Chase the crisp air and clear skies with a round of golf in some of the country’s most stunning landscapes.
Winter in New Zealand doesn’t mean packing away the clubs. In fact, for many keen golfers, it’s the perfect season to hit the greens. With fewer crowds, crisp mountain air, and often pristine course conditions, winter golfing can be as exhilarating as it is scenic.
From alpine backdrops to coastal charm, here are some of the best golf courses to play in winter—plus where to stay along the way.
Fable Terrace Downs Resort – Canterbury High Country
Course: Terrace Downs Golf Resort
Where: Windwhistle, Canterbury
Best for: Alpine fairways and luxury après-golf
Nestled at the foot of the Southern Alps, this 18-hole championship course is a true winter gem. With snow-capped peaks on the horizon and sweeping views over the Rakaia River, it’s hard to find a more breathtaking setting for your swing. Designed to challenge all skill levels, the course features strategic bunkers, water hazards, and dramatic elevation changes.
Stay onsite at Fable Terrace Downs Resort, where indulgent cuisine, roaring fires, and luxury high-country accommodation await. For winter adventurers, it’s also just a short drive to the Mt Hutt ski fields.
Millbrook Resort – Arrowtown, Otago
Course: Millbrook Golf Course
Where: Near Queenstown
Best for: World-class golf with a side of wine and adventure
Millbrook offers 27 holes spread across three nine-hole courses, set against the rugged beauty of the Otago countryside. Winter brings a unique magic to the course, with misty mornings and crisp, dry air creating perfect playing conditions.
Stay nearby in Queenstown or Arrowtown and explore everything the region offers, from cellar doors to snow sports.
Titirangi Golf Club – Auckland
Course: Titirangi Golf Club
Where: West Auckland
Best for: Classic design and a winter round close to the city
Auckland’s mild winters mean you can enjoy golf all year round, and Titirangi—designed by the legendary Alister MacKenzie—is a must-play. With lush native bush, rolling terrain, and a thoughtful layout, it’s one of the top-ranked courses in the country.
If you’re staying at Edit Hotels – Auckland, you’re less than 30 minutes from the course—perfect for a morning tee-off before enjoying the city’s dining and nightlife.
Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary – Taupō
Course: Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary
Where: Taupō, Central North Island
Best for: Nature lovers and peaceful play
This unique course is set within a wildlife sanctuary, where native birdsong is as much a part of the experience as the perfectly manicured greens. Wairakei’s central location makes it a great winter escape, especially for those driving between the North Island’s major cities.
After a day on the greens, soak in one of Taupō’s geothermal hot pools—an ideal winter wind-down.
Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club – Kāpiti Coast
Course: Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
Where: Just north of Wellington
Best for: Classic links and coastal beauty
For lovers of true links golf, Paraparaumu Beach is a pilgrimage. Ranked among the world’s best outside of the UK, this course is firm, fast, and fantastically challenging—especially in winter when winds add an extra layer of excitement.