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New Zealand is known for its fantastic landscapes, luxuriant swathes of greenery, idyllic coasts and majestic mountains, it didn’t take long for golf courses to sprout side by side in the country. You can play your favorite sport and at the same time, enjoy the intense scenery. It’s no wonder that many enthusiasts of the sport often took the time to take their much-needed golf holidays on the island.
Golf courses are practically synonymous with corner stores in the country, since you will find one anywhere you go. There are courses located in the country’s many stretches of green, and some situated by its famous coasts. You don’t have to wonder why the sport is pretty much appreciated by all ages and sexes.
Golf holidays in New Zealand will make you crave for more. Book one and be able to enjoy your favorite sport, chat with like-minded game buffs and hospitable staff while taking delight with fine wines and entrees.
Here are three of the more popular golf courses in New Zealand:
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The Hills
Located in Queenstown, New Zealand, the course is a sweeping, 500-acre land situated around a valley. One of the highlights of the complex is its 12-piece sculpture park.
The course is overseen by local business mogul Sir Micheal Hill. The area started out as a simple short-par 3-hole course and has since evolved into a first-rate tournament green. The Darby Partners are responsible for the general design of the 18-hole layout and their output has made the range a challenge for expert golfers and at the same time, approachable enough for beginners.
The Hills peaks out at the short part 4 15th hole and it’s accessible enough for accomplished long-hitters when it comes to championship plays. Playing time is 4 hours and 30 minutes while the tee intervals stop at 15 minutes. There are three tees available; Black for Championship Tee, White for the Club Tee and Red for the Women’s Tee.
The Par 5 at the 17th hole is considered as the course’s signature hole. The Men’s Tee has an NZGA slope of 134-135 with a course rating of 72.5-75.1 and a length of 6113-6596 meters. The Women’s Tee meanwhile has a NZGA slope of 128, a course rating of 73.1 and a 5200 meter length.
Services available at the Hills include golf carts, pull carts, Callaway hire clubs and shoes, practice accommodations, caddies (advanced-booking only), club house restaurant, a day spa and locker rooms.
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Kauri Cliffs
This is a beautiful range featuring David Harman-designed 18-holes. The place is situated along the Pacific Ocean, perfect for golfers who love both the green and the sea.
It’s a part of The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, a lavish Relais and Chateux Lodge. The resort also includes a number of exclusive beach fronts. The range measures at 7,119 yards and it features 5 tees with different skill-level layouts. If you are into beach front views, chances are you will be glad to know that 15 holes on the course all have splendid views of the Pacific Ocean.
The entire complex also has top-rate practice facilities, chipping and putting greens, men’s and ladies’ locker rooms and a golf shop. There are also premium rental clubs for men and women. It has garnered plenty of rave reviews and awards and is also included among the worldwide Top 100 Golf Courses list.
Play time in this complex is 4 hours and 15 minutes while the tee time interval is 15 minutes. There are 5 sets of tees and its signature hole is the Cavalli Par 3 7th hole. It’s located on the top of a crest with the Cavalli islands as background.
The Men’s Tee has a NZGA slope of 135-144 and a course rating of 69.7-74.8, with a length of 5560-6510 meters. On the other hand, the Women’s Tee has a NZGA slope of 115-137, a rating of 67.4-73.2 and a length of 4476-5261 meters.
Services at the Kauri Cliffs golf course include walking caddies, forecaddies, electric golf carts, trundlers and rental clubs.
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Wairakei International
The Wairakei International was erected by the NZ administration’s Tourist Hotel Corporation in the 70’s. It measures more than 450 acres of land. Five-time British Open champion Peter Thompson, Commander John Harris and Micheal Wolveridge all lent a hand in creating one of the world’s premier tournament golf complexes.
The green is located in Wairakei Tourist Park, and its sweeping, well-maintained landscapes and glorious tree-lined fairways will inspire you to give a good game. This is also a predator-free nature sanctuary which is home to several of the country’s species like the kiwi, the fallow deer, multi-colored pheasants, peking ducks and other forms of birdlife.
The complex’s design was so remarkable that it’s always included on top golf course lists and has also garnered a feature in the World Atlas of Gold. It has plenty of exciting holes but enthusiasts have stated that the 14th hole is the most splendid among the lot. It measures at 548 meters and also includes a tree which can challenge even the most seasoned of golfers.
The complex has 5 tees and it has two signature holes which are the Farmer’s Folly short Par 4 8th and The Rogue long Par 5 14th. The Men’s Tee features a NZGA slope pf 110-130, with a rating of 66.8-73.4 and a length of 5084-6460 meters. The Women’s Tee meanwhile has a 128-139 NZGA slope, a rating of 71.5-76.6 and a length of 5084-5853 meters.
Services at the Wairakei golf course include hotel-style accommodations at the Wairakei Resort, a golf shop, two on-course golf coaches, golf carts, GPS watches and golf rangefinders, executive rental trundlers, shoes and clubs, practice facilities, a putting green, a clubhouse and a bar. Beginners can also book lessons from golf Pros.
A New Zealand holiday is not only for the outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking and bungee jumping, but also for the more relaxed sport of golf. There are many premium golf courses all over the country and golfers from all over the world come here for greener pastures, literally.