Golf in the Eastern Bay
A top links course six minutes from the door.
The eastern Bay of Plenty is quietly one of the best golf trips in the North Island: a nationally ranked links course on the beach, sunny weather for much of the year, and uncrowded country courses within an hour. With two houses side by side, Salt & Pepper can sleep a golf group of up to 16. Drive times are from Google Maps.
Ōhope Beach Golf Links · 6 minutes
Formerly Ōhope International, this is the one to build the trip around: an 18-hole, par-71 seaside links on the narrow strip of land between the Pacific and Ōhiwa Harbour, at 541 Harbour Road. It was ranked 21st in New Zealand in Top 100 Golf Courses’ 2025 list. Expect firm, fast conditions and plenty of wind off the sea.
- Green fees (from January 2026): $90 for 18 holes and $55 for 9 for casual players, $75 and $45 for affiliated golfers, and $40 after 4pm.
- Bookings are essential. Club, trundler and cart hire is limited, so ask when you book or bring your own.
Whakatāne Golf Club · 23 minutes
An 18-hole championship course on Golf Links Road, west of town, known for fast greens and easy walking. Carts are available. Contact the club for green fees and tee times.
Further afield
- Ōpōtiki Golf Club · about 35 minutes: 18 holes, par 70, mature trees and views over the town and ocean. Visitors welcome.
- Te Teko Golf Club · 36 minutes: 18-hole, par-70 country course.
- Kawerau Golf Club · 48 minutes: 18 holes, par 71, flat and beside the Tarawera River.
A four-round golf weekend
- Friday: arrive from 3pm, 9 holes at Ōhope after 4pm, then dinner on the deck.
- Saturday: 18 at Ōhope Beach Golf Links in the morning, Whakatāne in the afternoon, then a beer at Mata Brewery.
- Sunday: a final round at Ōpōtiki or Te Teko, then home.
Accommodation for golf groups
Each house has four bedrooms (three queens and two king singles) and three bathrooms, so a four-ball shares one house comfortably and two four-balls can take one house each. Book both houses for a group of up to 16. See group accommodation, or email stay@saltandpepperohope.com to book both.
Not everyone plays? See fishing, motorcycle rides and things to do in Ōhope.
Tee it up
Check dates for one house, or email us to book both.