Hammer Springs golf course 
Tricky par 3, Hanmer. 
Russley golf course, Christchurch 
Clearwater, Christchurch 
Otago golf club, Balmacewen, Dunedin. 
Balmacewen. NZ’s oldest golf course. 
Balmacewen. Pristine fairways. 
North Otago golf club, Oamaru. 
Terrace Downs golf course, near Rakaia gorge. 
Terrace Downs .. windy! 
Views of the Southern alps. 
Motueka golf course. 
Motueka .. great day. 
Hanmer Springs. Cold and clear.
With our sons living in the South Island, October seemed the ideal month to visit, and play some golf.
After a night in Wellington, we caught the ferry across to Picton. From there we drove to the picturesque North Canterbury town of Hanmer Springs. We played the local golf course, which was short and tight. It was very well maintained, and a good test of golf.
From Hanmer, it was south to Christchurch, via a Waipara winery!
Our son Scott lives in Christchurch, and it was nice to catch up with him and his girlfriend Eva, over dinner.
The next day we took advantage of our Hamilton golf club reciprocal rights, and played the Russley golf course. Situated near the airport, it is flat, but quite long and in excellent order. Recommended!
When booking our trip, we had decided to treat ourselves to a couple of nights at the Clearwater Resort, and play their golf course. Scott took a day of work and joined us. The first nine was almost links like, whereas the second nine followed its way around a lake. Superb course.
Leaving Christchurch, we motored to the “Edinburgh of the South”, Dunedin. One of our favourite NZ cities, it has lovely established old buildings, with surrounding hills and a harbour. A classic student town, those who venture to Dunedin for their studies, embrace the lifestyle.
They also have a number of excellent golf courses. We thought we would try the Otago Golf Club, at Balmacewen. Close to the city amongst the hills, it is one of NZ’s oldest golf clubs.
A beautiful course, in superb condition with some great views. It was certainly good exercise as lots of up and down, with a tow rope providing assistance from the end of one hole to the next.
After spending the evening with son Andrew and his girlfriend Olivia, we headed north to Oamaru.
We had one night scheduled in Oamaru, and decided to play the North Otago Golf Club course, just out of town, near the coast. Another picturesque and hilly course, with the bonus of a number of holes following the coast.
Our next destination was Terrace Downs, near the Rakaia Gorge and at the base of the Southern Alps. We had a “play and stay” package. Upon our arrival we enquired as to whether we should play that afternoon, or the next morning?We were told to go now, as the wind was picking up, and the next day may well force a course closure.
So we quickly changed, loaded our clubs onto the cart, and away we went.
The course is beautifully manicured, and quite stunning with the backdrop of the Southern Alps. However, the wind gathered force as our round progressed, and by the end was extremely forceful!
Our accommodation, in a 2 bedroom townhouse was very comfortable, with amazing views. We dined that evening in the Terrace Downs restaurant. Very nice.
We enjoyed our golf and stay, but can see that the strong winds are a problem, and have perhaps stalled the success of the resort somewhat?
We motored to Christchurch for an overnight stay, then it was on to Carters Beach, Westport.
We decided to go via the scenic Arthur’s Pass. Leaving Christchurch it was 21 degrees. When we stopped in Arthur’s Pass for a coffee, it was 4 degrees and sleeting.
The trip was very scenic and well worth it, as was the coastal journey from Greymouth to Westport. We made the compulsory stop and visit at Punakaiki, to check out the pancake rocks and blowholes. Excellent!
We reached our destination in Westport, the Carters Beach Apartments. Great location, opposite the beach and next to a bar and restaurant.
We decided to explore the Cape Foulwind walk, which takes you out past the lighthouse, along the top of the Cape and ultimately to a seal colony. Great walk, make all the more interesting with a very strong wind.
Dined that evening at the restaurant next door. Very nice.
The plan the next day was to play golf at the course at Carters Beach, which was near the airport. However it was wet and windy, so abandoned that idea. Explored around Westport, and drove up to the old coal mining township of Denniston. The weather detracted from the view, but an interesting place nonetheless.
We left Westport and headed to our final South Island destination, Mapua, near Nelson. Our friends Cameron and Maria live in nearby Tasman village, so looking forward to seeing them.
After a pleasant evening with our friends, they suggested we should play the Motueka golf course. They weren’t golfers themselves, but had heard good reports. So we did, and it was excellent. Friendly locals, in great condition with an interesting layout and well established. A fitting end to the golfing part of the trip.
And with that, it was time to make our way back home to Hamilton. A very successful tour, and a reminder that golf fans who live in or visit NZ, are indeed spoilt for choice.