ISSUE THREE APRIL 2018 WELCOME TO NZ | TOURISM UPDATE NZ COURSE ‘TOP PICKS’
WITH COMPLIMENTS
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www.parnz.co.nz Cape Kidnappers3
Welcome
TO GOLF IN NEW ZEALAND!
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Auckland City
Windross Farm WELCOME, FROM THE TEAM AT PAR NZ GOLFING HOLIDAYS, TO GOLF IN OUR FABULOUS COUNTRY. The only question is, where to start! Most travellers arrive at Auckland – our main visitor gateway – and we recommend at least two or three nights in New Zealand’s largest city. Also known as the ‘city of sails’, Auckland has three large harbours – Waitemata, Manukau and Kaipara – and 29,000 kilometres of coastline. Golf offerings are plentiful with both a Robert Trent Jones Jnr course, Gulf Harbour, and Alistair Mackenzie’s Titirangi challenge available most days of the year, along with newbies Windross Farm and Wainui. Windross, designed by Brett Thompson and Phil Tataurangi, hosted the LPGA-sanctioned NZ Women’s Open in 2017, won by Brooke Henderson. Wainui, designed by Sid Puddicombe, will be the host of the 2018 PGA NZ Masters. Any, or all, of these four are mustplays in Auckland. With a little more time, you could include a www.parnz.co.nz
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Muriwai Coast links challenge at either coast – the west coast featuring Muriwai, or the east coast and the challenge of Mangawhai. Top of the pops an hour north of Auckland is the exclusive members course of Tara Iti, which received worldwide attention within days of opening in 2015. Visitor tee times are available but with strict criteria, including that bookings must include a one-night stay. Being a top coastal design course by Tom Doak, it is 6
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continually getting big billings. Understandably, costs are at the top end. While in Auckland, you might like to include a day trip to one of the many islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Waiheke is a favourite for those partial to sampling great wines and restaurants. Day or half-day tours around the central city have itineraries that take in the waterfront, the fascinating Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, the Auckland War Memorial Museum,
Waiheke
Hole in the rock and stunning views from our many special maunga, or volcanic cones. If sailing or gazing at boats is your thing, spend some time wandering along the waterfront at Viaduct Basin, which was built specially for the 2000 America’s Cup. The iconic Sky Tower the central city skyline, and is worth a visit to get an overview of your host town. Next, head north, we say. The Bay of Islands awaits with the historic Waitangi Reserve and the Treaty
House where indigenous Māori chiefs signed a treaty with the British Crown in 1840. The jewel in the Bay of Islands is David Harmon’s Kauri Cliffs – five-starplus golf and accommodation – but rounds at the very friendly clubs of Bay of Islands Kerikeri and Waitangi, situated within the Treaty grounds, are also recommended. And they are a little less pricey. Time in the Bay of Islands should include a cruise or sail of some www.parnz.co.nz
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Thermal Parks
Hobbiton description as well as a trip on one of the delightful passenger or vehicle ferries across the bay from Paihia to historic Russell. Make sure you check out the Duke Hotel – to stay, or just have a beer on the deck. Time to head south. There’s some double backing by road to the next recommend stop at Taupo or Rotorua. If you prefer, you can travel by air. Rotorua has some great club 8
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courses, such as Arikikapakapa, and is also the perfect place for fascinating thermal park visits, exploring forests trails and enjoying a Māori cultural evening. Many people take in the glow-worm caves of Waitomo along the route south, or visit the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata, which is the scene of various shots ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies. Even if you are not fan of the films or JRR Tolkien’s stories, this is an exceptional attraction. The attention to detail on sets like this, and the movies New Zealander Sir Peter Jackson has created, led to his knighthood in 2010. New Zealand’s only Jack Nicklaus golf course, The Kinloch Club, is at Taupo and opened a five-star lodging in 2016. Match this with Wairakei, which is now called Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary, and you have at least
two days of beautiful golf in the middle of the North Island. Wairakei features deer roaming the fairways and abundant birdlife. A conservation fence keeps predators and pests at bay. The sanctuary now features protected kiwi, though you’ll be hard pressed to see these nocturnal flightless birds during your round. Trout fishing, either fly fishing or from a charter on the lake, is a popular option. Make sure you take a
