Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
New Zealand's most storied links — a firm, wind-blown Kapiti Coast classic that has staged a record dozen NZ Opens and lets any traveller book a tee time.
Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club in photos
Can I play Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club?
Yes — Paraparaumu Beach is one of New Zealand's most accessible great links and welcomes visitors seven days a week. Monday to Thursday tee times are generally open, while Friday to Sunday bookings are at the General Manager's discretion to protect member play and events. No club membership or letter of introduction is required, though golf attire and etiquette are expected.
How to book: Book online or through the pro shop up to three months in advance, subject to availability. Weekend times can be tighter, so plan ahead if your trip falls on a Friday–Sunday. Trundlers and a limited number of carts can be reserved with your tee time.
About Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, laid out on the undulating dune land of the Kapiti Coast, is widely regarded as the finest true links in the Southern Hemisphere. The championship course was reshaped in 1949 by Alex Russell, the 1924 Australian Open champion and Alister MacKenzie's one-time design partner, and its firm turf, small greens and clever short par-4s reward strategy over strength. It has hosted the New Zealand Open a record twelve times, a tally no other course matches. Best of all, it operates on an open, semi-public basis — visitors are welcome seven days a week, making one of the game's great links refreshingly attainable.
Signature hole
The tumbling dune-land routing peaks in a run of cunning short par-4s and small, undulating greens; the closing holes across the humpy Kapiti dunes have decided a dozen New Zealand Opens.
What makes it special
Southern Hemisphere links royalty
Routinely rated the best links course in this half of the world.
Record NZ Open host
Twelve New Zealand Opens — more than any other course in the country.
Open to everyone
No membership or handicap letter needed; just book a tee time, seven days a week.
Tournament pedigree
- New Zealand Open (hosted a record 12 times)
Need to know
Best time to play
November to April (spring–autumn) offers the warmest golf, but as a true links it can play very differently in the wind at any time of year.
Dress code
Traditional golf attire on course — collared shirt, tailored trousers or shorts, soft-spike or spikeless shoes, and shirts tucked in; smart casual in the clubhouse.
Good to know
A walkable, honest links; trundlers and a few carts are available; allow around 4 hours. Firm fairways and small greens reward a controlled, low ball flight.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Wellington Airport (WLG) ~50 minutes; Kapiti Coast Airport at Paraparaumu is adjacent to the town.
On arrival
The course is on the Kapiti Coast, about 50 minutes' drive north of Wellington via State Highway 1, near Paraparaumu township. A car is the simplest way to get there.
Stay near the course
Base yourself in central Wellington for the city's food and culture, or stay locally on the Kapiti Coast at Paraparaumu or Waikanae for an early tee time.
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Wallaceville Motor Lodge
Upper Hutt
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Asure Fernhill Motor Lodge
Lower Hutt
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Best Western Wellington
Wellington
A taste of the luxury stays near Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Paraparaumu Beach — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Paraparaumu Beach.
Explore Paraparaumu BeachFrequently asked questions
Can the public play Paraparaumu Beach?
Yes. Visitors are welcome seven days a week; Monday to Thursday is generally open, while weekend times are at the club's discretion. No membership or letter of introduction is required.
How much does it cost to play Paraparaumu Beach?
Green fees are around NZ$100 for New Zealand residents and NZ$200 for international visitors, with cart hire about NZ$50. Rates are indicative and seasonal.
How do I get there from Wellington?
It is roughly a 50-minute drive north of Wellington up State Highway 1 to the Kapiti Coast, near Paraparaumu township.
When is the best time to play?
November to April brings the warmest conditions, but as a genuine links the wind is the real variable — every visit plays a little differently.
More golf courses to play
Cape Kidnappers
Te Awanga, New Zealand · Coastal
Golf guide
Kauri Cliffs
Matauri Bay, New Zealand · Coastal
Golf guide
Jack's Point Golf Course
Queenstown, New Zealand · Mountain
Golf guide
The Hills Golf Club
Arrowtown, New Zealand · Mountain
Golf guide
Millbrook Resort
Arrowtown, New Zealand · Resort
Golf guide
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach, United States · Coastal
Golf guideSources & pricing note
Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Hero image: AxonsArachnida, CC BY-SA 3.0 — via Wikimedia Commons
Guide updated 2026-07-27.