Golf in Oceania
Welcome to Golf in Oceania — where the fairways meet the Southern Hemisphere skies, and every round comes with a story to tell.
When we boarded flight NZ246 and crossed the equator into the Southern Hemisphere, we may not have encountered King Neptune in all his trident-bearing glory, but we were thrilled to begin a new chapter of our golfabond journey. According to the R&A’s Golf Around the World report, Oceania is home to 2,109 golf courses, and 96% of those are found in New Zealand and Australia.
With that in mind, we set off to explore Golf in Oceania, beginning with three unforgettable months in New Zealand, followed by more than two years of campervan-based adventures playing Golf in Australia.
🇳🇿 Golf in New Zealand
A land of rugged beauty, glacier-carved landscapes, windswept links, and some of the most welcoming people we’ve ever met — Golf in New Zealand was everything we had hoped for and more.
Traveling from the Northland to the southernmost tip of the South Island, we played our way across the country, seeking out honesty box courses and ticking off all 9 of New Zealand’s True Links Golf Courses. From bucket-list legends like Cape Kidnappers to hidden gems like Paraparaumu Beach, New Zealand quickly earned a place in our hearts (and our golf-loving souls).
Read more about our Golf in New Zealand adventures
🇦🇺 Golf in Australia
After nearly 35 years of dreaming about playing Golf in Australia, we finally made it — landing in Melbourne with golf bags on our backs and a one-way ticket in hand.
We bought a campervan, loaded up on maps and snacks, and hit the open road. What we thought would be a one-year adventure quickly turned into more than two years, as we explored this vast country during a time when the world was standing still. From the legendary Sandbelt courses of Victoria to the windswept coastlines of Tasmania, Golf in Australia more than lived up to the dream.
Check out the full story on our Golf in Australia page.
Slow Travel & Sightseeing in Oceania
If you’re curious about our full adventures in this stunning part of the world, head over to our Slow Travel Oceania page, where we dive into the beauty, culture, and people that make this region so memorable, both on and off the golf course.
Golf in Oceania: Everything You Need to Know
Where Is Oceania?
Oceania is a vast region in the Southern Hemisphere made up of thousands of islands scattered across the Pacific Ocean. It includes countries like New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and smaller island nations such as Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. For golfing purposes, the vast majority of playable courses are located in New Zealand and Australia, which together account for 96% of all golf courses in the region.
How Do You Get to Oceania?
For most travelers, the journey to Oceania starts with a long-haul flight:
- From Europe: Expect one or two stopovers (often via Asia or the Middle East). Flights from London or Frankfurt to Sydney or Auckland usually take between 24 and 30 hours.
- From North America: Direct flights to Australia and New Zealand are available from major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Dallas. Flight times range from 13 to 17 hours.
- From Asia: Oceania is easily accessible from hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo, with flights to both Australia and New Zealand taking between 7 and 11 hours.
Once there, internal travel by campervan or domestic flights is the best way to explore the region — especially for golfers chasing courses across long distances.
When Is the Best Time to Play Golf in Oceania?
The best months to play golf in Oceania depend on where you’re going:
New Zealand: Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) offer ideal conditions — fewer crowds, mild weather, and drier fairways.
Australia: Spring and autumn are also prime, especially in southern regions like Melbourne or Tasmania. For tropical Queensland, the dry season (May–October) is best for avoiding heat and humidity.
What Are the Best Golf Courses in Oceania?
Oceania is home to some of the most breathtaking golf courses in the world. Whether you’re chasing links-style layouts or world-class resort experiences, here are a few must-plays:
🇦🇺 Royal Melbourne Golf Club – An icon of the Sandbelt and a frequent host of international championships.
🇳🇿 Tara Iti Golf Club – Consistently ranked among the top courses globally, this ultra-private coastal links is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
🇳🇿 Cape Kidnappers – A dramatic cliffside course that feels like playing golf on the edge of the world.
🇳🇿 Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club – The spiritual home of Kiwi golf, rich in history and pure links magic.
🇦🇺 Barnbougle Dunes – A remote Tasmanian gem that brings Scottish links vibes to the Southern Hemisphere.
How Much Does Golf Cost in Oceania?
Prices vary widely depending on the course:
Public courses: Expect to pay between $25–$60 NZD/AUD for 18 holes, often with an honesty box system in smaller towns.
Premium resort or championship courses: Green fees can range from $150–$600 NZD/AUD, with some luxury clubs including carts and practice facilities.
Caddie and cart fees: Caddies are uncommon, except at top-tier private clubs. Golf carts are often available, but not always mandatory.
Pro tip: Weekday rates are usually cheaper, and twilight or early-bird specials can offer big savings.
Is Golf in Oceania Accessible for Travelers?
Absolutely! Golf in Oceania is surprisingly accessible, especially for slow travelers or those exploring by campervan. Many courses are walkable and welcome visitors with open arms, often without requiring a tee time at all.
Outside of elite private clubs, it’s usually easy to show up, pay your green fee, and get out on the course. It’s one of the reasons we love golfing here so much!
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