Huka Falls
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10-minute detour to see the dramatic Huka Falls. From Taupo, in the centre of the North Island – many visitors heading south take a ‘left turn’ to the Hawke’s Bay region and the twin cities of Napier and Hastings. There is a variety of accommodation options here in the Bay at either city – and there’s always Cape Kidnappers, of course! Cape Kidnappers is the sister property to Kauri Cliffs, with five-
star golf and accommodation. The course was laid out by Tom Doak and, like Kauri Cliffs, it receives regular endorsement from various golf rankings and golf critics – and has done ever since it opened in 2004. The Hawke’s Bay is a premium wine-growing area of New Zealand, sporting more than 90 top wineries. A wine tour is a must. Napier’s art deco trail is always recommended, and if the season is right, you might catch
the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. At the southern tip of the North Island is Wellington, our country’s capital. Yes, a tour of Parliament’s grounds is possible but more popular are half-day city tours taking in the vibrant waterfront and the Wellington Cable Car. One of the capital’s most recognised symbols, this funicular railway was opened in 1902 and rises 120 metres above the city. It’s well worth the ride.
Hawke’s Bay Wineries
Wellington Cable Car
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Queenstown Two exceptional golf courses are located within the greater city area. Royal Wellington, which hosted the 2017 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, and Paraparaumu Beach Links. Paraparaumu has hosted many amateur tournaments and the New Zealand Open, including the infamous 2002 Open when Tiger Woods competed as a guest. Narrowly missing being ousted by the cut, Woods rallied to finish in a share of fifth place. Then it’s off to the South Island where two destinations dominate: Queenstown and Christchurch. Queenstown, in central Otago, is clearly our ‘tourist-crown’ with more than 3.5 million guest nights a year. A growing number of these overnight visitors are golfers who have a 12
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plethora of options available to them. Along with the chance to visit some wineries in yet another significant wine area of New Zealand, golfers can play the exclusive Hills private members course, the recognised Millbrook courses, currently presented as a set of three nine-holes, or the stunning Jack’s Point. Local Kiwi John Darby designed both Jack’s Point and The Hills. The original Millbrook 18 was designed by Sir Bob Charles, but later modified to incorporate an additional nine holes laid out by Greg Turner. Local clubs with unique views and golf challenges – such as Queenstown, Cromwell, Wanaka and Alexandra – should be considered when in Queenstown. All are within an hour’s drive of Queenstown.
Arrowtown Make sure you include some time for a thrilling jet-boat ride, a leisurely cruise on Lake Whakatipu or time strolling around the historic gold rush village of Arrowtown. We suggest at least four nights in Queenstown; and PaR nz Golfing Holidays often include a day tour to the spectacular Milford Sound for international visiting golfers. There is also Christchurch to consider, either en route to Queenstown, or as your possible point of departure out of the country. The city has an international airport, like Queenstown, for ongoing travel. Christchurch’s Clearwater golf course, designed by Sir Bob Charles, has hosted three NZ Women’s Opens. The fairways may be flat, but don’t be fooled. A different challenge awaits
here with waterways and lakes featuring throughout the course. Nearby Terrace Downs presents two different nine holes, the back nine having dramatic views over the Rakaia Gorge. The private members’ Christchurch course is the secondoldest golf club in New Zealand – and still a good challenge. Sound like you? We hope so! Recognised internationally (IAGTO Golf Destination of the Year in 2009 for Asia and Australasia), New Zealand is one of the most scenic and fastest-growing destinations for golf in the world. We think it’s well worth the plane ride, wherever you might be coming from. The team at PaR nz Golfing Holidays would love to be your hosts. See you on the fairway! www.parnz.co.nz
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THE PAR NZ GOLFING HOLIDAYS Team
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PAR NZ GOLFING HOLIDAYS IS ONE OF NEW ZEALAND’S AND AUSTRALIA’S MOST RESPECTED GOLF-TOUR OPERATORS AND GOLFEVENT MANAGEMENT COMPANIES. We manage inbound and outbound travel arrangements for golfers around the globe, and host a series
Director Denise Langdon, who started the tour company in 2000 with an eight-seater MercedesBenz van, and fellow Director Kim Buckley, who hails from Australia, manage a dynamic four-person support team with a broad, international perspective.
