Imagine waking up beside the greens, surrounded by birdsong and crisp morning air. With nearly 400 golf courses scattered across Aotearoa – New Zealand, it’s easy to blend your love of the game with breathtaking scenery — and a motorhome is the perfect way to follow the fairways without rushing the journey.
Whether you’re an experienced golfer or simply enjoy a casual round between road trip stops, this guide highlights some of the most scenic and welcoming golf destinations across the country. From coastal links to alpine courses, these top spots are best enjoyed at your own pace, with your camper as home base.
🧭 Why Travel by Motorhome?
There’s something special about touring with your clubs in the back and no fixed schedule. A self-contained motorhome gives you the freedom to roam, with everything you need onboard — take a rest whenever, brew a cuppa with a view, and store your gear with ease. And if the weather turns or plans change? Just roll on to the next tee.
Many golf courses are located near iconic landmarks, local markets, and laidback campgrounds — making it easy to pair a round of golf with a soak in hot pools, a beach picnic or a sunset walk.
Bonus: Many golf courses allow motorhome parking overnight, sometimes free with a round or for a small fee — just ask ahead.
🗺️ Tee Off Across Aotearoa
Here’s a refreshed collection of courses that offer a mix of natural beauty, relaxed access and unforgettable fairways — perfect for travellers who love the slow road.
🌿 Te Tai Tokerau – Northland
Kauri Cliffs – Matauri Bay
- A championship course with 15 ocean-view holes and dramatic cliffside play. Expect lush forest backdrops and panoramic coastal beauty
Waitangi Golf Club – Bay of Islands
- A scenic, more accessible course with sweeping views over the Bay of Islands. Welcoming to visitors and near many holiday parks.
🌊 Tip: Pair your golf with a slow loop through Hokianga, Waipoua Forest, or the Twin Coast Discovery Route.
🏔️ Central North Island
The Kinloch Club – near Taupō
- A Jack Nicklaus-designed public course with a rugged layout and expansive lake views. One of the top championship courses in the country.
Taupō Golf Club
- A friendly, visitor-welcoming club with two 18-hole courses. Affordable, scenic, and located near hot pools and lakeside camps.
🎒 Don’t miss: A visit to Huka Falls or an evening soak in Otumuheke Stream.
🍷 Te Matau-a-Māui – Hawke’s Bay
Cape Kidnappers – Clifton
- Perched on cliffs 140 metres above the sea, this par 71 course delivers jaw-dropping views and world-class design. Bookings essential.
Maraenui Golf Club – Napier
- A flat, tree-lined public course just minutes from the beach and wineries. Relaxed atmosphere with great hospitality for road-trippers
🌬️ Te Whanganui-a-Tara – Wellington Region
Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club – Kāpiti Coast
- This historic links course has hosted the NZ Open multiple times and offers classic dune-side play. Open to the public year-round.
Miramar Golf Club – Wellington
- Close to the airport and ideal for city-based travellers. A welcoming, full-facility course with sweeping harbour breezes.
🏞️ Stay nearby at seaside holiday parks along the Kāpiti Coast or venture out to Wairarapa.
🏔️ Tāhuna – Queenstown & Central Otago
Millbrook Resort – Arrowtown
- A 27-hole course with flexible layout, alpine charm and on-site spa. Excellent for combining luxury, golf and camper relaxation.
Jack’s Point – Lake Wakatipu
- An unforgettable alpine course beneath the Remarkables, just 20 minutes from Queenstown. It’s open to the public and consistently top-rated.
⛳ Prefer low-key? Arrowtown Golf Club offers casual rounds on a historic 18-hole course with postcard views and relaxed vibes.
🏌️♀️ Hiring Golf Clubs in Aotearoa – Easy for Travellers
No clubs? No worries. Most golf courses in Aotearoa — especially the public and resort-style ones — offer club hire, trundlers and even electric carts for visitors. You can usually hire on the day, but it’s best to book ahead during busy months (October–April).
Premium courses like Cape Kidnappers, Jack’s Point, and Kinloch offer high-quality gear rentals — often stocked with leading brands. Smaller town courses or local clubs may offer more basic sets but they’re usually very affordable and great for casual rounds.
🧳 Tip for travellers: If you’re flying into Auckland, Queenstown or Christchurch, you’ll find golf rental services near major airports — some even deliver to campgrounds or motorhome parks.
🛎️ Important Notes Before You Go
- Booking: Some courses require advance tee times, especially premium ones.
- Seasons: A few close in winter, so check opening dates before planning.
- Biosecurity: Clean all golf gear before arriving in NZ. Clubs, shoes and bags must be declared at customs.
🚌 Golfing & Campervanning — A Perfect Pairing
Golfing your way through Aotearoa by campervan blends slow travel, stunning landscapes and flexible days on the green. Whether you’re swinging a driver on a clifftop or sipping a post-round coffee beside the lake, nothing beats the freedom to chase the fairways at your own pace.
🗺️ Browse our motorhome itineraries to start building your golf-and-go road trip. South Island and North Island
✅ Helpful Golf Links for Travellers
🗺️ Find Golf Courses in Aotearoa – New Zealand
- Golf New Zealand Club Directory – Search nearly every course in NZ by region, name, or facility type
- GolfPass NZ Course List – See user reviews and filter by public access
- Where2Golf NZ Courses – Browse top-rated courses with visitor info and location maps
🏌️ Hire Golf Clubs While Travelling
- Coaches Inc – Club Hire – Auckland-based service delivering golf sets to your campground or golf club
- Queenstown Golf Club – Offers full club hire, trundlers, and carts with stunning lake views
- Arrowtown Golf Club – Historic public course with relaxed atmosphere and gear rental on-site
ℹ️ Tip for Motorhome Travellers
Many regional clubs allow overnight parking if you play a round — just ring ahead or check their website.
🚐 Find the Perfect Campervan with Motorhome Republic
With dozens of trusted rental brands in one place, Motorhome Republic makes it easy to compare, choose and book the right campervan for your Aotearoa – New Zealand adventure. From budget-friendly options to premium motorhomes, you’ll find something that suits your travel style and trip length.
We love recommending them because their booking process is simple, their customer service is excellent and they work with top suppliers across the country. Whether you’re picking up in Auckland, Christchurch or somewhere in between — it’s a hassle-free way to get on the road faster.
“Booking was easy, support was great and we got the perfect camper for our road trip. It was exactly what we hoped for.”
— Feedback from a Motorhome Republic customer
🌿Looking for more travel inspiration?
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people
Even on the green, it’s the connections — to the land, the people, and the journey — that truly make the round worthwhile.