Golfing in Northland — 5 Courses Worth a Round

Te Tai Tokerau – Northland is more than beaches and forests — its golf courses are just as beautiful and varied. From cliff-top championship layouts to coastal links that test your shot-making, these courses combine views, challenge and experience. Whether you’re a serious golfer or just someone who loves walking fairways with sea breezes, here are five of the best in Northland.

Kauri Cliffs Golf Course

Perched above the South Pacific, Kauri Cliffs is one of the world’s most spectacular championship courses. Designed by David Harman, it features 15 holes with ocean views, many played along cliffs and a layout that weaves through marshland, forest, and farmland. It’s as much about the setting as the game — dramatic tee shots, lush fairways and vistas of Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands.

Need to Know – Kauri Cliffs

• 🎯 Par / Yardage: Par 72, ~7,139 yards / ~6,528 m full length
• 🌊 Signature Holes: The 7th, which plays high above the cliffs, and culminating holes (14-18) hugging the sea.
• 💲 Green fees: Premium; local rates differ; includes cart/club hire options
• ⚠️ Challenge: Steep rough, cliff edges, ocean exposure — precision needed. Beautiful, but not forgiving.

Te Arai Links – North Course

The North Course at Te Arai Links opened in 2023 and immediately impressed with its design and character. Designed by Tom Doak, it blends coastal and inland terrain, linking dunes, trees and ocean finishes. While the first few holes provide spectacular ocean views, much of the mid-section moves through sand and pine forest, finishing strongly with holes that return toward the coast.

Need to Know – Te Arai North Course

• 🎯 Par / Yardage: Par 71; multiple tee sets (championship, back, middle, forward) to suit different skill levels.
• 📆 Opened: October 2023 — one of the newest public-access top tier courses in Northland.
• 🌿 Terrain: Links style, fescue fairways, bold green complexes, features like elevated greens, natural dunes, defensible hazards.
• 💲 Green Fee Range: Higher end; premium course so expect rates accordingly.

Carrington Estate Golf Course

Set on the Karikari Peninsula, Carrington Estate combines golf, vineyard and luxury all in one. The 18-hole championship course rolls across farmland, wetlands and sand-dunes with fairways that frame views of both the Pacific Ocean and Rangaunu Harbour. It’s a course that balances beauty with challenge, making it as enjoyable for casual golfers as for seasoned players.

Need to Know – Carrington Estate

• 🎯 Par / Yardage: Par 72, championship layout
• 🍇 Setting: Vineyard, farmland, wetlands and ocean vistas all in one round
• 💲 Green fees: Mid-range, with packages for resort guests
• 🌿 Highlights: Unique mix of wine, golf and natural landscapes

Waitangi Golf Club

Few courses can claim a setting as historic as the Waitangi Golf Club. Overlooking the Bay of Islands, this course offers panoramic views across the water to Russell and beyond, with rolling fairways lined by native bush. It’s less punishing than some of Northland’s championship layouts but still offers a fun challenge with breezy conditions and tight approaches.

Need to Know – Waitangi Golf Club

• 🎯 Par / Yardage: Par 70, varied layout
• 🌊 Setting: Elevated views of the Bay of Islands — one of the most scenic club courses in New Zealand
• 💲 Green fees: Affordable, with visitor access available
• 🌿 Highlights: Historic significance, community feel and stunning outlook

Other Great Courses to Explore

• Mangawhai Golf Club – A popular local favourite with a coastal setting and welcoming club vibe.
• Waipū Golf Club – A classic seaside course with open fairways, friendly members and great ocean breezes.
• Te Arai Links – South Course – Designed by Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw, this course has a pure links feel, with wide fairways, natural bunkering and holes that hug the ocean. A stunning complement to the North Course, equally world-class but with its own character.

Closing Thoughts

Golfing in Northland isn’t just about playing a round — it’s about standing on cliff edges, feeling ocean wind, hearing native birds and soaking up the view between shots. These courses bring together nature and sport in a way that’s pretty special.