New Zealand

Asia & Australasia

15 Mar

Written By Simon Campbell

Delve into the history and culture of New Zealand, while tackling some of the world’s most spectacular courses.

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It should come as no surprise to learn that the wild, verdant, volcanic, sometimes ethereal, Pacific-fringed landscapes of New Zealand should provide the perfect home for some of the world’s most spectacular golf. Plotting a route through the country via its signature courses is one of the most fulfilling golf travel experiences. It can take in history with the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the north – where the country’s founding document was signed between the Maori and the English – and then, 50km north, to Kauri Cliffs, the most breath-taking of links courses, with no fewer than fifteen holes with a view of the Pacific.

Then further south to Tara Iti, New Zealand’s first-ever American-style private golf club and arguably Tom Doak’s finest work. Next door, under the same ownership, lies the magnificent Te Arai Links, the latest world-class golf development to launch on these shores with its 5 star lodging and the highly acclaimed South (Coore & Crenshaw) and North (Doak) Courses.

From Te Arai Links, you’re within striking distance of Auckland, home to Titirangi Golf Club, the most southerly work of the great Alister MacKenzie, and then you can head to Lake Taupo and another designer’s New Zealand debut.

Carved from the craggy, volcanic terrain with views of the Taupo, Jack Nicklaus has created the Kinloch Club in the heart of sheep farming territory, another jaw-dropping beauty on the New Zealand hit list. Across to the east coast and the wine country that is Hawke’s Bay and you have probably Australasia’s most photographed course, Cape Kidnappers, famed for the aerial shot showing its ‘dragon’s back’ ridges, it’s a geographical marvel that, again, Tom Doak has managed to find a home for eighteen holes on. And all of this is only in the north island, to the south island, and the highlights include The Hills, among New Zealand’s most exclusive of clubs, and Jack’s Point in the world’s adventure capital of Queenstown.