Kia Ora from Our 2025 NZ North Island Golf Tour
What a trip we had on our NZ North Island Tour! Joined by 28 keen golfers, we were spoiled from start to finish with some of the very best golf the North Island has to offer.
Across nine unforgettable days, we teed off on seven incredible courses—bookended by the country’s fifth-, fourth-, and third-ranked layouts. Stunning landscapes, world-class courses, and great company made this a tour to remember.
We hope you enjoy reading about our experience of New Zealand’s North Island golf courses.
Kicking Off in Auckland and Round One at Windross Farm Golf Course
We kicked off our adventure with a three-night stay in Auckland and a beautiful welcome dinner at The Alcott, setting the tone for an unforgettable trip.
Our first round took us to Windross Farm Golf Course, a former host of the NZ Women’s Open and several other prestigious events. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with perfect weather and a course that was every bit as stunning as its surroundings.
Built on rolling farmland, Windross Farm seamlessly integrates the natural contours of the land, offering a challenge for golfers of all levels. Strategic water hazards, fast and undulating greens, and thoughtfully designed holes made for a day of golf that was both demanding and incredibly enjoyable.
Round Two – Titirangi Golf Club
Next, we made our way to Titirangi Golf Club. Ranked the 6th best course in New Zealand, Titirangi holds the distinction of being the only NZ course designed by the legendary architect Dr Alistair MacKenzie.
Although short by modern standards, the course is deceptively challenging. Its fairways wind through rugged terrain, with wild slopes and hills that test every golfer’s driving accuracy.
The greens were nothing short of perfection—fast, flawless, and lightning-quick. Any ball left above the hole was in real trouble, and there were several occasions in our group alone where putts rolled right off the green!
Fun Fact: Titirangi was actually designed in 1927, and its layout has influenced some of the world’s most famous courses, including Augusta National.
Journey to Lake Taupo and Round Three at The Kinloch Club
After a day off, we made our way south to the stunning Lake Taupo, where we spent the next couple of nights. Along the way, we stopped briefly at Huka Falls before arriving at our accommodation, the Hilton Lake Taupo, to unwind and soak in the views.
The following day, we played our third round of the trip at The Kinloch Club—and WOW! Words hardly do this place justice.
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course is set against a breathtaking backdrop: towering hills covered in lush green grass on one side, and the sparkling waters of Lake Taupo on the other.
From the black tees, Kinloch is an absolute beast and holds the title of the hardest course in New Zealand. It demands precise ball striking, a deft short game, and smart course management at every hole.
This is a course that every golfer needs to add to their must-play list!
Fun Fact: Kinloch was the first Jack Nicklaus-designed course in New Zealand and incorporates natural lava rock formations into its layout, adding both unique beauty and strategic challenge.
Round Four – Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary
Round Four brought another spectacular day on another spectacular golf course.
We had the pleasure of visiting Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary, and after the sheer challenge of Kinloch, it was a welcome change to enjoy a more serene and tranquil setting. But don’t be fooled—while it may look gentler, Wairakei still has plenty of surprises and can quickly punish any lapse in focus.
Set within a wildlife sanctuary, home to native wildlife such as swans and Wilde deer, the course winds gracefully through the property, perfectly following the natural contours of the land. As with all the courses we’d played so far, the conditioning was impeccable, making for an enjoyable yet challenging round.
A Bucket-List Round at Cape Kidnappers
Round five was one of the highlights of the trip—a round that many of our golfers had on their bucket lists, and it certainly did not disappoint.
From the warm welcome by the staff, to the charming barn-style clubhouse, the breathtaking vistas surrounding the course, and the unique course design, every aspect was simply magnificent at Cape Kidnappers.
Opened in 2004 and designed by one of golf’s modern legends, Tom Doak, the course sits on a 6,000-acre former sheep and cattle farm, with holes laid out along ridges jutting from dramatic cliffs. The combination of rugged terrain and masterful design makes this course a truly unforgettable experience.
Even photos don’t do the course justice—it’s a spectacular piece of land that must be seen in person.
Te Arai Golf Links – The Perfect Finale
The next day, we hopped on a flight back to Auckland, where some of the group said their goodbyes, while the rest of us made our way to golfing heaven at Te Arai Golf Links.
And what a place to conclude an already incredible trip!
From two world top-100 courses to luxurious ocean-view suites and fine dining, Te Arai is a must-visit destination for anyone heading to the North Island.
The courses are masterpieces, designed by Tom Doak (North Course and the private sister course, Tara Iti) and Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw (South Course). Both layouts use the natural dunes and contours of the land to perfection. The green complexes are sprawling and rugged on the North Course, while more refined and tamed on the South, offering unique challenges for every type of golfer.
Though the weather didn’t quite cooperate, with rain during both of our rounds, it didn’t dampen the experience—we embraced it and had a blast!
We can’t wait to return again in 2026!
Fun Fact: The North Course at Te Arai has been praised by Tom Doak himself as one of his most naturally beautiful designs, where every hole feels like it was sculpted by the land itself rather than man.
A huge thank you to all of our wonderful guests who joined us for the 2025 NZ North Island Tour.
2026 NZ North Island Tour information and bookings: CLICK HERE
