurch International Airport, Clearwater offers easy access while delivering a world-class test of golf. It’s a destination that combines competitive edge with timeless New Zealand scenery, making it a must-play for discerning golfers.
Luxury Accommodation
Green Fees
18 Holes (Walking): NZD $195.00 | USD $117.00
Junior (U19): NZD $95.00 | USD $57.00
Cart Hire (18 Holes): NZD $60.00 | USD $36.00
Club Hire: NZD $50.00 | USD $30.00
Jack’s Point – Queenstown
Jack’s Point, designed by John Darby, is widely regarded as the premier golf course in New Zealand’s South Island—and for good reason. This par-72 championship layout stretches nearly 7,000 yards from the back tees, carving its way through native tussock grasslands, rugged rock formations, and steep bluffs before descending toward the sparkling shores of Lake Wakatipu. Every hole is framed by the awe-inspiring Remarkables mountain range, creating a backdrop as dramatic as the course itself.
The design is both strategic and rewarding, with five tee positions offering accessibility for every level of golfer. Whether you’re chasing precision on the tighter inland holes or taking on the sweeping fairways that open toward the lake, Jack’s Point delivers an exhilarating challenge that feels both natural and meticulously crafted.
Just 20 minutes from downtown Queenstown, the course is open to visitors year-round, making it an essential stop on any golfing journey through New Zealand. Combining breathtaking scenery with a championship test of skill, Jack’s Point offers a golfing experience that rivals the most iconic courses in the world.
Green Fees
Green Fee: NZD $300.00 | USD $180.00
Premium Club Hire (PING): NZD $90.00 | USD $54.00
Hire Shoes: NZD $40.00 | USD $24.00
Replay Round: NZD $225.00 | USD $135.00
Millbrook - Arrowtown
Nestled in a natural alpine amphitheatre near Queenstown, Millbrook Resort offers golfers an unforgettable experience across its two championship 18-hole courses: The Remarkables and Coronet. Both layouts are celebrated for their strategic design, immaculate conditioning, and breathtaking scenery, making every round a test of skill set against the dramatic Southern Alps.
Millbrook has earned international acclaim as a host of the New Zealand Open, solidifying its reputation as one of the country’s premier golfing destinations. Each course challenges golfers with undulating fairways, strategically placed hazards, and greens that reward thoughtful shot-making, while the surrounding alpine vistas create a truly spectacular backdrop.
Just a short drive from Queenstown, Millbrook Resort also offers luxury accommodations, fine dining, and a range of leisure amenities. Whether you’re on a dedicated golf holiday or seeking a blend of play and relaxation, Millbrook provides an exceptional all-around experience that combines world-class golf with the ultimate in New Zealand hospitality.
Luxury Accommodation
Green Fees
18 Holes (Visitor): NZD $125.00 | USD $75.00
9 Holes: NZD $75.00 | USD $45.00
Golf Cart: NZD $70.00 | USD $42.00
Club Hire: NZD $70.00 | USD $42.00
The Hills - Arrowtown
Set against the rugged landscapes of Arrowtown, The Hills is a championship golf destination where sport, art, and nature converge. Established by Sir Michael Hill, the course evolved from a private par-3 layout into an 18-hole, par-72 masterpiece stretching over 7,200 yards, renowned for its strategic challenges and stunning scenery.
Golfers navigate dramatic elevation changes, rocky schist outcrops, and undulating fairways that reward precision and tactical play. Each hole is designed to test all aspects of the game, providing both challenge and variety for players of every level. Beyond the course itself, The Hills features an extraordinary collection of sculptures, turning each round into a visual and cultural experience.
Located just 20 minutes from Queenstown, The Hills combines world-class golf with a unique artistic flair and breathtaking alpine vistas. For discerning golfers, it offers an exceptional and memorable New Zealand experience, blending luxury, sport, and scenery in one unforgettable package.
Green Fees
Green Fee: NZD $750.00 | USD $450.00
Includes Cart: Yes