Auckland isn’t just all about large skyscrapers. Scattered across New Zealand’s largest urban hub, you’ll find some of the finest golf courses that cater to both seasoned golfers and casual enthusiasts.
Combined with Auckland’s awe-inspiring natural features, the city’s golfing scene offers a delightful blend of prestige and relaxation. Let’s discuss a couple of the best golf courses you definitely shouldn’t miss!
Akarana Golf Club
Website: https://www.akaranagolf.co.nz/
Address: 1388 Dominion Road, Mount Roskill, Auckland 1041, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 621 0024
Operating hours:
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (MON-FRI)
7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
Akarana Golf Club has a history worth revisiting. Its story began in the 1920s when a group of passionate golf enthusiasts founded the club on Winstone Farm in Mount Roskill.
Up to this day, the course remains on its original site and continues to attract skilled golfers far and wide. Some famous people who played hare are Bob Glading, Jim Bissett, and Vic Pirihi.
A key reason why Akarana Golf Club is highly popular is due to its distinct layout. The course layout features a shorter inner loop with the iconic par-three 8th hole and a longer outer nine with challenging par fives and exciting par fours.
Furthermore, this golf course is continuously being improved with new drainage and high-quality sand in bunkers. This ensures Akarana Golf Club can be played all year-round.
Pro tip: Please take note that Akarana Golf Club requires its visitors to follow a dress code. Both men and women visitors must wear casual golfing clothes and avoid wearing jeans, track pants, and jandals. |
Titirangi Golf Club
Website: https://www.titirangigolf.co.nz/
Address: 11 Links Road, New Lynn, Auckland 0600, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 827 5749
Operating hours: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM (MON-FRI)
Titirangi Golf Club is a beautiful golf course that boasts a rich history dating back to 1909. It was originally located on One Tree Hill and was formerly known as Maungakiekie Golf Club before it was relocated to its current site in New Lynn.
What makes Titirangi Golf Club unique is that it’s the only golf course in New Zealand designed by the legendary Dr. Alister MacKenzie.
Nestled between the Waitakere Ranges and the Manukau Harbour, the course offers a breathtaking scenic view.
MacKenzie’s design had transformed this golf course to include undulating greens, well-placed hazards, and clever bunkering. While primarily a private members’ club, limited playing opportunities are available for both locals and overseas visitors.
Aside from playing golf, visitors can also explore the course and learn more about MacKenzie’s legacy. If you ever decide to visit this place, make sure to visit their clubhouse first, because that place serves some mean drinks!
Pro tip: Because Titirangi Golf Club is a private members’ club, it’s necessary to reserve your tee time in advance if you’re a non-member. Book yours by visiting this link. |
Maungakiekie Golf Club
Website: https://www.maungakiekiegolf.co.nz/
Address: 5 Anita Avenue, Mount Roskill, Auckland 1041, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 621 0090
Operating hours: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM (MON-SAT)
Next on our list is Maungakiekie Golf Club, a golf course that once had a shared history with Titirangi Golf Club. Established on October 5, 1909, it too was once located on One Tree Hill before it was moved to Mount Roskill.
What’s amazing about Maungakiekie Golf Club’s new home is its impressive scenery. Its grounds’ well-contoured fairways and greens are complemented by an abundance of native trees, where a varied population of native birds reside.
After every game, you can relax in its lively clubhouse, where tasty meals and drinks are served. The clubhouse is open to both members and non-members, so don’t be afraid to come in and say hello!
Visiting Maungakiekie Golf Club is super easy. If you’re arriving from Auckland International Airport, you can either take the straightforward 15-minute drive via George Bolt Memorial Drive or the scenic route through the Waitakere Ranges.
Pro tip: You can rent their clubhouse as a venue for private functions like birthday parties and corporate events. For specific pricing details and availability, please contact their phone number. |
North Shore Golf Club
Website: https://northshoregolfclub.co.nz/
Address: 51 Appleby Road, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 415 9924
Operating hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (MON-SUN)
The North Shore Golf Club is an interesting golf course with a slightly troubled early history. Formed in 1931, the golf club was initially located on the site now used by Thomas Park Municipal Course in Takapuna.
Unfortunately, the construction of the nearby Auckland Harbour Bridge made the golf course too crowded and noisy to be operational. With the help of a government grant, they successfully relocated to their current location in Albany.
Today, this golf course features 27 tree-lined holes with three different layouts: Red, Blue, and Gold. Despite the course’s modest length, it still features enough obstacles and challenges to demand strategic play from its players.
Aside from its good golf course design, another great thing I should mention about the North Shore Golf Club is its stunning scenery. The rural views and the nearby Lucas Creek escarpment give players a one-of-a-kind golfing experience.
