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The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027

📖 2,863 words🗓️ Published Jul 31, 2026

Direct Answer

The 10 best golf courses in australia and new zealand to play are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

1. Royal Melbourne West Course

The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 1

Royal Melbourne West ranks first as Australia's greatest course and a consistent world top-10, the crown jewel of the Sandbelt. Alister MacKenzie's 1926 design delivers firm, fast turf, bold contouring, and strategically brilliant bunkering, with visitor green fees around AU$500 for 2027. The famous par-4 6th doglegs around a sandy waste, and the sloping greens demand precise approach angles. It hosted the 2011 Presidents Cup, cementing its championship pedigree.

This is for the serious golfer seeking the definitive Sandbelt experience and willing to pay a premium. It trades away easy accessibility, as visitor tee times are typically arranged on weekdays through the club or specialist operators. Compared to Kingston Heath below, Royal Melbourne offers a grander, more strategic MacKenzie layout, while Kingston Heath counters with arguably finer bunkering and a more compact, intimate feel. Pairing both makes Melbourne the richest golf destination in the Southern Hemisphere.

2. Cape Kidnappers

The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 2

Cape Kidnappers ranks second for its jaw-dropping clifftop setting, a Tom Doak design perched above 450-foot ocean cliffs on New Zealand's North Island. The par-5 15th, "Pirate's Plank," runs straight toward the cliff edge, delivering unmatched drama. Visitor green fees run about NZ$650 for 2027, and the course is regularly ranked among the world's top 50. The luxury Robertson Lodge on property enhances the multi-day destination appeal.

This is for the golfer seeking spectacular scenery alongside world-class design, and who enjoys a luxury resort experience. It trades away the pure, inland strategic test of Royal Melbourne for raw, coastal adrenaline. Compared to Tara Iti below, Cape Kidnappers is more accessible and slightly less expensive, while Tara Iti offers a purer, more minimalist links experience. The surrounding Hawke's Bay wine region adds a compelling off-course dimension that few others match.

3. Kingston Heath

The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 3

Kingston Heath ranks third for its peerless bunkering, widely considered the best in Australia, shaped by Alister MacKenzie. This Melbourne Sandbelt gem is frequently rated the country's #2 course, with immaculate conditioning and visitor fees around AU$330 for 2027. A regular host of the Australian Masters, it packs world-class golf onto a relatively compact site. The short par-3 15th is a celebrated Sandbelt classic.

This is for the golfer who values strategic bunkering and precise iron play above sheer length or spectacle. It trades away the grand scale of Royal Melbourne for a tighter, more exacting test. Compared to Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath offers a more accessible price point and a more intimate atmosphere, while delivering a comparable strategic challenge. Its location within the Sandbelt cluster makes it an essential pairing with Royal Melbourne for any serious golf trip.

4. Tara Iti

The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 4

Tara Iti ranks fourth for its world-elite design and exclusivity, ranked the #1 course in New Zealand and among the world's top 10 modern courses. Tom Doak's minimalist links on the Mangawhai coast features firm fescue turf and pure walking terrain. Access is limited to lodge guests, with effective green fees around NZ$900 for 2027. It is the highest-rated course in the Southern Hemisphere.

This is for the affluent golfer seeking the ultimate exclusive links experience and willing to plan a stay-and-play visit. It trades away accessibility and value for pure, unadulterated design quality. Compared to Cape Kidnappers, Tara Iti offers a more minimalist and natural test, while Cape Kidnappers provides more dramatic clifftop scenery. The high cost and private nature make it a once-in-a-lifetime splurge for most, but the quality justifies its premium position.

5. Barnbougle Dunes

The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 5

Barnbougle Dunes ranks fifth for delivering genuine world-class links golf at bargain pricing, earning the Best Value badge decisively. Tom Doak and Mike Clayton's design on Tasmania's remote northeast coast plays along Bass Strait dunes, with fees around AU$165 for 2027. It is a world-top-50 links that tumbles through marram-grass dunes with the sea ever-present. The firm, fast, walkable layout is a pure links experience.

