Top 5 Golf Courses In Canterbury

Harewood Golf Club poses invigorating challenges for golfers of all ages and skill levels, with a choice of Black, Blue, White, Yellow and Purple tees to suit all abilities. The Club boasts some of the best practice facilities in the South Island with a 23-bay covered driving range, large grass teeing areas and a fantastic short game practice area and putting green.

The Harewood Golf Club was originally formed in 1923 by a keen group of golfers who leased land from the Waimakariri River Trust and much of the work constructing the original 18-hole course was undertaken by members. The economic crisis of the 1930's severely impacted the Club and its members, and the Club was forced to close. In 1956, one of the Club's founding members called a meeting to ascertain interest in re-establishing the Club. With much enthusiasm and a primarily younger dynamic, Harewood was once again part of the Canterbury golfing landscape.

Conveniently located just minutes from Christchurch’s city centre and within close proximity to the airport, Harewood holds a fond place in the memory of everyone who plays here. The spacious Clubhouse offers a relaxing atmosphere to unwind with your playing partners whilst you enjoy bar and catering facilities 7 days a week.

Pegasus Golf & Sports Club is just 25 minutes north of Christchurch and close to the centre of Pegasus town. Renowned for one of the best golf courses in New Zealand, Pegasus Golf & Sports Club is set against a diverse and breathtaking landscape of mountains, water features and the natural wetlands of Pegasus Bay.

Its careful design includes impeccable fairways, manicured greens, stunning water features, maturing trees, natural wetlands and views of the mountain ranges from every shot. With four sets of tees at each hole, playing from 5000m from the forward tees to 6300m from the championship tees, golfers of every level will enjoy an excellent challenge and a game to remember. This club course will host the Jennian Homes Charles Tour – the only South Island event in the calendar.

As well as a magnificent 18 hole championship course it features a range of excellent facilities including a driving range, practice greens, pro shop, tennis courts, and a well-equipped gymnasium.

The Christchurch Golf Club has a proud history dating back to 1873. The club is the second oldest in New Zealand and one of the oldest outside the United Kingdom and hosted numerous New Zealand Open and amateur men’s and women’s championships, including the 1990 World Eisenhower Amateur teams tournament.

The original course was at Hagley Park before moving to Russley GC before finally settling at the current Shirley location in 1900. The first nine greens were laid out for a cost of just six pounds and were ready for play on July 23 1900. The Club gradually acquired more land and the course was expanded to 18 holes by 1910. The first Clubhouse was built in 1903.

Recent improvements include the construction of a new, architecturally designed Clubhouse following the February 2011 Earthquake. An upgrade of the course was carried out under the supervision of the renowned course architect, Peter Thomson. Conveniently situated only 20 minutes from the airport and in close proximity to the central city, the club is renowned worldwide as a challenging championship course of the highest quality, offering a fair test of golf to both the club or professional golfer.

Just 50 minutes from Christchurch International Airport and boasting New Zealand’s only high country golf course, Terrace Downs offers an ideal ‘getting away from it all’ destination close to Mt Hutt Skifield and Methven.

A sheep and cattle station until 1990, professional golfer Shinnosuke Saito won the land at auction. Strategically chosen for its rural tranquillity and magnificent scenery, its nearness to top tourist attractions and its proximity to Christchurch, the location borders unspoilt High Country offering fantastic hunting, fishing, bush walks, eco retreats and unique native fauna.

Nestled in the shadow of the picturesque Southern Alps, Fable Terrace Downs offers golfers the opportunity to play a unique high country 18-hole championship golf course. The spectacular views pose a constant challenge for players to keep their eye on the ball!

Terrace Downs’ breath-taking, 6440-metre long, par 72 course has been designed to take full advantage of the dramatic terrain and at every tee, you are afforded new and captivating vistas of the majestic mountains, river terraces and braided channels of the Rakaia River. Whether you can swing a club like a pro or are playing for the first time, the course at Terrace Downs will captivate and enchant you.

Clearwater Golf Club provides first-class golfing facilities to members, guests and visitors year-round. The 6 tee options (five par 72 layouts and one par 60) means that everyone can enjoy the manicured fairways and pristine native surroundings throughout the year.

With its glistening spring-fed lakes, Clearwater lives up to its name, providing a lush oasis close to the city that offers a golfing escape and a change of pace that few destinations can match. Originally conceived as part of the wider Waimakariri Regional Park connecting The Groynes, Coutts Island, Templars Island and McLeans Island, the course was completed in March 2002.

Described as a “Florida Links” style course where there are very few trees on the course but plentiful water and the impact of the wind is a significant variable, Clearwater Golf Club has superb practice facilities with a grass driving range exceeding 400 metres in length, 2 practice putting greens and a practice bunker and chipping area.