Golf in the Waikato

Golfers of all skill levels will find the Waikato’s golf courses an ideal way to relax, test their game, and soak up the sumptuous scenery in the region.

With more than 40 courses sprinkled across the Waikato you’ll be able to find a course that’s perfect for you, and if you’re staying in the region you’re likely to only be a short drive away from your course of choice.

Some of the many jewels in the Waikato’s golf crown include:

Tieke Golf Estate

Nestling along the banks of the Waikato River, and crafted with sand from its riverbed, Tieke Golf Estate blends natural elements and sensational design to create one of New Zealand’s most sought-after golf experiences.

Described as a truly unique riverbed masterpiece, it offers a special blend of links and private valley golf, giving the impression that you and your party are the only golfers on the course. Having opened in 2022, it is also one of the country’s newest golf courses.

Saint Andrews of Hamilton

Bordered by the Waikato River, the beautifully maintained Saint Andrews of Hamilton Course has been challenging golfers for more than 110 years.

The calibre of the course’s 18-holes, which offer plenty of challenge due to thoughtfully positioned trees and bunkers, has allowed it to host the New Zealand Men's Senior Championship and the Freyberg Masters in 2020, as well as other premier golf events.

The course is home to Hamilton Golf Club and its fully-stocked pro shop provides everything the discerning golfer might require.

Cambridge Golf Course

Featuring fairways sculpted by the Waikato River itself over 150,000 years ago, Cambridge Golf Course’s pedigree is hard to beat.

The course is home to one of the Waikato’s oldest golf clubs – Cambridge Golf Club – which was established in 1900 and is a prestigious piece of the region’s sporting history. The club has been on its current site since 1924 – first offering a nine-hole course, and then an 18-hole course since 1931.

Additional facilities include a pro shop, run by experienced NZ PGA member Rory Moor, plus a driving range.

Ngaruawahia Golf Course

Established in 1964, this high-quality 18-hole course peers over the mighty Waikato River that flanks it, offering magic scenic views on the east side of its immaculately groomed fairways and greens. Lush, contoured fairways scattered with strategically deployed trees and sand traps offer a unique experience.

The club takes pride in the course’s reputation as being one of the most challenging in the Waikato, in part due to a tricky prevailing wind. Its pro shop stocks a wide selection of quality products from leading brands.

Many other courses to choose from

There are many other golf gems spread throughout the Waikato to be enjoyed. Green fees for casual players tend to be reasonably priced and club members welcome visitors and are keen to see them enjoying their little slice of golfing paradise. If you’re travelling light and don’t have your clubs to hand, many courses will happily rent a set for a small fee.

Matamata Golf Club is open all year round and sits next to the Okoroire Hot Springs, which offer the perfect opportunity to unwind post-session, while Raglan Golf Club offers stunning sea vistas guaranteed to distract you from your game. Nine-hole Horsham Downs Golf Club has a great reputation as a friendly club that caters for golfers of all levels of ability.

Golf NZ can help you find a golf course and book a tee, alternatively you can contact your course of choice directly to check current fees and availability.

For those interested in an overview of the Waikato Golf Scene, Waikato Golf is the district body for the region’s 42 member clubs and provides contact details for their members plus heaps of handy information.

Wherever you end up playing in the Waikato play well and enjoy your round.