This is for the value-conscious golfer who wants a top-tier links experience without the marquee price tag. It trades away the prestige and convenience of Melbourne's Sandbelt for a remote, unspoiled setting. Compared to Tara Iti, Barnbougle offers a fraction of the cost and a more rugged, natural feel, though it lacks the same level of manicured perfection. Its sister course, Lost Farm, and the Bougle Run short course make it a complete multi-day destination.

6. New South Wales Golf Club

The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 6

New South Wales Golf Club ranks sixth for its MacKenzie pedigree and one of the most scenic seaside settings in Australian golf. The Alister MacKenzie design overlooks Botany Bay at La Perouse in Sydney, with visitor fees around AU$350 for 2027. The clifftop par-5 5th and par-3 6th play right along the Pacific, with Captain Cook's landing site visible. Exposed to coastal wind, it offers a dramatic, links-like test near a major city.

This is for the golfer seeking a world-class course within easy reach of Sydney's urban amenities. It trades away the pure links terrain of Barnbougle for a rocky headland setting with spectacular ocean views. Compared to Barnbougle, NSW offers greater convenience and a more dramatic clifftop experience, though at a higher price. The constant coastal wind adds a challenging variable that rewards creative shot-making and makes it a memorable test.

7. The National Golf Club

The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 7

The National Golf Club ranks seventh for its breadth of high-quality courses, offering Australia's largest golf complex with four 18-hole layouts. Located on the Mornington Peninsula southeast of Melbourne, it includes the acclaimed Moonah course by Greg Norman and the Old course, set among coastal dunes. Visitor green fees run about AU$250 for 2027. The rolling, sandy terrain along Bass Strait gives a links-like firmness with dramatic elevation changes.

This is for the golfer seeking variety and a multi-day golf destination near Melbourne. It trades away the single-course prestige of NSW Golf Club for the flexibility of multiple layouts. Compared to NSW, The National offers better value and more replay options, though it lacks the iconic MacKenzie pedigree. The Moonah course is regularly ranked among Australia's top 20, making it a strong choice for those wanting to experience several distinct designs in one visit.

8. Ellerston

The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 8

Ellerston ranks eighth for its world-class Greg Norman design and its mystique as one of the most exclusive courses in Australia. Built on Kerry Packer's private estate in the Hunter Valley, it is regularly ranked among the country's top five courses. Access is invitation-only, with effective green fees around AU$600 for 2027 via approved access. The course winds through a dramatic mountain valley with a river and bushland, offering a stunning parkland test.

This is for the well-connected golfer who values exclusivity and a unique, private experience above all else. It trades away the coastal drama of Cape Kidnappers for a secluded mountain valley setting. Compared to The National, Ellerston offers a more exclusive and memorable experience, but with significantly more difficulty in securing a tee time. The Norman design is demanding and visually striking, making it a bucket-list course for those fortunate enough to gain access.

9. Paraparaumu Beach

The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 9

Paraparaumu Beach ranks ninth for its classic links design and championship history, being New Zealand's finest traditional links. Designed by Alex Russell, MacKenzie's partner, it hosted the New Zealand Open numerous times and welcomed a young Tiger Woods in 2002. Visitor green fees run about NZ$180 for 2027, offering excellent value. The firm, fast, dune-laced links by the Tasman Sea is a stern, characterful test.

This is for the traditionalist golfer who appreciates classic links architecture and a rich history. It trades away the modern, dramatic settings of Cape Kidnappers for a more understated, authentic links experience. Compared to Ellerston, Paraparaumu offers far greater accessibility and value, though it lacks the exclusivity and modern design flair. Its proximity to Wellington makes it an easy addition to a North Island itinerary, providing a genuine taste of old-school links golf.

10. Cape Wickham Links

The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 10

Cape Wickham Links ranks tenth as one of the most spectacular and acclaimed coastal courses in the Southern Hemisphere. Mike DeVries' clifftop links on King Island offers ocean views on nearly every hole, with the 18th running along a curving beach beneath cliffs. Visitor green fees run about AU$200 for 2027, and it is ranked among Australia's best modern courses. Exposed to fierce Bass Strait wind, it offers dramatic dune-and-cliff terrain.

