The Kinloch Club

Few golf experiences in New Zealand carry the quiet prestige of The Kinloch Club. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2007, the course occupies a spectacular site on the western shores of Lake Taupō — New Zealand's largest lake, formed by one of the most violent volcanic eruptions in recorded history. That geological drama is very much present in the landscape: the terrain rolls and heaves across former pumice farmland, with panoramic water views and the distant silhouette of the Tongariro volcanic peaks forming a backdrop that stops players mid-swing.

Nicklaus shaped a layout that rewards strategic thinking over raw power, routing holes through native tōtara and playing across natural contours that give each hole a distinct identity. The course carries a reputation as one of the finest modern designs in the southern hemisphere, drawing serious golfers from around the world despite — or perhaps because of — its relative remoteness.

Kinloch village itself is a peaceful lakeside retreat, reached by road from Taupō township. The surrounding Waikato region sits at the heart of the North Island, and the combination of geothermal landscape, clear lake air, and world-class golf makes this a genuine destination worth the journey.