Golf in Auckland

Chamberlain Park Golf Course (46 Linwood Ave., Western Springs. 09/815-4999) is an 18-hole public course in a parkland setting a five-minute drive (off Northwestern Motorway, Route 16) from the city. The club shop rents clubs, shoes, and carts. Green fees are $28.

Formosa Golf Resort (110 Jack Lachland Dr., Beachlands. 09/536-5895. www.formosa.co.nz) is about 45 minutes from the city center. The 18-hole course, designed by New Zealand golfing legend Sir Bob Charles, has views of the Hauraki Gulf from most holes and they offer a range of accommodations. Unfortunately, it has a very poor automated phone system so be patient. Green fees are $65 and cart fees $30.

Gulf Harbour Country Club (Gulf Harbour Dr., Rodney District. 09/424-0971. www.gulfharbourcountryclub.co.nz) course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., who some say is the world's finest designer of classic golf courses. It is set against the spectacular backdrop of the Hauraki Gulf and is about 40 minutes north of Auckland on the Whangaparoa Peninisula on the East Coast. Clubs can be rented; the green fee is $115 and includes a golf cart.

Muriwai Gold Club (Coast Rd., Muriwai Beach, Waitakere City. 09/411-8454. www.muriwaigolfclub.co.nz), a 40-minute drive north of the city brings you to this links course near a bird sanctuary. The course offers outstanding views of the coast. Because the links are on sandy soil, even if the rest of Auckland is sodden this course can be played. Clubs and golf carts can be rented; the green fee is $50. The views from the "19th hole" are outstanding.

Titirangi Golf Club (Links Rd., Waitakere City. 09/827-5749), a 15-minute drive south of the city and with the course designed by renowned golf architect Alister MacKenzie, is one of the country's finest 18-hole courses. Nonmembers are welcome to play provided they contact the course in advance but, like Formosa, Titirangi has a very painful automated phone system. Once booked in you must show evidence of membership at an overseas club. Clubs and golf carts can be rented; the green fee is $120.