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With sweeping views of the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean, Christchurch is a golfer’s paradise. The region boasts over 20 pristine courses dotted with spring-fed lakes, indigenous wetlands, and ancient trees.

From high-country resort courses to links-style layouts, we showcase Christchurch and Banks Peninsula’s 10 finest golf clubs and courses to add to your must-play list.

Harewood Golf Club

Founded in 1923 inside a sweeping river valley, Harewood Golf Club charms golfers with its mature trees and well-protected greens. Its 18 holes unfurl across gently rolling terrain, punctuated by water hazards adding challenge. Harewood’s facilities impress with a covered driving range, putting and short game zones, and a clubhouse to relax post-round.

Holes: 18
Par: 72
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $75 NZD
Location: Jacks Road, Harewood

Pegasus Golf & Sports Club

Set inside a new planned community 25 minutes north of Christchurch, Pegasus Golf & Sports Club thrills golfers with lake views from almost every hole. The 18-hole course weaves through wetlands with strategically-placed bunkers and water features demanding precision. Practice your swing on their driving range and putting green before a round.

Holes: 18
Par: 72
Difficulty: Advanced
Cost: $115 NZD
Location: Pegasus Town

Christchurch Golf Club

Christchurch Golf Club dates back to 1873, making it New Zealand’s second oldest golf institution. After several location changes, the club settled into its current layout in Shirley in 1900. Following an extensive redesign by Peter Thomson, Christchurch Golf Club now tempts golfers with elevated tees, undulating fairways, and large sloping greens.

Holes: 18
Par: 73
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $150 NZD
Location: 45 Horseshoe Lake Road

Terrace Downs

Tucked into the foothills bordering Mt Hutt, Terrace Downs stuns golfers with its high country setting in the shadow of the Southern Alps. Sheep and cattle once grazed these sweeping river flats and terraces before being transformed into an 18-hole course accentuated with wetlands. Stay overnight and enjoy their restaurant and day spa.

Holes: 18
Par: 72
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $95 NZD
Location: Coleridge Road, Windwhistle

Clearwater Golf Club

Clearwater’s location within the Waimakariri River Regional Park gifts golfers a lush Florida-style course studded with spring-fed lakes. Playing across 27 holes designed by Greg Turner and Sir Bob Charles, golfers face scenic water hazards on holes accented with strategic bunkers. Unwind afterwards at Clearwater Resort’s restaurants and pools.

Holes: 27
Par: 72
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $175 NZD
Location: Johns Road, Groynes

Waitikiri Golf Club

Waitikiri Golf Club impresses golfers with parkland-style holes fringed by mature exotic and native trees. Its 18 holes unfurl across rolling terrain, with accurate approach shots needed to hit its undulating greens. Bring the family – Waitikiri has a restaurant, tennis courts, swimming pool and spa complex.

Holes: 18
Par: 72
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $40 NZD
Location: Awatea Road, Christchurch

Bottle Lake Golf Club

Bottle Lake Golf Club gifts golfers a links-inspired course laid atop former wetlands with Mt Grey looming behind. Established in 1969, its 18 holes sweep across flat terrain where water hazards and grass bunkers add challenge. Practice your short game on their putting and chipping greens post-round.

Holes: 18
Par: 72
Difficulty: Beginner
Cost: $45 NZD
Location: Waitikiri Drive, Burwood

Tai Tapu Golf Club

Sweeping across the floor of an old glacial valley studded with rocky outcrops, Tai Tapu Golf Club thrills golfers with its natural beauty 20 minutes from Christchurch. Its 9 holes tempt golfers with undulating fairways and elevated greens with views showcasing the area’s farmland and wetlands.

Holes: 9
Par: 72
Difficulty: Beginner
Cost: $15 NZD
Location: Old Tai Tapu Road, Tai Tapu

Russley Golf Club

Russley Golf Club features a classic parkland course studded with exotic and native trees 20 minutes from downtown Christchurch. Its 18 holes tempt golfers with undulating fairways, water hazards and bunkers guarding large, sloping greens. Refuel in their clubhouse restaurant after your round.

Holes: 18
Par: 72
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $85 NZD
Location: Memorial Ave, Russley

Planning a New Zealand golf holiday?

Follow our blog for more guides to Christchurch and Canterbury’s top courses, outdoor adventures and attractions. And book your next vacation with us to enjoy special perks and upgrades across this beautiful region.

January 6, 2024 by Your friends at Hotel 115

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