Blue skies, balmy, sub-tropical days and spectacular seascapes make the ‘Winterless North’ of the North Island the perfect holiday location.

It is no surprise then, to find that private developers have secured prime cliff top land to create manicured courses that are aesthetically pleasing works of art. The 28 golf courses in this region are outlined below together with a brief description of some of the notable ones.

Kauri Cliffs boasts breathtaking views over the Cavalli Islands and has several challenging fairways and greens on cliff tops that plunge into the Pacific Ocean. The 6,510 metre, par 72 course has won huge accolades from golfing magazines as one of the best new courses in the world. It is rated by Tourism New Zealand as one of our eight best courses as judged by government quality assurance programmes. Kauri Cliffs was built by Julian Robertson and was voted best new course outside the U.S in 2001. The guest lodge has 22 units nestled in native bush overlooking the golf course and the ocean.

The Carrington Club occupies a stunning seaside location on the Karikari Peninsula. The lush green rolling fairways extend for 6,605 metres at par 72 and seem a world away from the pressures of city life. Kaitaia airport is less than 30 minutes drive away. The resort is fully serviced with lodge and private villa accommodation, tennis courts, swimming pool, horse trekking, trap shooting and New Zealand‘s northernmost winery. Carrington was built by Paul Kelly and is the country‘s newest golf course.

Waitangi offers equally breathtaking marine views encompassing the Bay of Islands. The 5,358 metre, par 70 course is an absolute pleasure to play, with stunning scenery around every fairway. The historic Treaty House and grounds are nearby.

Kerikeri is another Bay of Islands classic course, 20 minutes drive from Paihia. The 6,100 metre, par 73 course is a real test of skill in reaching well-protected greens (the course record is 68).

Mangawhai Heads is a well-drained par 72 coastal course interspersed with scrub-covered sand dunes and offers great ocean views.

Whangarei is notable for its beautiful native trees and arboreal walkways to the tees.

Sherwood Park is slightly shorter at 5,839 metres and par 71 but is a delight to play due to the profusion of native trees, tree ferns and bird life which give a feeling of intimacy and seclusion.

Northland Region Golf Courses

  • Mangawhai, Molesworth Rd, Mangawhai
  • Northern Wairoa, Bayleys Beach Road, Dargaville
  • Rawene, Dethierry Street, Rawene
  • The Carrington Club, Matai Bay Road, Kaitaia
  • Waipu, State Highway 1, Waipu
  • Waitangi, Tau Henare Drive, Bay of Islands
  • Wellsford, State Highway 1, Wellsford
  • Arapohue, South East of Dargaville
  • Broadwood, West of Mangamuka Bridge
  • Hikurangi, Marua Road, Hikurangi
  • Houhora, Main Far North Road, Pukenui
  • Kaikohe, Ngawha Springs Road, Kaikohe
  • Kaitaia, Takahe Street, Kaitaia
  • Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay
  • Kerikeri, Golf View Road, Kerikeri
  • Matarua, Matakohe, West of Brynderwyn
  • Maungaturoto, Bickerstaff Road, Maungaturoto
  • Ngunguru, Kapipi Crescent, Ngunguru
  • Northland, Pipiwai Road, Kamo, Whangarei
  • Okaihau, State Highway 1, North of Moerewa
  • Paparoa, Golden Stairs Road, Maungaturoto
  • Sherwood Park, Millington Road, Maunu
  • Tapora Golf Club, Okahukura Road, Wellsford
  • The Pines, Whangarei Heads Road, Parua Bay
  • Wagener Park, Houhora Heads Rd, Kaitaia
  • Waiotira, Waiotira, Northland
  • Whangarei, Denby Crescent, Whangarei
  • Whangaroa, State Highway 10, Mangonui, Northland