This is for the adventurous golfer willing to travel to a remote island for a unique and unspoiled links experience. It trades away the convenience of mainland courses for a truly isolated setting that adds to the adventure. Compared to Paraparaumu, Cape Wickham offers a more dramatic and modern design, though it requires a regional flight and more planning.

How we ranked these

We measured design pedigree, conditioning, scenery, and world standing, weighting design pedigree most heavily. Green fees for 2027 were verified from official club sources and major golf publications. Courses were ranked on a composite score of these factors, with value and accessibility considered as secondary criteria.

We deliberately ignored personal preference, brand reputation, and historical significance not tied to current quality. We did not factor in celebrity endorsements, non-golf amenities, or course length. We excluded courses that are not currently operating or are under renovation, ensuring every ranked course is playable in 2027.

What to look for

When choosing between these, prioritize the style of golf you prefer: Sandbelt parklands (Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath) vs. coastal links (Barnbougle, Cape Kidnappers). Match your budget to the experience—Tara Iti and Ellerston are exclusive splurges, while Barnbougle and Paraparaumu offer world-class value. Consider travel logistics: remote links require flights and drives, while Melbourne's Sandbelt is a dense cluster.

The mistake most buyers make is underestimating coastal wind and firm, fast conditions. They pack for parkland golf and struggle on links. Another error is booking too late for private clubs like Tara Iti, which require lodge stays months in advance. Plan your itinerary around course clusters to maximize time and minimize travel.

FAQ

How far in advance should I book tee times for these top courses?

Most elite clubs like Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath open bookings 3–6 months ahead for visitors, though some allow up to a year. For high-demand dates (November–March), booking as soon as slots release is wise; off-peak months may have more flexibility.

What’s the typical cost range for a round at these courses?

Green fees vary widely, from roughly AU$165 at Barnbougle Dunes to around AU$900 at Cape Kidnappers or Kauri Cliffs. Mid-range options like Kingston Heath or The National typically fall between AU$250 and AU$500 per round.

Do I need a handicap or membership to play these courses?

Many top-tier clubs require a valid handicap (often under 27 for men, under 36 for women) and a letter of introduction from your home club. Public-access courses like Barnbougle Dunes or Lost Farm have no such requirements.

What’s the best time of year to golf in Australia and New Zealand?

The prime season runs from October through April, offering warm weather and firm fairways. Summer (December–February) can be hot in Australia but is ideal in New Zealand; winter (June–August) brings rain and course closures in some regions.

Are caddies available, and do I need one?

Caddies are available at most elite clubs (e.g., Royal Melbourne, Cape Kidnappers) but must be pre-booked and cost roughly AU$80–$150 per bag. They’re not mandatory but greatly enhance the experience, especially on unfamiliar layouts.

Can I combine multiple courses on a single trip?

Absolutely. Melbourne’s Sandbelt region has several world-class courses within 30 minutes, and Tasmania’s Barnbougle and Lost Farm are a 10-minute drive apart. In New Zealand, the Northland and Queenstown regions also offer clusters for multi-course itineraries.

What is the hardest golf course on this list?

Cape Kidnappers is notoriously difficult due to its clifftop exposure and strong winds, with the par-5 15th 'Pirate's Plank' playing straight toward a 450-foot drop. Tara Iti and Ellerston also present stern tests with firm, fast conditions and strategic bunkering, but Cape Kidnappers' wind makes it the most punishing.

Which course offers the best scenery?

Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand offers the most dramatic scenery, with holes perched above 450-foot ocean cliffs and views of the Pacific. Cape Wickham on King Island also provides stunning clifftop views on nearly every hole, but Cape Kidnappers' combination of elevation and ocean is unmatched.

Are there any public golf courses on this list?

Yes, Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm in Tasmania are public-access, as is Cape Wickham on King Island. Paraparaumu Beach in New Zealand is also open to visitors without membership. These offer world-class golf without the exclusivity of private clubs like Tara Iti or Ellerston.

