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For golf enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable sporting experience, Christchurch offers some of New Zealand’s most spectacular courses.

From challenging coastal links to pristine parkland layouts, the region’s top golf courses combine stunning landscapes with world-class design.

Here are six premium golf courses that will make your Christchurch golfing adventure truly memorable.

1. Clearwater Golf Club

Set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps, Clearwater Golf Club stands as one of New Zealand’s most prestigious golfing destinations.

This championship course has hosted numerous professional tournaments, including the New Zealand Women’s Open and the PGA Tour of Australasia. The course weaves through a series of spring-fed lakes and waterways, creating both stunning views and challenging hazards.

The par-72 course stretches to 7,137 yards from the championship tees, offering multiple teeing options to suit players of all abilities. Signature holes include the par-3 11th, where players must navigate their tee shot across water to reach a peninsula green. The club’s world-class practice facilities and luxurious clubhouse complete the premium experience.

Location: Clearwater Avenue, Harewood, Christchurch

2. Pegasus Golf Course

Just 25 minutes north of Christchurch, Pegasus Golf Course offers an exceptional golfing experience. This modern championship course, designed by Kristine Kerr, perfectly balances challenge and playability.

The layout features strategically placed bunkers, undulating greens, and water hazards that come into play on several holes.

The course is particularly notable for its excellent conditioning year-round and its sophisticated drainage system that ensures playability even after heavy rain.

The signature 18th hole, a spectacular par-4 with water along the entire right side, provides a memorable finish to your round.

Location: Pegasus Main Street, Pegasus, Canterbury

3. Terrace Downs Resort

Although technically in the Canterbury High Country, Terrace Downs is worth the hour’s drive from Christchurch.

This spectacular resort course offers breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the Rakaia River. The championship course is designed to challenge skilled players while remaining enjoyable for casual golfers.

Each hole presents its own unique challenge, with elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and natural hazards testing every aspect of your game.

The par-3 16th hole, featuring a dramatic elevation drop and mountain backdrop, is consistently rated as one of New Zealand’s most photographed golf holes.

Location: Coleridge Road, Rakaia Gorge, Canterbury

4. Russley Golf Club

One of Christchurch’s most established private clubs, Russley Golf Club offers a classic parkland golf experience.

The course is known for its magnificent tree-lined fairways, challenging bunkering, and perfectly maintained greens. Having hosted numerous New Zealand Open Championships, Russley’s pedigree as a tournament venue is well established.

The course underwent significant renovations in recent years, enhancing its already excellent drainage and modernizing several holes. The result is a challenging yet fair test of golf that rewards strategic play and precise shot-making.

Location: 428 Memorial Avenue, Russley, Christchurch

5. Christchurch Golf Club

Founded in 1873, the Christchurch Golf Club at Shirley is the second-oldest golf club in New Zealand. The course, redesigned by Peter Thomson and Mike Wolveridge, offers a traditional golf experience with modern touches. The layout is characterized by its mature trees, strategic bunkering, and subtle green complexes.

The course’s routing creates an engaging mix of holes that require thoughtful course management and precise execution. The clubhouse, rebuilt after the Canterbury earthquakes, provides first-class facilities and spectacular views across the course.

Location: 45 Horseshoe Lake Road, Shirley, Christchurch

6. Harewood Golf Club

Completing our list is Harewood Golf Club, offering 36 holes of championship golf. The Woodlands Course, in particular, stands out as one of Christchurch’s premier golfing experiences. The course is characterized by its mature trees, strategic water hazards, and perfectly maintained playing surfaces.

Recent renovations have elevated the course’s conditioning to new heights, with particular attention paid to the bunkers and greens. The result is a challenging yet enjoyable layout that tests golfers of all skill levels.

Location: McLeans Island Road, Harewood, Christchurch

Making Your Golfing Trip Memorable

To make the most of your golfing adventure in Christchurch, consider these tips:

• Book tee times in advance, especially during peak season (October to April)
• Many courses offer twilight rates during summer months when daylight extends into the evening
• Consider hiring a local caddie for insight into course strategy
• Check with courses about dress codes and visitor policies
• Most premium courses offer club hire if you’re traveling without your own clubs

Where to Stay

After a day on the links, you’ll want comfortable, convenient accommodation to rest and prepare for your next round. Hotel115, located in the heart of Christchurch, provides the perfect base for your golfing adventure. This boutique hotel offers stylish rooms, excellent amenities, and a central location that puts you within easy reach of all these premium golf courses.

The hotel’s concierge can assist with booking tee times and arranging transportation to and from the courses, ensuring a seamless golfing experience. Plus, its proximity to Christchurch’s best restaurants and bars means you can easily celebrate that hole-in-one or commiserate over those near-misses over a fine meal or craft beer.

Book your stay at Hotel 115 and make your Christchurch golfing experience truly memorable. Whether you’re playing one course or attempting to conquer all six, you’ll appreciate returning to the comfort and convenience of Hotel115 after a day on the greens.

January 31, 2025 by Your friends at Hotel 115

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