"The Southern Hemisphere's greatest golf isn't just about the millions spent on coastal sand. It's about the local clubs that have defended the true spirit of the game for a century."
While Te Arai and Cape Kidnappers dominate the headlines, New Zealand holds a deeper, more authentic collection of golf courses. These are the spots where the sheep still manage the rough, where the 'honesty box' still exists, and where the natural landscape dictates every bounce. This is the Kiwi B-Side — raw, rugged, and remarkably affordable.
From the volcanic black sand of the west to the pristine white dunes of the east, the North Island's nomadic collection is defined by geological diversity.
Accessible
Waipu
Bream Bay, Northland
"The 'Honest' Links. Pure sand-based golf with views across Bream Bay that rival any of the $500-a-round resorts next door."
What it is: A pure sand-based links course located 90 minutes north of Auckland. It’s the "people’s links" of Northland.
The field: Exceptional drainage and year-round firm-and-fast conditions. The view across Bream Bay to the Hen and Chicken Islands is world-class. It’s a genuine test of ground-game golf.
The route: Stop here on your way to Tara Iti or Te Arai. It’s the "pre-game" that might just be the highlight of the trip.
Pilgrimage
Ohope Beach
Whakatane, Bay of Plenty
"The Architect's Darling. Voted NZ's best hidden gem multiple times for its raw, wind-swept, and completely natural routing."
What it is: A narrow strip of land sandwiched between the Ohiwa Harbour and the Bay of Plenty.
The field: The layout is completely natural. It’s raw, unpretentious, and requires creative shot-making. No two holes are alike, and the wind here is a permanent member of your group.
The route: 10 minutes from Whakatane. It’s a detour that enthusiasts never regret.
Accessible
Otaki
Kapiti Coast, Wellington
"The Dune Survivor. A hidden gem that stays dry and fast when everything else in the lower North Island is underwater."
What it is: A hidden gem on the Kapiti Coast known for its natural rolling dunes and exceptional sand-based drainage.
The field: It’s a local secret for winter golf, but the layout is challenging enough for any handicap. It offers a authentic local soul that is often lost at the larger clubs.
The route: 1 hour north of Wellington on State Highway 1.
The West Coast Expedition — The South Island's Wildest B-Side
The South Island's West Coast is rugged, wet, and utterly magnificent. The golf here is "nomadic" in the truest sense—isolated, humble, and deeply connected to the landscape.
The South Island offers high-country quirks and remote coastal pilgrimages that feel like stepping back into the early 20th century.
Cult Status
Arrowtown
Arrowtown, Otago
"The 'Narrowtown'. No bunkers, just rock formations and schist. A local favorite that defies every modern rule of golf design."
What it is: A local favorite that defies modern design rules. It’s a topographical rollercoaster through ancient gold-mining territory.
The field: The fairways are squeezed by ancient rock formations. There are no sand bunkers—only natural hazards and schist outcrops. It requires accuracy and nerve.
The route: 20 minutes from Queenstown. It’s the perfect antidote to the high-pressure resort courses nearby.
Remote
Hokitika
West Coast, South Island
"Alps on the Links. Playing on the edge of the world with snow-capped peaks behind you and the Tasman Sea in front."
What it is: A rugged links on the West Coast dunes that offers some of the most dramatic visuals in world golf.
The field: Incredible views of the Southern Alps on a clear day. The course is exposed, wild, and completely at the mercy of the Tasman Sea wind. It’s "honest" golf in every sense.
The route: Just south of the Hokitika township. Essential West Coast soul.
Expedition
Karamea
Karamea, South Island
"The End of the Road. You don't pass through Karamea; you go there. 9 holes of pure, salt-crusted golf isolated from the world."
What it is: One of the most isolated golf experiences in the country. 9 holes of pure, community-run golf.
The field: The sound of the Tasman Sea is constant, and the mountains of the Kahurangi National Park loom over the inland side. You might have to clear sheep from the green.
The route: 2 hours north of Westport. It’s the northernmost point of the West Coast road.
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