Sources

flowchart TD S["The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia "] S --> N0["1. Royal Melbourne West Course"] N0 --> N1["2. Cape Kidnappers"] N1 --> N2["3. Kingston Heath"] N2 --> N3["4. Tara Iti"]

flowchart LR C["The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia "] C --> H0["9. Paraparaumu Beach"] C --> H1["10. Cape Wickham Links"] C --> H2["How we ranked these"] C --> H3["What to look for"]

Related on PULSE

[More golf courses in australia and new zealand to play rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
[PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
[Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

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## Direct Answer

The 10 best golf courses in australia and new zealand to play are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

## 1. Royal Melbourne West Course

![The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 1](/assets/qa/cl0017-b1.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart TD
  S["The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia "]
  S --> N0["1. Royal Melbourne West Course"]
  N0 --> N1["2. Cape Kidnappers"]
  N1 --> N2["3. Kingston Heath"]
  N2 --> N3["4. Tara Iti"]
```


Royal Melbourne West ranks first as Australia's greatest course and a consistent world top-10, the crown jewel of the Sandbelt. Alister MacKenzie's 1926 design delivers firm, fast turf, bold contouring, and strategically brilliant bunkering, with visitor green fees around AU$500 for 2027. The famous par-4 6th doglegs around a sandy waste, and the sloping greens demand precise approach angles. It hosted the 2011 Presidents Cup, cementing its championship pedigree.

This is for the serious golfer seeking the definitive Sandbelt experience and willing to pay a premium. It trades away easy accessibility, as visitor tee times are typically arranged on weekdays through the club or specialist operators. Compared to Kingston Heath below, Royal Melbourne offers a grander, more strategic MacKenzie layout, while Kingston Heath counters with arguably finer bunkering and a more compact, intimate feel. Pairing both makes Melbourne the richest golf destination in the Southern Hemisphere.


## 2. Cape Kidnappers

![The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 2](/assets/qa/cl0017-b2.jpg)


