With a population of only five million and comprising more than 700 islands, New Zealand is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt countries in the world as well as some of the best courses.
Its largest city, Auckland, and its capital, Wellington, are both on the North Island.
With lush vegetation, national parks, a fabulous coastline and lively tourism activities, it is also home to a wealth of excellent and diverse golf courses.
We take a look at five fabulous layouts and recommend a few others along the way.
Cape Kidnappers
Roughly halfway down the island’s east coast, at the southern end of Hawke’s Bay, Cape Kidnappers is one of golf’s most aspirational bucket-list regulars.
This expansive slice of heaven opened in 2004 and is a complete destination in its own right.
As you arrive at the property south of art-deco Napier, it is still another 15 minutes by car to reach this golfing sanctuary.
The stylish accommodation at The Farm, the food, service, and of course the wine, are all off the charts.
But the golf remains the centrepiece here. This is a course where words cannot speak so loudly as photographs, which in turn cannot capture the dreamy atmosphere of playing one of the world’s most famous and unusual courses.
It was designed by Tom Doak – who has designed many of the world’s best courses – whose relatively new Tara Iti to the north of Auckland is also remarkable and gaining universal praise.
Even without the amazing setting, this would be a brilliant course with each hole full of character and memorable in its own way.
The undulations add yet more interest and challenge, and there is something new facing you at every turn.
Throw in the sensational, panoramic views, and it is easy to see why people travel from all over the world to play here.
The aerial views will initially grab your attention but there is far more to the course – which is actually very playable so long as the wind behaves.
The bunkering is superb – strategically and visually – and it is a course that everyone will enjoy no matter how they play.
The Kinloch…
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