Cape Kidnappers

I played Cape Kidnappers at Easter which was great. I was a bit nervous about the weather especially given Cyclone Cook came through on Thursday night here is some of the damage done in the area

https://www.youtube.com/embed/ukGPJipEpTc

Although there were heaps of trees damaged on the road up there were no obvious effects at the golf course and the morning I played was lovely and very calm, about 1/2 to 3/4 of a club wind.

The course was in immaculate condition and the greens absolutely true and fast. That said the greens are very much influenced by the slope and on a couple of long putts I left them way short because I wasn't expecting the slope to be such an influence.

I played off the white tees.and found the course very playable and not as long as I expected. I was surprised that there are basically no trees although scrub in gulleys and off the fairway. The fairways are generous although if you miss them good luck finding your ball in the fescue. I struggled on some holes to get a line off the tee and lost 2 balls after hitting what I thought were good drives on the line I wanted. I really appreciated the large number of yardage markers with distances in metres and yards to the middle of the green.

Favourite holes would be 3 (par 3 - 155 yards), 6 (par 3 - 212 yards), 10 (par 4 - 435 yards) and 15 (par 5 - 600 yards) You can see the yardage book which has photos at http://www.capekidna...ayout-yards.pdf

First Tee

Hole 3

Hole 6

Hole 15

From 15th Green

From 16th Tee

From 16th Tee

Hole 16

17th Green

Wow, looks like you had a good day!

I played it last March. I didn't really think that much of it to be honest and I played it on a windless day. It beat me up so that may have influenced my view! Imo Kauri Cliffs is far superior. Out of the NZ resort courses I've played I'd rank Kidnappers last. It's an amazing location but just way too hard for anyone but pros (I'm an 11hcp and played off the white tees, shot 93).

For me Kauri Cliffs and Jack's point are at the top two. Have you played them?

Wow, looks like you had a good day!

 

I played it last March. I didn't really think that much of it to be honest and I played it on a windless day. It beat me up so that may have influenced my view! Imo Kauri Cliffs is far superior. Out of the NZ resort courses I've played I'd rank Kidnappers last. It's an amazing location but just way too hard for anyone but pros (I'm an 11hcp and played off the white tees, shot 93).

 

For me Kauri Cliffs and Jack's point are at the top two. Have you played them?

I am pleased to have played it but wouldn't again unless it was free. I shot 78 with 3 x 3 putts and 2 lost balls, (right off 12 and 18 where I think it was probably up further than I was looking)

Haven't played either of those but plan to play Jacks Point in February and then Kinloch and Wairakei next Easter.

I played Mlllbrook years ago and it was ok. I really rate Terrace Downs and enjoyed Clearwater.

Yeah I am pretty sure the cost of admission clouded my view of the place. If I had of paid $100 I'd have probably raved about it.

Definately give Millbrook another go if you are down in Queenstown. I reckon it is the fairest of the resort courses with coronet 9 being pretty cool. Yeah I liked Terrace Downs too, just don't get it on a windy day. Also if you're in Queenstown go and give Arrowtown a hit, one of the best courses down here I reckon, very challenging.

It is a brute of a course. We often play the front 9 twice as the back 9 is a brute. Stop by at Hastings Golf Club next time, you'll enjoy it more for 1/5th the price!

It is a brute of a course. We often play the front 9 twice as the back 9 is a brute. Stop by at Hastings Golf Club next time, you'll enjoy it more for 1/5th the price!

Thanks for the offer, not sure when I am next there though. Played Bridge Pa about 32 years ago in what was then The Leopard U23 tournament. Top course!

Just throwing a few questions out...as it looks like I may have the opportunity to be in NZ early next year (Feb/Mar). For work - both Auckland & Wellington. Last time in NZ was 1993(!) - and I recall playing 2 local/muni type courses near Auckland but don't recall which. Was on much more of a budget back then, but had brought my clubs since I was flying back via Hawaii!

So I just did a quick Google of places - I'd heard of Kauri & Cape Kid, of course.

And figuring they are world ranked courses, in my mind I kinda was figuring $200-250 (US) => similar to what I payed for St Andrews last summer (320 gbp for 2 rounds - 1 ea on the Old & New, which comes out to ~$220 each).....wow, was I shocked to see that $518+ GST NZ price tag = close to $400 US...wow

Not only that - to stay at the resorts (Kauri or CK) is also big $$$$.

At least Paraparaumu seems more reasonable.

Ok, questions:

1. If I do take a drive around the North Island (I'll be with my gf, but she doesn't play) - are there recommended places to stay near the courses, without staying at the actual resorts? They both seem fairly remote? Can you still get a tee-time?

2. Any other recommendations? - I'll probably have ~5 days for golf - assume driving out of AKL. I see I can play Para pretty easily out of Wellington. The others require more planning.