of international golf tours every year. The quality of our work has been recognised internationally by golf tourism awards. Fiji, Australia and Canada are staple tour destinations. Every year we host a tour to The Open Championship - and often - another major such as the Ryder Cup. We frequently venture to Florida, Spain Portugal, Vietnam, Cambodia, Scotland, Ireland, England, South Africa, Sweden … the list goes on. In New Zealand, we are recognised as the most comprehensive golfevent company. A growing number of international clients seek our expertise for their independent travel plans or wish to join one of our many New Zealand tournaments or multi-course challenges. Our unique contractual arrangement with the country’s amateur body, New Zealand Golf Inc, means we manage a series of annual, mixed, men’s and women’s tournaments on its behalf.
PaR nz is a founding member of the New Zealand Golf Industry Council, where Denise is an elected director representing the tourism sector.
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AWARDS WON
2016 Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator – World Golf Awards
2017 Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator – World Golf Awards
Otago Golf Club OTAGO GOLF CLUB IS THE OLDEST IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE, BUT IT’S NO DUSTY RELIC. With a striking blend of links and parkland golf, complemented by expansive views of Dunedin city, Otago Harbour and the ocean, visitors enthuse over the club’s natural setting – and dynamic challenges. Its signature hole – the par-four 11th known as The Glen – has ranked among the world’s best. In an exhibition game with Sir Bob Charles in 1966, Arnold Palmer spectacularly drove his ball the full 370 metres to the heart of the green. Established in 1871, Otago has hosted numerous NZ Open championships and NZ Amateur tournaments, including when the Otago Ladies Golf Club held the first Amateur Championships of New Zealand in 1893. The club has been on the present Balmacewen site since 1896. Over
2018 AGTC FEATURE COURSE
recent years has enhanced the fairways and facilities and planted thousands of native species of trees and grasses. Its history, traditions, and consistently excellent condition, earned Otago the number 26 spot on Australian Golf Digest’s best New Zealand golf courses, assessed in 2016. Kel Nagle, Gary Player, Marilynn Smith, Walter Hagen, Arthur D’Arcy (Bobby) Locke, Harold Henning, Gene Sarazen, and Peter Thomson are among the great golfers who have played here.
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A to Z
PAR NZ GOLFING HOLIDAYS TOP PICKS
ALEXANDRA GOLF CLUB LOCATION Alexandra, Otago (www.alexandragolf.co.nz) ESTABLISHED 1901 INTERESTING FACT The old No. 9 “Racecourse” hole was played as a 480 yard par 10 PAR NZ COMMENT ‘This beautiful country course in the Manuherikia Valley is one of the five courses to be played as part of the Central Otago Autumn Golf Classic.
ARROWTOWN GOLF CLUB LOCATION Arrowtown, Otago (www.arrowtowngolf.co.nz)
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RANKING Rated #13 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest, 2016. ESTABLISHED 1911 (originally 6 holes). INTERESTING FACT Arrowtown Golf Club is unique featuring fairways guarded by rocky outcrops, and no bunkers! It is set in one of New Zealand’s most historic and scenic regions. The course is surrounded by the Remarkables and Coronet mountain ranges. PAR NZ COMMENT “A little hidden gem of a course that you must play if in the region. Co-host to the 2018 Mount Michael Central Otago Autumn Classic.”
BAY OF ISLANDS GOLF CLUB LOCATION Kerikeri, Northland (www.bayofislandsgolf.co.nz) ESTABLISHED The original club was formed in 1936 and operated until 1941 when it went into recess due to World War II. The members played at Waitangi during this time and resurrected the club in 1969. INTERESTING FACT Previously known as Kerikeri Golf Club, the club changed its name to the Bay
to work with us having hosted many tournaments in the past, the Bay of Islands Golf Club will host the 2018
of Islands Golf Club to promote the area that it is located in. PAR NZ COMMENT “Chosen again
New Zealand Women’s Senior Championship as well as co-hosting the 2018 Bay of Islands 4 Course Classic.”
