Thanks to the extensive network of towns, wherever you are based there will be several courses within an easy half hour’s drive, to suit all levels of ability and highly accessible thanks to the reasonable fees. Golfing doesn’t come better, whether you’re on a handicap of thirty-six or par.
Variety is the Name of the Game
The climate and soil conditions that make the region the country’s pre-eminent dairy farming area and perfect for gardening also make it a prime location when it comes to creating and maintaining golf courses.
With the mighty Waikato river running through the heart of the region be sure to visit one of the courses that flank the river such as Hamilton Golf Club - St Andrews Tieke and Ngaruawahia. Cambridge is also laid out on old riverbeds formed by the Waikato River 15,000 years ago.
Elsewhere, try the off-the-beaten track courses of Te Kowhai and Tahuna or head to Piopio, where an experience of the farming lifestyle is thrown in free, with sheep grazing to maintain fairways.
The nearby Matamata course is also beside hot pools, while Te Aroha’s famous spa pools similarly offer the chance for a soak at the end of a round there. At Waitomo, nectar producing trees bring native birds flocking to the course, while Pirongia offers great views of the mountains nearby and Raglan offers vistas over the stunning coastal area.
Every course has its own delights, complete with a relaxed Kiwi welcome from the locals – and another nine or eighteen holes not far away.
Price to Suit
There are very reasonable green fees for casual players - check out the courses prior to arrival to ensure availability and great tee-off times.
For more information visit www.lovegolf.co.nz