3. If a foreigner plays with a NZ res - can the for then play for the local rate? Or will they ask about each person, and charge accordingly?

Appreciate any of thoughts/ideas from anyone who is local, or has traveled to NZ previously.

This is probably a "last time" opportunity to go to NZ - so I do want to take advantage.

Just throwing a few questions out...as it looks like I may have the opportunity to be in NZ early next year (Feb/Mar). For work - both Auckland & Wellington. Last time in NZ was 1993(!) - and I recall playing 2 local/muni type courses near Auckland but don't recall which. Was on much more of a budget back then, but had brought my clubs since I was flying back via Hawaii!

 

So I just did a quick Google of places - I'd heard of Kauri & Cape Kid, of course.

And figuring they are world ranked courses, in my mind I kinda was figuring $200-250 (US) => similar to what I payed for St Andrews last summer (320 gbp for 2 rounds - 1 ea on the Old & New, which comes out to ~$220 each).....wow, was I shocked to see that $518+ GST NZ price tag = close to $400 US...wow

 

Not only that - to stay at the resorts (Kauri or CK) is also big $$$$.

 

At least Paraparaumu seems more reasonable.

 

Ok, questions:

 

1. If I do take a drive around the North Island (I'll be with my gf, but she doesn't play) - are there recommended places to stay near the courses, without staying at the actual resorts? They both seem fairly remote? Can you still get a tee-time?

 

2. Any other recommendations? - I'll probably have ~5 days for golf - assume driving out of AKL. I see I can play Para pretty easily out of Wellington. The others require more planning.

 

3. If a foreigner plays with a NZ res - can the for then play for the local rate? Or will they ask about each person, and charge accordingly?

 

Appreciate any of thoughts/ideas from anyone who is local, or has traveled to NZ previously.

This is probably a "last time" opportunity to go to NZ - so I do want to take advantage.

I can help hopefully:

1) Kerikeri is a small town you can stay at near Kauri Cliffs. Should be a range of options available there. I know we stayed there for a weekend when we played and the drive wasn't far.

Havelock North is the best place to stay for Cape Kidnappers. Again, a small village with a range of accommodation options. Let me know a budget and I can suggest. Good wine and dining in the area too!

2) The Kinloch Club is the best course in the country in my opinion. If you play Cape, stay and extra day and have a game at Hastings GC. We host national events and we are known for the quality of the course. Fairways like carpet and solid greens.

3) They will find you out pretty quick. If you do want to play Cape/Kauri get in touch as I MIGHT be able to help out.

Anything else - just ask :)

Just throwing a few questions out...as it looks like I may have the opportunity to be in NZ early next year (Feb/Mar). For work - both Auckland & Wellington. Last time in NZ was 1993(!) - and I recall playing 2 local/muni type courses near Auckland but don't recall which. Was on much more of a budget back then, but had brought my clubs since I was flying back via Hawaii!

 

So I just did a quick Google of places - I'd heard of Kauri & Cape Kid, of course.

And figuring they are world ranked courses, in my mind I kinda was figuring $200-250 (US) => similar to what I payed for St Andrews last summer (320 gbp for 2 rounds - 1 ea on the Old & New, which comes out to ~$220 each).....wow, was I shocked to see that $518+ GST NZ price tag = close to $400 US...wow

 

Not only that - to stay at the resorts (Kauri or CK) is also big $$$$.

 

At least Paraparaumu seems more reasonable.

 

Ok, questions:

 

1. If I do take a drive around the North Island (I'll be with my gf, but she doesn't play) - are there recommended places to stay near the courses, without staying at the actual resorts? They both seem fairly remote? Can you still get a tee-time?

 

2. Any other recommendations? - I'll probably have ~5 days for golf - assume driving out of AKL. I see I can play Para pretty easily out of Wellington. The others require more planning.

 

3. If a foreigner plays with a NZ res - can the for then play for the local rate? Or will they ask about each person, and charge accordingly?

 

Appreciate any of thoughts/ideas from anyone who is local, or has traveled to NZ previously.

This is probably a "last time" opportunity to go to NZ - so I do want to take advantage.

Kidnappers and Kauri are bucket list courses and if you can squeeze them in I recommend you do. In the North Island I’d make sure you get to Taupo and play Kinloch, I rate it up there with the other 2. Also in Taupo is wairakei which is worth a game if you have a day spare.

Paraparaumu is a great course with a good reputation but I know a few people who were a bit underwhelmed by it so if you’re looking for a course to drop off it probably would be that one. I haven’t played golf in Auckland but I hear good things about Titirangi.

Shame you’re not going to the South Island, Queenstown has fantastic courses and it’s also a spectacular place to visit. Probably the best destination for anyone visiting the country.