CAPE KIDNAPPERS GOLF COURSE LOCATION Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay (www.capekidnappers.com) RANKING Currently rated #16 in Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Courses, 2016-2017 and no #3 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest (2016). ESTABLISHED 2004, designed by American golf architect Tom Doak INTERESTING FACT Cape Kidnappers is the home of the largest, most
accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. Gannets are an impressive species ranging in size between a seagull and an albatross. One of the most photographed holes is known as the ‘Pirates Plank’. PAR NZ COMMENT “A special must play course…check out PaR nz Golfing Holiday’s 2018 Hawke’s Bay 4 Course Golf and Wine Classic for a special deal to play this masterpiece.” www.parnz.co.nz
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CLEARWATER GOLF CLUB LOCATION Christchurch, Canterbury (www.clearwatergolf.co.nz)
RANKING Voted #1 golf course in Oceania and New Zealand, at the 2017 World Golf Awards. ESTABLISHED 1998, designed by New Zealand’s Sir Bob Charles and John Darby. INTERESTING FACT Here’s a course where you can both fish and golf over and around in an unique waterway system. PAR NZ COMMENT “Don’t miss the chance to play the course that has hosted the New Zealand Women’s Open 3 years in a row. You never know you may see Sir Bob walking the down the fairways from his home overlooking the course he designed.”
CROMWELL GOLF CLUB LOCATION Cromwell, Otago (www.cromwellgolf.co.nz)
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RANKING Rated #38 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest, 2016. ESTABLISHED Originally designed in 1903, a redevelopment programme was undertaken in 2009 by NewZealand’s Greg Turner, with an impressive $1 million budget. INTERESTING FACT One of the hazard’s was an old mine shaft. PAR NZ COMMENT “Co-host to the 2018 Mount Michael Central Otago Autumn Classic. This course is situated in the heart of Central Otago’s growing wine region, stop off for a glass of bubbles or Pinot at the Mount Michael winery after your game.”
GULF HARBOUR COUNTRY CLUB LOCATION Whangaparaoa Peninsula, North Auckland (www.gulfharbourcountryclub.co.nz)
Cup of Golf. Chance to travel to golf by ferry from the centre of Auckland, enjoying views of the gulf. Host of
RANKING Rated #30 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest, 2016. ESTABLISHED 1997 and designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr. INTERESTING FACT Home club of Lydia Ko and host to the 1998 World
the 2015 & 2016 New Zealand Open. PAR NZ COMMENT “Look out for the 12th hole where John Daly drove over the green at the 1998 World Cup of Golf.”
HAMILTON GOLF CLUB
location on St. Andrews Terrace. PAR NZ COMMENT “One of a select group of golf clubs partnered with PaR nz Golfing Holidays. A must play while in the Waikato region… close by to the world renowned Hobbiton”.
LOCATION Hamilton, Waikato (www.standrews.co.nz) ESTABLISHED 1903 INTERESTING FACT Also known as St. Andrews Golf Club due to its
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HASTINGS GOLF CLUB LOCATION Hastings, Hawke’s Bay (www.hastingsgolfclub.co.nz)
a record 7 times. They have also hosted every major New Zealand
RANKING Rated #29 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest, 2016. ESTABLISHED 1912 INTERESTING FACT This is the home of New Zealand’s greatest amateur player Stuart Jones who won the national amateur championship,
Championship since its inception in 1912. PAR NZ COMMENT “This is a quintessential, must play championship course in the region and is included in our annual Hawke’s Bay 4 Course Golf and Wine Classic, come join us!”.
THE HILLS
New Zealand millionaire jeweller Sir Michael Hill, who has established an art and golf experience with unique sculptures dotted around the course. PAR NZ COMMENT “An incredible experience but one that your bank account won’t forget in a hurry. Joint host of three New Zealand Opens.”