```mermaid
flowchart LR
  C["The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia "]
  C --> H0["9. Paraparaumu Beach"]
  C --> H1["10. Cape Wickham Links"]
  C --> H2["How we ranked these"]
  C --> H3["What to look for"]
```


Cape Kidnappers ranks second for its jaw-dropping clifftop setting, a Tom Doak design perched above 450-foot ocean cliffs on New Zealand's North Island. The par-5 15th, "Pirate's Plank," runs straight toward the cliff edge, delivering unmatched drama. Visitor green fees run about NZ$650 for 2027, and the course is regularly ranked among the world's top 50. The luxury Robertson Lodge on property enhances the multi-day destination appeal.

This is for the golfer seeking spectacular scenery alongside world-class design, and who enjoys a luxury resort experience. It trades away the pure, inland strategic test of Royal Melbourne for raw, coastal adrenaline. Compared to Tara Iti below, Cape Kidnappers is more accessible and slightly less expensive, while Tara Iti offers a purer, more minimalist links experience. The surrounding Hawke's Bay wine region adds a compelling off-course dimension that few others match.

## 3. Kingston Heath

![The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 3](/assets/qa/cl0017-b3.jpg)


Kingston Heath ranks third for its peerless bunkering, widely considered the best in Australia, shaped by Alister MacKenzie. This Melbourne Sandbelt gem is frequently rated the country's #2 course, with immaculate conditioning and visitor fees around AU$330 for 2027. A regular host of the Australian Masters, it packs world-class golf onto a relatively compact site. The short par-3 15th is a celebrated Sandbelt classic.


This is for the golfer who values strategic bunkering and precise iron play above sheer length or spectacle. It trades away the grand scale of Royal Melbourne for a tighter, more exacting test. Compared to Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath offers a more accessible price point and a more intimate atmosphere, while delivering a comparable strategic challenge. Its location within the Sandbelt cluster makes it an essential pairing with Royal Melbourne for any serious golf trip.

## 4. Tara Iti

![The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 4](/assets/qa/cl0017-b4.jpg)


Tara Iti ranks fourth for its world-elite design and exclusivity, ranked the #1 course in New Zealand and among the world's top 10 modern courses. Tom Doak's minimalist links on the Mangawhai coast features firm fescue turf and pure walking terrain. Access is limited to lodge guests, with effective green fees around NZ$900 for 2027. It is the highest-rated course in the Southern Hemisphere.


This is for the affluent golfer seeking the ultimate exclusive links experience and willing to plan a stay-and-play visit. It trades away accessibility and value for pure, unadulterated design quality. Compared to Cape Kidnappers, Tara Iti offers a more minimalist and natural test, while Cape Kidnappers provides more dramatic clifftop scenery. The high cost and private nature make it a once-in-a-lifetime splurge for most, but the quality justifies its premium position.

## 5. Barnbougle Dunes

![The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 5](/assets/qa/cl0017-b5.jpg)


Barnbougle Dunes ranks fifth for delivering genuine world-class links golf at bargain pricing, earning the Best Value badge decisively. Tom Doak and Mike Clayton's design on Tasmania's remote northeast coast plays along Bass Strait dunes, with fees around AU$165 for 2027. It is a world-top-50 links that tumbles through marram-grass dunes with the sea ever-present. The firm, fast, walkable layout is a pure links experience.


This is for the value-conscious golfer who wants a top-tier links experience without the marquee price tag. It trades away the prestige and convenience of Melbourne's Sandbelt for a remote, unspoiled setting. Compared to Tara Iti, Barnbougle offers a fraction of the cost and a more rugged, natural feel, though it lacks the same level of manicured perfection. Its sister course, Lost Farm, and the Bougle Run short course make it a complete multi-day destination.

## 6. New South Wales Golf Club

![The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 6](/assets/qa/cl0017-b6.jpg)


New South Wales Golf Club ranks sixth for its MacKenzie pedigree and one of the most scenic seaside settings in Australian golf. The Alister MacKenzie design overlooks Botany Bay at La Perouse in Sydney, with visitor fees around AU$350 for 2027. The clifftop par-5 5th and par-3 6th play right along the Pacific, with Captain Cook's landing site visible. Exposed to coastal wind, it offers a dramatic, links-like test near a major city.


This is for the golfer seeking a world-class course within easy reach of Sydney's urban amenities. It trades away the pure links terrain of Barnbougle for a rocky headland setting with spectacular ocean views. Compared to Barnbougle, NSW offers greater convenience and a more dramatic clifftop experience, though at a higher price. The constant coastal wind adds a challenging variable that rewards creative shot-making and makes it a memorable test.

## 7. The National Golf Club

![The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 7](/assets/qa/cl0017-b7.jpg)


The National Golf Club ranks seventh for its breadth of high-quality courses, offering Australia's largest golf complex with four 18-hole layouts. Located on the Mornington Peninsula southeast of Melbourne, it includes the acclaimed Moonah course by Greg Norman and the Old course, set among coastal dunes. Visitor green fees run about AU$250 for 2027. The rolling, sandy terrain along Bass Strait gives a links-like firmness with dramatic elevation changes.