Pro tip: Still a novice at playing golf? Don’t worry because the North Shore Golf Club has professional golf coaches who can help! Their golf coaching sessions are available all year round, even during bad weather. That’s because they have an indoor coaching station and a covered driving range for golf lessons. |
Waitakere Golf Club
– Photo credit: monnss1
Website: https://waitakeregolfclub.co.nz/
Address: 35 Falls Road, Waitākere, Bethells Beach (Te Henga) 0781, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 810 9399
Operating hours:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)
7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (SAT and SUN)
Waitakere Golf Club is located north of the popular Waitakere Reservoir. Established in 1947, it is said that the site where the golf course was built used to be farmland for over 60 years.
Today, it’s a very popular spot for those looking for a challenge. Its main attraction, the 18-hole golf course, has 4 par 5s and a standout 6th hole that lets you tee off amidst New Zealand’s lush bush.
Furthermore, some specific obstacles and challenges you need to look out for while playing here are the undulating hills and tricky greens. Always make sure to properly visualise slopes and read the break before making a move.
After a challenging game, treat yourself to a good meal in the Waitakere Golf Club clubhouse. Also, don’t forget to mingle with fellow golf enthusiasts and soak in the panoramic vistas of the surrounding Waitakere Ranges.
Pro tip: Since you’re already in the area, it’s a great idea to do a bit of exploring after your visit to Waitakere Golf Club. The nearest natural attraction you can visit is Cascade Kauri Park, which is just south of the golf course. |
Howick Golf Club
Website: https://www.howickgolf.co.nz/
Address: 32 Musick Point Road, Bucklands Beach, Auckland 2012, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 535 1001
Operating hours:
7:30 AM – 6:30 PM (MON-FRI)
7:00 AM – 6:30 PM (SAT and SUN)
Howick Golf Club, located in the iconic suburb of Bucklands Beach in East Auckland, had humble beginnings. Founded in 1934, it began as a 9-hole course on land generously provided by a local farmer named Cecil Litten.
After World War II, the club relocated to an 18-hole course near Litten Road, officially opening in 1947. Then, in 1954, the club relocated once again and transformed the scrubland at Musick Point into the beautiful golf course we know today.
Their relocation to Musick Point is a great idea, as the breathtaking location provides captivating views of the Tamaki Strait. Also, the land features many elevation changes, posing a good challenge to most golfers.
During your visit, don’t forget to have your phone ready to take some awesome shots of the strait and nearby greenery. If you need a place to relax, the clubhouse offers tasty refreshments and cosy spots where you can take a break.
Pro tip: If you have a kid who’s interested in playing golf, Howick Golf Club has a Junior Golf mentoring program that’s offered to golfers aged 18 and below. This program is available to non-members and is designed to encourage young golfers to connect with other young players and build lasting friendships. |
Pakuranga Golf Club
Website: https://www.pakurangagolf.co.nz/
Address: 199 Botany Road, Golflands, Auckland 2013, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 534 3818
Operating hours:
7:30 AM – 7:30 PM (MON-SAT)
7:30 AM – 8:30 PM (SUN)
The story of Pakuranga Golf Club started when three entrepreneurs formed the Cascades Golf Company and converted a farm on Botany Road into a golf course. After a rocky start, they sold the property to their golf club members.
These members, in turn, founded the Pakuranga Golf Club in 1974 and transformed the property into what it is today. With a total length of 6,013 metres, this golf course was designed to follow United States Golf Association (USGA) standards.
It features a beautiful scenery composed of decorative trees, well-defined fairways, bunkers, and meticulously redeveloped greens and tees. Furthermore, as per USGA standards, 15 of the 20 greens have been converted to sand greens.
All in all, Pakuranga Golf Club promises that all players, regardless of their skill level, can comfortably play on their golf course. If you’re interested, their membership program offers different packages depending on how frequently you play.
Pro tip: Please remember that Pakuranga Golf Club is strictly a non-BYOB establishment. If you plan to visit here, make sure to leave any liquor you have in your car. |
Wattle Downs Golf Course
Website: https://wattledownsgolf.co.nz/
Address: Wattle Farm Road, Wattle Downs, Auckland 2103, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 268 1929
Operating hours: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM (MON-SUN)
Wattle Downs Golf Course, located south of Auckland City, has a cool history worth knowing. It was established in 1979 during the early stages of the development of its namesake suburb.
This place, designed with the help of professional golfer Sir Bob Charles, features a unique nine-hole course that’s made famous by its compact size and challenging yet rewarding difficulty.
Aside from the challenging course itself, another good thing I should mention about Wattle Downs Golf Course is its beautiful scenery. Its tree-lined fairways and excellent greens create a tranquil atmosphere you’ll certainly enjoy.
Most of their facilities are open to the general public, including their own cafe. As a licensed bar and restaurant, this place serves a great selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that you and your friends can enjoy after a golfing session.
Pro tip: You can sign up for their Twilight Golf event if you want to enjoy some quick competitive games. This event uses 9-hole Stableford competition rules and is open to non-members too. If you’re interested, it’s held every Wednesday afternoon between the months of October and March. |