LOCATION Arrowtown, Otago (www.thehills.co.nz) RANKING Ranked #6 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest, 2016 ESTABLISHED 2002 and designed by New Zealand’s John Darby. INTERESTING FACT Owned by the 20
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HAWKE’S BAY GOLF CLUB LOCATION Hastings, Hawke’s Bay (www.hawkesbaygolfclub.co.nz) INTERESTING FACT Originally known as Flaxmere, this is the youngest of the 4 major clubs in the Bay. PAR NZ COMMENT “One of the friendliest courses in the Hawke’s Bay and co-host to PaR nz Golfing Holidays Hawke’s Bay 4 Course Golf and Wine Classic held in spring every year.
JACK’S POINT LOCATION Queenstown, Otago (www.jackspoint.com) RANKING Currently ranked #2 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest, 2016. ESTABLISHED 2008 and designed by New Zealand’s John Darby. INTERESTING FACT This course is often rated by international visitors as one of their most scenic and exhilarating golf challenges with
views over Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. PAR NZ COMMENT “This a highly recommended inclusion on any itinerary. Jacks Point is an obvious choice for PaR nz Golfing Holidays hosting two international tournaments in 2018, the Queenstown 4BBB Tournament and the 2018 Millbrook Masters”.
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KAURI CLIFFS GOLF COURSE LOCATION Matauri Bay, Northland (www.kauricliffs.com) RANKING Rated #49 in the world by Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Courses, 2016-2017. ESTABLISHED 2001 and designed by David Harmon which has had a 2013
between Michael Campbell and Freddie Couples. PAR NZ COMMENT “It’s an unbelievable day out, one that cannot be rivalled anywhere in the world. A new addition to the PaR nz Golfing Holidays calendar is the 2018 Bay of
makeover by golf architect Rees Jones. INTERESTING FACT Hosted Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf 2003 match
Islands 4 Course Classic, which Kauri Cliffs will be part of”.
THE KINLOCH CLUB THE KINLOCH CLUB LOCATION Taupo, Bay of Plenty (www.thekinlochclub.com) RANKING Recognised in 2007 as one of the top 10 best new courses in the world by US Travel and Leisure magazine. Currently ranked #5 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest, 2016. ESTABLISHED 2007 and designed 22
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by Jack Nicklaus. INTERESTING FACT The only Jack Nicklaus signature course in New Zealand. In designing the course, The Bear often allowed for some time off, trout fishing at Lake Taupo. PAR NZ COMMENT: “This is typical risk and reward by ‘The Bear’, a great golfing challenge, with amazing views over Kinloch and Lake Taupo”.
MARAENUI GOLF CLUB LOCATION Napier, Hawke’s Bay (www.maraenuigolf.co.nz) INTERESTING FACT Promoted as ‘the friendly club’ it is a challenge for golfers of all levels. It offers both a championship 18 hole course and public 9 hole course. PAR NZ COMMENT: “Looking forward to returning to ‘The Nui’ for PaR nz Golfing Holidays Hawke’s Bay 4 Course Golf & Wine Classic, held every spring!”.
MILLBROOK RESORT LOCATION Arrowntown, Otago (www.millbrook.co.nz) RANKING: Rated #8 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest, 2016. ESTABLISHED Original 18 holes designed in 1992 by Sir Bob Charles with a significant redevelopment by Greg Turner in 2010 including an additional 9 holes. There are plans for a further 9 holes to make it a 36-hole challenge! INTERESTING FACT Co-host to the 2017 New Zealand Open won by
New Zealand’s Michael Hendry and will co-host the tournament again in 2018. PAR NZ COMMENT “Keep an eye on this fantastic resort, a long-time golf partner of PaR nz Golfing Holidays. The resort constantly receives worldwide recognition for its hotel, spa and restaurants. PaR nz Golfing Holidays will be back again to Millbrook with two tournaments in 2018, the Queenstown 4BBB in April and the 2017 Millbrook Masters in November”. www.parnz.co.nz
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NAPIER GOLF CLUB LOCATION Napier, Hawke’s Bay (www.napiergolf.co.nz) ESTABLISHED The oldest golf club in Hawke’s Bay established in the late 19th century. INTERESTING FACT Host to the first New Zealand Open in 1907. PAR NZ COMMENT “Known as Waiohiki, Napier presents an interesting golf course that weaves its way over three roadways. Look out for the distinctive Maori carvings and historic ancient Maori graves on the course. Co-host to the PaR nz Golfing Holidays annual Hawke’s Bay 4 Course Golf and Wine Classic.”
