Stay at North Base Accommodation, Paihia on a 7-Day Northland Golf Holiday
Whether you’re chasing bucket-list championship courses or discovering the friendly atmosphere of Northland’s local golf clubs, staying at North Base accommodation, Paihia places you at the heart of one of New Zealand’s most rewarding golfing regions.
Northland is home to an impressive variety of golf courses, from internationally acclaimed layouts overlooking the Pacific Ocean to relaxed coastal clubs where visitors are always welcome. Combined with spectacular scenery, a warm climate and plenty to see away from the fairways, it’s an ideal destination for golfers and their travelling companions alike.
Rather than changing accommodation throughout your trip, make North Base, Paihia your base for the week. Enjoy a different golfing experience each day, then return to Paihia’s waterfront restaurants, cafés and relaxed holiday atmosphere each evening.
Quick Guide
📍 Base: North Base accommodation, Paihia
⛳ Ideal Stay: 6–7 days
🚗 Drive from Auckland: Approximately 3½ hours
✈ Nearest Airport: Kerikeri (25 minutes)
🏌 Suitable For: Golfing groups, couples and mixed-interest holidays
🌞 Best Season: Year-round, with mild winters and long summer days
🎯 Experience Level: From casual club golfers to championship course enthusiasts
🌊 Non-Golf Options: Bay of Islands cruises, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Russell, Ngawha Springs, Kerikeri and coastal walks
Why Stay at North Base, Paihia?
Paihia sits at the heart of the Bay of Islands and makes an ideal base for exploring Northland without constantly packing and unpacking.
Most of the region’s best-known golf courses are within comfortable driving distance, while the town itself offers plenty to enjoy after a day on the course. Waterfront dining, island cruises, beaches and scenic walks mean there’s always something to do once the clubs are back in the car.
For couples or groups where not everyone plays golf, Paihia provides enough variety that everyone can enjoy the holiday.
Three Great Northland Golf Experiences
Championship Golf
Northland is home to some of New Zealand’s most celebrated golf courses.
Kauri Cliffs consistently ranks among the world’s great golf destinations, while Te Arai Links provides an unforgettable golfing experience on the journey north from Auckland.
These courses combine exceptional design with spectacular coastal scenery to create truly memorable rounds.
Classic Northland Club Golf
Some of the region’s most enjoyable golf is found at its welcoming local clubs.
Waitangi Golf Club overlooks the Bay of Islands and is only minutes from North Base accommodation, Paihia. Kerikeri, Whangaroa, Waipu and Northern Wairoa all offer relaxed golf in beautiful surroundings and provide visitors with a genuine taste of Northland’s friendly golfing culture.
Scenic Coastal Golf
Carrington Estate on the Karikari Peninsula delivers one of New Zealand’s most scenic golfing experiences.
The journey north is part of the adventure, passing through coastal settlements and beautiful beaches before arriving at a championship course overlooking Doubtless Bay.
A Suggested 7-Day Northland Golf Itinerary
Day 1 – Auckland to Paihia
Collect your rental car before heading north.
Break the journey with a round at either Te Arai Links or the relaxed coastal layout at Waipu Golf Club, both conveniently located along the route north.
Continue to North Base accommodation, Paihia, settle in and enjoy dinner overlooking the waterfront.
Day 2 – Waitangi Golf Club
Ease into your Northland golf holiday with a round at Waitangi Golf Club.
Only minutes from North Base, the course offers magnificent views across the Bay of Islands and provides the perfect introduction to golf in Northland.
Spend the evening exploring Paihia’s restaurants or simply relax back at your accommodation.
Day 3 – A Day Beyond the Fairways
Take a well-earned break from golf and experience some of the Bay of Islands’ highlights.
Choose from:
- a Bay of Islands cruise
- exploring the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- catching the ferry to historic Russell
- visiting Kawiti Glow Worm Caves
- relaxing in the natural mineral pools at Ngawha Springs
A rest day keeps the holiday relaxed while giving non-golfing partners plenty to enjoy.
Day 4 – Kauri Cliffs
Today is one of the highlights of the trip.
Drive north through Kerikeri before arriving at Kauri Cliffs, regarded as one of New Zealand’s premier golfing destinations.
Allow time on the return journey to explore Kerikeri’s cafés, galleries and historic precinct.
Day 5 – Carrington Estate
Head further north to the Karikari Peninsula for another memorable golfing experience.
Carrington Estate combines championship golf with spectacular coastal scenery and makes an enjoyable full-day excursion from Paihia.
If time allows, visit Maitai Bay or one of the peninsula’s beautiful beaches before returning south.
Day 6 – Choose Your Favourite
By now you’ll have a feel for Northland golf.
Play another local course such as Kerikeri or Whangaroa, revisit Waitangi, or simply enjoy a slower day exploring Paihia and the Bay of Islands.
One of the advantages of staying at North Base accommodation, Paihia is having the flexibility to tailor your holiday as you go.
Day 7 – Journey South
If returning to Auckland by road, consider travelling via Northland’s rugged west coast.
Baylys Beach and Northern Wairoa Golf Club offer a very different golfing experience to the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands and provide an enjoyable finale to the trip.
Alternatively, return down the east coast and enjoy another round at Te Arai Links or Waipu Golf Club before your onward journey.
Local Tips
- Book Kauri Cliffs well in advance, particularly during summer.
- Winter golf in Northland is often superb, with mild temperatures and quieter courses.
- Allow extra time when travelling to Carrington Estate so you can enjoy the scenery along the Karikari Peninsula.
- Local clubs warmly welcome visitors, making them an excellent way to experience Northland’s relaxed golfing culture.
Stay at North Base Accommodation, Paihia
Purpose-built for holiday accommodation, North Base, Paihia provides a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Northland.
The main house accommodates up to ten guests across four bedrooms, while the self-contained apartment below sleeps a further four people, making North Base an excellent option for golfing groups, families and friends travelling together.
Having holidayed and explored Northland since childhood before making it his permanent home in the early 2000s, Robert enjoys sharing his local knowledge and helping guests discover the very best of the Bay of Islands and the wider Northland region. Whether you’re planning your golfing itinerary or looking for ideas beyond the fairways, he’s always happy to recommend places that will help you make the most of your stay.
Continue Planning Your Northland Holiday
Looking for more inspiration while staying at North Base accommodation, Paihia?
Explore our growing collection of Northland Holiday Guides, including diving adventures, scenic road trips, coastal walks, family-friendly activities and some of the region’s best day trips—all designed to help you experience more of Northland while enjoying the comfort of staying at North Base.