Clearwater Golf Club

The verdict

Clearwater is the round to build a Christchurch golf trip around. It opened in 2002 as the centerpiece of a resort on the city's northern edge, the work of New Zealand architect John Darby in consultation with the great Sir Bob Charles, and it quickly became one of the country's most reliable professional venues. The tournament record tells the story: eight New Zealand PGA Championships, two New Zealand Opens and four New Zealand Women's Opens, a pedigree few courses in the land can match.

For a traveling golfer the appeal is the mix of championship quality and resort comfort. The front nine plays in an open, links inspired style across reclaimed wetland, while the back nine turns to a parkland character of water carries, clever greens and well placed bunkers reminiscent of a Florida layout. Played from a choice of five tees it suits everyone from low handicappers chasing the tournament test to holidaymakers wanting an enjoyable day, and the lakeside resort lodging makes it an easy stay and play.

The holes worth the trip

Clearwater is really two courses in one. The outward half plays in a links spirit, open to the Canterbury sky with the wind a factor and the ground firm enough to run the ball, asking you to control flight and trajectory off the tee. It is honest, exposed golf where a tidy front nine sets up the round.

The inward half changes character entirely. Here the design leans parkland and the water takes over, with lakes and wetland threading between holes to create a string of memorable carries and forcing precise decisions on club and line. The greens are subtly contoured and well defended by bunkers placed to gather the bailout, so the back nine is where tournaments are won and lost and where the average visitor needs to think hardest.

That blend of open links rhythm and water lined parkland drama, all in championship condition, is what keeps Clearwater near the top of South Island golf. It is demanding enough to have crowned national champions and generous enough, from the right tee, to be a thoroughly enjoyable resort day.

Where to stay nearby

Clearwater has its own lakeside resort accommodation, which makes the obvious choice a stay and play right on the property, with the course, clubhouse and dining all on hand. Its position near Christchurch Airport also makes it an effortless first or last stop of a South Island trip.

Central Christchurch is a short drive away with the full range of city hotels and restaurants. From a Canterbury base Clearwater pairs naturally with nearby Pegasus to the north, and links into a wider South Island tour toward Queenstown and Millbrook Resort.

Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Christchurch.