NELSON GOLF CLUB LOCATION Nelson, Tasman (www.nelsongolf.co.nz) RANKING Rated #35 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest, 2016. ESTABLISHED 1905 INTERESTING FACT The original clubhouse is located beside the No. 2 24
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tee block and is now operated as a B&B. PAR NZ COMMENT “2018 NZ Women’s Senior Foursomes will return to the South Island for the first time since 2015. This year’s event sold out within week so keep an eye out”.
OMANU GOLF CLUB LOCATION Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty (www.omanugolf.co.nz) ESTABLISHED 1971
INTERESTING FACT A famous cabbage tree used to be situated 100m from the green in the centre of the 6th fairway. This was the bane of many approach shots, but in 1992 the tree died in mysterious circumstances. The only record of the tree is a painting done by a member. The painting now hangs in the Bar. PAR NZ COMMENT “Some challenging dog leg holes, with firm but true putting surfaces. The PaR nz Golfing Holidays Team will return in 2018 for the Mid-Amateur Championship followed by the NZ 9 Hole Masters the next week.”
PARAPARAUMU BEACH GOLF CLUB LOCATION Paraparaumu Beach, Kapiti Coast (www.paraparaumubeachgolfclub.co.nz) RANKING Rated #7 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest, 2016. ESTABLISHED 1949
INTERESTING FACT: Has hosted the New Zealand Open a record 12 times including the infamous event in 2002 when Tiger Woods competed. PAR NZ COMMENT “Recognised as the best links course in New Zealand, with undulating sand dunes only 100 metres from the sea”. www.parnz.co.nz
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QUEENSTOWN GOLF CLUB LOCATION Queenstown, Otago (www.queenstowngolf.co.nz) RANKING: Rated #39 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest, 2016. ESTABLISHED 1915 INTERESTING FACT This is the
Kelvin Heights, directly across the lake from the Queenstown, and accessible by water taxi. PAR NZ COMMENT “Before the resort courses of Millbrook and Jack’s Point this was the course to play. A PaR nz Golfing Holidays favourite and
fourth home of the formerly known Wakatipu Golf Club now located at
co-host to the 2018 Mount Michael Central Otago Autumn Classic.”
ROYAL WELLINGTON GOLF CLUB LOCATION Upper Hutt, Wellington (www.royalwellington.com) RANKING Rated #18 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest, 2016. ESTABLISHED 1908 and redesigned by Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson in 2013. INTERESTING FACT The first club in New Zealand to be awarded Royal 26
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status in 2004, the year of the Royal & Ancient’s 250th anniversary. PAR NZ COMMENT “Host to 2017 Asia Pacific Amateur Championship, one of the biggest golf events the country has ever seen. No expense was spared with Augusta representatives organising an incredibly successful tournament.”
TARA ITI LOCATION Mangawhai, North Auckland (www.taraiti.com)
as New Zealand’s Top Course. Membership is exclusive with an undisclosed membership fee,
RANKING: Currently ranked #1 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest, 2016. ESTABLISHED 2016 and designed by Tom Doak. INTERESTING FACT Within weeks of opening, Tara Iti was recognised
believed to be around the quarter million mark. PAR NZ COMMENT “Tara Iti is tipped to make the 2018 edition of the Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Courses. If you can get a tee-time, this is a course to be experienced!”
