Northland The Ultimate Year Round Golf Escape

There’s something special about tossing your clubs in the back of the car and driving north toward warmer breezes and coastal views.
Having spent many clear, crisp mornings teeing off across the Far North, I’ve come to realize that golfing up here isn’t just about putting together a solid scorecard—it’s about the journey, the character of the local clubs, and the sheer variety of play available within a short drive.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend round, a walk through Northland’s deep golfing history, or a bucket-list championship experience, Northland delivers like nowhere else in New Zealand.

From Hidden Country Gems to Bucket-List Greens

The beauty of golfing in the Far North is that no two days feel the same. The region offers an incredible blend of laid-back community clubs, historic greens, and world-renowned courses:
  • The Local Warm-Up: Bay of Islands Golf Club (Kerikeri)
    Right on our doorstep in Kerikeri, this is local golf at its finest. With its lush tree-lined fairways, beautifully maintained greens, and welcoming clubhouse atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to shake off the drive and get your eye in.
  • Coastal Drama: Waitangi Golf Club
    Few courses offer tee shots as memorable as Waitangi. Perched right on the coast with sweeping ocean views over Russell and the Bay of Islands, you’ll find yourself pausing between shots just to take in the scenery and the salt air.
  • Grassroots History: Kaikohe Golf Club
    If you want to feel the true heart and soul of Northland golf, head inland to Kaikohe. Steeped in local history, this club is deeply intertwined with its community. It’s authentic, unpretentious kiwi country golf—the kind of place where the welcome is as warm as the sunshine.
  • The Coastal Adventure: Carrington Estate
    If you’re keen on a scenic road trip further north up the Karikari Peninsula, Carrington is well worth the drive. Stretching between pristine wetlands and white-sand coastlines, it’s an expansive, rewarding test of golf.
  • The Summer Bucket-List Dream: Kauri Cliffs
    Then, of course, there is Kauri Cliffs. Set high atop dramatic cliff edges overlooking the Pacific, it’s the kind of place every golfer dreams of playing at least once in their life. Standing on those ocean-side tees with the waves crashing below is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that stays with you long after the final putt drops.
Pro Tip for the Drive Up: If you’re coming up from Auckland or southern regions, pull off the highway at Waipu Golf Club. Squeezing in a quick 9 holes along the coast is the absolute best way to stretch your legs and kick off your Northland golf tour before even arriving in Kerikeri.

Why Kerikeri Park Lodge is Your Perfect Golf Base

After 18 holes in the sun (or a full day exploring coastal fairways up north), coming back to a space designed for total relaxation makes all the difference.
At Kerikeri Park Lodge, we’ve built our accommodation around what active travelers and golf groups actually need:
  • Spacious, Self-Contained Suites: Room to stretch out, relax, and unwind after a long walk on the fairways.
  • Hassle-Free Gear Storage & Parking: Ample space for your golf bags, buggies, and vehicles right outside your room.
  • Central Far North Location: Located centrally in Kerikeri, you are short drives away from local courses, boutique wineries, craft breweries, and top-tier dining for your evening meal.
Whether you’re warming up at Bay of Islands, stepping back in time at Kaikohe, or counting down the days until your dream summer round at Kauri Cliffs, Kerikeri Park Lodge is ready to be your home away from home.

Plan Your ‘Stay & Play’ Getaway

Whether you’re organising a winter escape with friends, a corporate getaway, or a peaceful golfing weekend, our Stay & Play packages combine comfortable boutique lodging with easy access to Northland’s top courses.

Ready to trade frost for fairway breezes? Contact our team at Kerikeri Park Lodge to custom-build your Northland golf itinerary today.