Your March 2026 Newsletter

March 2026

Kia Ora

As we move into March, Kiwis are definitely out of the summer holiday mode. School terms are underway and work is up to full speed. That’s not to say work-life balance is neglected! We’re still making the most of the long evenings of daylight savings and the weekends to get out and about enjoying the late summer weather.

This month, we explore New Zealanders' deep connection to golf and how newcomers can use the sport as a way to meet new friends and experience our world-class courses.

We also share practical strategies for your first 14 days after relocating, highlight tips for working with Kiwi rental property managers, and share the fascinating history behind Aotearoa, the Māori name for New Zealand.

1. From Coast to Countryside: The Culture of Golf in New Zealand

New Zealand boasts one of the highest numbers of golf courses per capita in the world, with over 400 courses across the country. For many Kiwis, golf is not an elite sport but an accessible, normal weekend activity.

Local clubs often act as vibrant community hubs:

Family-friendly culture: Many courses host junior programmes and family events, so newcomers of all ages feel welcome. Some courses even host an annual - bring your dog day!
Social connections: Clubs often host weekly social rounds, fun competitions, and barbecues, helping members connect in a relaxed setting

Inclusivity: Unlike some countries, you don’t need a membership to enjoy a day on the course - public courses and casual play are widely embraced

Golf in New Zealand is deeply connected to the outdoors. With rolling green hills, native bush, rugged coastlines, and spectacular volcanic landscapes, each course is a chance to experience the country’s natural beauty.

2. New to Golf? Practical Ways to Get Involved

You do not need to own an expensive set of clubs or have a formal handicap to be part of the culture here.

If you are curious about getting involved, here are a few simple ways to start:

Visit a local public course: Most public courses are very welcoming to casual players and offer affordable green fees

Hit the driving range: A fun, low-pressure way to practice your swing and enjoy an afternoon out

Join a beginner's clinic: Most clubs run "learn to golf" programmes and gladly welcome visitors looking to pick up the sport

Explore initiatives supporting women in golf: Programmes such as She Loves Golf are helping more women feel confident and connected on the course

School golf programmes: Many schools offer golf lessons for kids and host inter-school competitions, giving young players a chance to learn and compete

Whether you are picking up a club for the first time or returning after a break, there is space for everyone on the fairways here.

4. World-Class Golf in New Zealand

If you’re a more serious and experienced golfer, there are options for you too.

The highlight of our professional golfing calendar, The 105th New Zealand Open, took place at Millbrook Resort near Queenstown this month. It was a thrill that Kiwi golfer Daniel Hillier claimed victory, finishing just ahead of international competitors.

The tournament attracted not only top professional golfers but also celebrities and high-profile visitors, showcasing New Zealand as a premier destination for serious golf enthusiasts.

New Zealand’s elite golf courses are renowned for their quality, variety, and stunning scenery. Some examples include:

Millbrook Resort (Queenstown): A challenging course with breathtaking alpine views, perfect for serious golfers seeking technical play
Kauri Cliffs (Northland): Coastal cliff-top holes with dramatic ocean vistas; consistently rated among the top courses in the world
Jack’s Point (Queenstown): Set against the Remarkables mountain range, offering strategic holes and panoramic scenery
Kinloch Club (Taupō): A private championship course blending volcanic landscapes with precision design

Tara Iti (Northland): Known for its pristine fairways and links-style design, offering a world-class golfing experience in a stunning coastal setting The course has hosted international tournaments and is regularly rated among the top 100 in the world

“New Zealand is simply an amazing golf destination. It has some of the best golf courses I have ever played. It should be a must-visit place for golfers from all over the world. You won’t be disappointed.”

Lydia Ko
New Zealand professional golfer
Olympic medallist and multi-time LPGA Tour winner

Your first 14 days after relocating to New Zealand

For people relocating to New Zealand, the first days here are rarely just about logistics - they are about managing cognitive load.

Very little runs on autopilot. New arrivals are constantly processing micro-decisions, from understanding road rules to navigating local consumer choices.

Based on experience resettling thousands of new Kiwis, we have identified five practical strategies to navigate this transition effectively.

Read the full article here

Kiwi place names - New Zealand - Aotearoa

Newly arrived expats and migrants will often hear Kiwis use the English and Māori names for our country interchangeably.

Aotearoa literally translates as ao = cloud, tea = white, pale, roa = long. This references the oral history that Kupe’s wife first sighted the cloud formation signalling land as Māori discovered the country by sea.

The English name for New Zealand derives from Dutch explorers who referenced the province of 'Zeeland' in the The Netherlands, which means 'sea land'.