TERRACE DOWNS GOLF COURSE LOCATION Lake Coleridge, Canterbury (www.terracedowns.co.nz) RANKING Rated #27 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest, 2016. ESTABLISHED 2001 INTERESTING FACT: Voted New Zealand’s Best Golf Hotel at the 2015 World Travel Awards. PAR NZ COMMENT “At the foothills of the Southern Alps, above the Rokaia Gorge, Terrace Downs offers two quite different 9 hole challenges. 11 lakes and 70 bunkers, it’s worth a visit!” www.parnz.co.nz
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TITIRANGI GOLF CLUB LOCATION Titirangi, Auckland (www.titirangigolf.co.nz)
MacKenzie designed ‘down-under’ including Kingston Heath, as a consultant, New South Wales and
RANKING Ranked #12 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest, 2016. ESTABLISHED 1909 by the late Dr. Alister MacKenzie. INTERESTING FACT One of a limited number of courses that Alister
Royal Melbourne Golf Club. PAR NZ COMMENT “Four par 3’s facing each direction of the compass is a characteristic of all MacKenziedesigned courses. Have a go at the MacKenzies Titirangi Par 3 challenge and see if you can make a par on each.”
WAINUI GOLF CLUB
INTERESTING FACT The tee markers are numbered (65, 59, 55, 50, 45) rather than the traditional colours (blue, black, white, red). The idea being to promote the respective courses for all golfers at all ability levels, rather than stereotypes associated with tee colours, e.g. women play off the red tee. Each number represents the length of the course, e.g. 65 is 6,500 metres. PAR NZ COMMENT “PaR nz Golfing Holidays are eagerly waiting to see where this course will feature in the new list of rankings with its tight fairways and challenging rough.”
LOCATION Wainui, North Auckland (www.wainui.online) RANKING Yet to be ranked, watch this space! ESTABLISHED 2016, designed by Sid Puddicomb and Associates.
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WAIRAKEI GOLF & SANCTUARY LOCATION Taupo, Bay of Plenty (www.wairakeigolfcourse.co.nz) RANKING Previously recognised as the #1 course in New Zealand.
a predator free wildlife sanctuary, inside the golf course! This includes 25,000 native trees, 5,000 exotic plants and a breeding programme
Currently Rated #9 in New Zealand by Australian Golf Digest, 2016. ESTABLISHED 1970, designed by Commander John Harris, Michael Wolveridge & Peter Thomson. INTERESTING FACT One of New Zealand’s first courses to gain international fame and which has subsequently been developed into
for Takahe and Kiwi birds. PAR NZ COMMENT “This is New Zealand’s most beautiful parkland course, always maintained to a very high standard. Look out for the most famous 14th Rogue-hole. Wairakei is a favourite of the team from PaR nz Golfing Holidays”.
WANAKA GOLF CLUB LOCATION Wanaka, Otago (www.wanakagolf.co.nz) ESTABLISHED 1922 INTERESTING FACT Wanaka Golf Club is another course that presents two quite different nines. The back nine is flat while the front nine is undulating with picturesque views over the town and lake. PAR NZ COMMENT “Dramatic golf just an hour away from Queenstown. Wanaka will co-host the 2018 Mount Michael Central Otago Autumn Classic.” www.parnz.co.nz
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WAITANGI GOLF CLUB
and also home to the Waitangi
LOCATION Waitangi, Bay of Islands (www.waitangigolf.co.nz) RANKING A must play golf course in NZ according to Australian Golf Digest, 2016. ESTABLISHED 1932 INTERESTING FACT Waitangi GC is part of the Waitangi National Trust
Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of New Zealand. PAR NZ COMMENT “This stunning setting provides tremendous panoramic sea views of the Bay of Islands and Russel and is a co-host to the 2018 Bay of Islands 4 Course Classic.”
WHAKATANE GOLF CLUB
be a ‘parkland’ course rather than a ‘links’ with superb fast greens. PAR NZ COMMENT “Host to the 2018 NZ Women’s Autumn Foursomes, this tournament will attract 128 golfers from around the country”.