This is for the golfer seeking variety and a multi-day golf destination near Melbourne. It trades away the single-course prestige of NSW Golf Club for the flexibility of multiple layouts. Compared to NSW, The National offers better value and more replay options, though it lacks the iconic MacKenzie pedigree. The Moonah course is regularly ranked among Australia's top 20, making it a strong choice for those wanting to experience several distinct designs in one visit.


## 8. Ellerston

![The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 8](/assets/qa/cl0017-b8.jpg)


Ellerston ranks eighth for its world-class Greg Norman design and its mystique as one of the most exclusive courses in Australia. Built on Kerry Packer's private estate in the Hunter Valley, it is regularly ranked among the country's top five courses. Access is invitation-only, with effective green fees around AU$600 for 2027 via approved access. The course winds through a dramatic mountain valley with a river and bushland, offering a stunning parkland test.

This is for the well-connected golfer who values exclusivity and a unique, private experience above all else. It trades away the coastal drama of Cape Kidnappers for a secluded mountain valley setting. Compared to The National, Ellerston offers a more exclusive and memorable experience, but with significantly more difficulty in securing a tee time. The Norman design is demanding and visually striking, making it a bucket-list course for those fortunate enough to gain access.


## 9. Paraparaumu Beach

![The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 9](/assets/qa/cl0017-b9.jpg)


Paraparaumu Beach ranks ninth for its classic links design and championship history, being New Zealand's finest traditional links. Designed by Alex Russell, MacKenzie's partner, it hosted the New Zealand Open numerous times and welcomed a young Tiger Woods in 2002. Visitor green fees run about NZ$180 for 2027, offering excellent value. The firm, fast, dune-laced links by the Tasman Sea is a stern, characterful test.

This is for the traditionalist golfer who appreciates classic links architecture and a rich history. It trades away the modern, dramatic settings of Cape Kidnappers for a more understated, authentic links experience. Compared to Ellerston, Paraparaumu offers far greater accessibility and value, though it lacks the exclusivity and modern design flair. Its proximity to Wellington makes it an easy addition to a North Island itinerary, providing a genuine taste of old-school links golf.


## 10. Cape Wickham Links

![The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027 — figure 10](/assets/qa/cl0017-b10.jpg)


Cape Wickham Links ranks tenth as one of the most spectacular and acclaimed coastal courses in the Southern Hemisphere. Mike DeVries' clifftop links on King Island offers ocean views on nearly every hole, with the 18th running along a curving beach beneath cliffs. Visitor green fees run about AU$200 for 2027, and it is ranked among Australia's best modern courses. Exposed to fierce Bass Strait wind, it offers dramatic dune-and-cliff terrain.

This is for the adventurous golfer willing to travel to a remote island for a unique and unspoiled links experience. It trades away the convenience of mainland courses for a truly isolated setting that adds to the adventure. Compared to Paraparaumu, Cape Wickham offers a more dramatic and modern design, though it requires a regional flight and more planning.


## How we ranked these

We measured design pedigree, conditioning, scenery, and world standing, weighting design pedigree most heavily. Green fees for 2027 were verified from official club sources and major golf publications. Courses were ranked on a composite score of these factors, with value and accessibility considered as secondary criteria.

We deliberately ignored personal preference, brand reputation, and historical significance not tied to current quality. We did not factor in celebrity endorsements, non-golf amenities, or course length. We excluded courses that are not currently operating or are under renovation, ensuring every ranked course is playable in 2027.

## What to look for

When choosing between these, prioritize the style of golf you prefer: Sandbelt parklands (Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath) vs. coastal links (Barnbougle, Cape Kidnappers). Match your budget to the experience—Tara Iti and Ellerston are exclusive splurges, while Barnbougle and Paraparaumu offer world-class value. Consider travel logistics: remote links require flights and drives, while Melbourne's Sandbelt is a dense cluster.


The mistake most buyers make is underestimating coastal wind and firm, fast conditions. They pack for parkland golf and struggle on links. Another error is booking too late for private clubs like Tara Iti, which require lodge stays months in advance. Plan your itinerary around course clusters to maximize time and minimize travel.

## Related questions

### What are the best golf courses in Australia's Sandbelt region?

The Sandbelt near Melbourne is Australia's richest golf cluster, featuring Royal Melbourne (West), Kingston Heath, and The National's Moonah course. These sand-based layouts offer firm, fast conditions and strategic bunkering, all within a 30-minute radius, making it the densest elite-golf destination in the Southern Hemisphere.

### How do New Zealand's clifftop courses compare to Australia's links?

New Zealand's clifftop courses like Cape Kidnappers and Tara Iti offer dramatic ocean views and modern designs by Tom Doak, while Australia's links such as Barnbougle and Cape Wickham are more traditional, dune-based layouts. Both provide world-class golf, but New Zealand's settings are more spectacular, while Australia's are often more affordable.