LOCATION Whakatane, Bay of Plenty (www.whakatanegolf.com) ESTABLISHED 1932 INTERESTING FACT Although quite close to the sea, it is considered to 30
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WHANGAROA GOLF CLUB LOCATION Whangaroa, Bay of Islands (www.whangaroagolf.co.nz) ESTABLISHED 1934
INTERESTING FACT The Whangaroa Golf Club was established in 1934 at a site just north of the township of Kaeo. After WW2 the club moved to its current location almost exactly halfway between Kaeo and Mangonui in 1954. Originally 9 holes the course was extended to a full 18 holes in 1990. PAR NZ COMMENT “This undulating but fun club course is proud to get behind the Bay of Islands 4 Course Classic as one of the tournament hosts”.
WINDROSS FARM GOLF CLUB LOCATION Ardmore, South Auckland (www.windrossfarm.co.nz) RANKING Yet to be ranked, watch this space! ESTABLISHED 2016, designed by Brett Thomson in consultation with Phil Tataurangi.
INTERESTING FACT Within weeks of opening it was announced as the host of the LPGA Tour 2017 McKayson New Zealand Women’s Open. PAR NZ COMMENT “One of the newest courses in NZ and host to the 2017 NZ Women’s Open won by Brooke Henderson (Canada), 17 under; we recommend including this new course on your tour.” www.parnz.co.nz
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Best Advertising Campaign winner
Plenty to go round GOLFERS ARE STREAMING INTO NEW ZEALAND TO EXPERIENCE THE EXHILARATION OF PLAYING THEIR FAVOURITE GAME SURROUNDED BY ASTOUNDINGLY BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES. But there’s more to it than that. Behind the statistics, showing 3.5 million international visitor arrivals to New Zealand each year, are the stories people take home about Kiwis’ friendliness. 32
GOLF NEW ZEALAND #3 APRIL 2018
News is spreading fast, and visitor numbers are forecast to climb to 4.9 million a year by 2023. Kiwi golf sensation Lydia Ko has done exceptional work to promote golf in New Zealand – and not only through her tournament performances. ‘Our Lyds’ was front and centre in 2017 for an award-winning advertising campaign to promote the inaugural LPGA tour event in New Zealand. The unorthodox, fun campaign
was based on the theme of Lydia Ko and the ‘World’s Greatest in Our Backyard’ for the MCKAYSON New Zealand Women’s Open. She was seen taking a local neighbourhood by surprise – hitting a golf ball over fences, along footpaths, and through children’s sandpits. The advertisements helped spark interest in the event, and won the LPGA’s Gold Driver Award for ‘Best Advertising Campaign and
For example, golfers are more likely than other holidaymakers to visit vineyards and wineries. International visitor surveys show that 41 per cent of golfers experience wine-making and tasting, compared with the average 25 per cent of holiday visitors overall. With more demand, it’s important that the quality of the experience for visiting golfers is not eroded. That’s one of the reasons all 14 worldclass ‘Marquee’ courses, and many
Promotional Plan’. More than 30,000 fans ventured to Windross Farm Golf Course at Auckland in to support the NZ Women’s Open – numbers that LPGA senior officials said were equal to some of the biggest crowds seen on tour in the United States. The next is scheduled for early 2019. International tourism expenditure now contributes more than 20 per cent to New Zealand’s total exports of goods and services. That’s pretty impressive for an active trading nation, and reflects the fact that there’s more to this extraordinary country than sport and sheep. It’s evident that golf fans and golfers, social, amateur, and professional, enjoy the memorable, personal experiences both on and off the golf course in New Zealand. Kiwis enjoy sharing stories and showing off their ‘backyard’ to visitors – and travelling golfers relish this hospitality.
characterful ‘New Zealand Experience’ courses, are attaining independent Qualmark endorsement. This provides their guests with peace of mind that the experience will be of top quality. This is especially significant as the numbers of international visitors playing on Marquee courses are rising by more than 15 per cent each year to over 30,000 rounds a year. Well over half of these are played by golfers from Australia, 19 per cent from the US, seven per cent from China, and the remaining 15 per cent from other parts of the world. Top-notch is not the only option. If you are here to visit family and friends or want to meet some of the four million ‘ordinary’ Kiwis, there are 390 golf clubs in New Zealand to choose from. Only Scotland has more courses per capita. It seems that for golfers, we’re like a second home.
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