### What is the best value golf course in Australia?

Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania is the best value, with green fees around AU$165 for a world-top-50 links. Designed by Tom Doak and Mike Clayton, it offers firm, fast, walkable golf along Bass Strait dunes, comparable to courses charging three times as much, making it an unmissable bargain.

### Which Australian golf courses are most exclusive and hard to access?

Ellerston in the Hunter Valley is invitation-only, built on Kerry Packer's estate, with fees around AU$600. Tara Iti in New Zealand is also highly exclusive, accessible mainly to lodge guests at NZ$900. Both require planning months ahead and often a letter of introduction or a stay at their associated lodges.

### What are the top golf courses near Sydney?

The New South Wales Golf Club at La Perouse is the standout, a MacKenzie design overlooking Botany Bay with clifftop holes and ocean views. Green fees are around AU$350. It's a links-like test exposed to coastal wind, offering a dramatic and scenic round within easy reach of the city.

### How does Cape Wickham Links compare to Barnbougle Dunes?

Cape Wickham on King Island is a Mike DeVries clifftop links with ocean views on nearly every hole, ranked among Australia's best modern courses, at AU$200. Barnbougle Dunes is a more traditional dune links at AU$165. Both offer remote, windswept golf, but Cape Wickham's setting is more spectacular, while Barnbougle is slightly cheaper and more accessible.

### What is the best time of year to play golf in New Zealand?

The prime season is October through April, with warm weather and firm fairways. Summer (December-February) is ideal, especially on the North Island. Winter (June-August) brings rain and some course closures, so avoid those months for a reliable golf trip, though northern regions can still be playable.

## FAQ

**How far in advance should I book tee times for these top courses?**

Most elite clubs like Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath open bookings 3–6 months ahead for visitors, though some allow up to a year. For high-demand dates (November–March), booking as soon as slots release is wise; off-peak months may have more flexibility.

**What’s the typical cost range for a round at these courses?**

Green fees vary widely, from roughly AU$165 at Barnbougle Dunes to around AU$900 at Cape Kidnappers or Kauri Cliffs. Mid-range options like Kingston Heath or The National typically fall between AU$250 and AU$500 per round.

**Do I need a handicap or membership to play these courses?**

Many top-tier clubs require a valid handicap (often under 27 for men, under 36 for women) and a letter of introduction from your home club. Public-access courses like Barnbougle Dunes or Lost Farm have no such requirements.

**What’s the best time of year to golf in Australia and New Zealand?**

The prime season runs from October through April, offering warm weather and firm fairways. Summer (December–February) can be hot in Australia but is ideal in New Zealand; winter (June–August) brings rain and course closures in some regions.

**Are caddies available, and do I need one?**

Caddies are available at most elite clubs (e.g., Royal Melbourne, Cape Kidnappers) but must be pre-booked and cost roughly AU$80–$150 per bag. They’re not mandatory but greatly enhance the experience, especially on unfamiliar layouts.

**Can I combine multiple courses on a single trip?**

Absolutely. Melbourne’s Sandbelt region has several world-class courses within 30 minutes, and Tasmania’s Barnbougle and Lost Farm are a 10-minute drive apart. In New Zealand, the Northland and Queenstown regions also offer clusters for multi-course itineraries.

**What is the hardest golf course on this list?**

Cape Kidnappers is notoriously difficult due to its clifftop exposure and strong winds, with the par-5 15th 'Pirate's Plank' playing straight toward a 450-foot drop. Tara Iti and Ellerston also present stern tests with firm, fast conditions and strategic bunkering, but Cape Kidnappers' wind makes it the most punishing.

**Which course offers the best scenery?**

Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand offers the most dramatic scenery, with holes perched above 450-foot ocean cliffs and views of the Pacific. Cape Wickham on King Island also provides stunning clifftop views on nearly every hole, but Cape Kidnappers' combination of elevation and ocean is unmatched.

**Are there any public golf courses on this list?**

Yes, Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm in Tasmania are public-access, as is Cape Wickham on King Island. Paraparaumu Beach in New Zealand is also open to visitors without membership. These offer world-class golf without the exclusivity of private clubs like Tara Iti or Ellerston.

## Sources

- https://www.royalmelbourne.com.au/
- https://www.kingstonheath.melbourne/
- https://www.doakgolf.com/tara-iti-gcmangawhai-new-zealand/
- https://www.doakgolf.com/barnbougle-dunes-gl-bridport-tasmania-australia/
- https://nationalgolf.com.au/
- https://www.top100golfcourses.com/
- https://www.golfdigest.com/
- https://www.golfaustralia.com.au/

## Related on PULSE

- [More golf courses in australia and new zealand to play rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
- [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
- [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

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Kory White

The 10 Best Golf Courses in Australia and New Zealand to Play in 2027

1. Royal Melbourne West Course

2. Cape Kidnappers

3. Kingston Heath

4. Tara Iti

5. Barnbougle Dunes

6. New South Wales Golf Club

7. The National Golf Club

8. Ellerston

9. Paraparaumu Beach

10. Cape Wickham Links

How we ranked these

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