Rakaia Gorge · Canterbury

Terrace Downs

Designer

Sid Puddicombe & David Cox

Rankings

#19 in New Zealand

Setting

High country beneath Mt Hutt

Nestled in the heart of New Zealand's spectacular Canterbury high country, Terrace Downs Golf Resort offers one of the country's most visually breathtaking golfing experiences. Framed by the towering Southern Alps and the majestic slopes of Mt Hutt, the championship course combines dramatic natural scenery with an engaging resort-style layout that rewards strategic play and thoughtful shot-making.

The course is renowned for its unforgettable setting above the Rakaia River Gorge, where several holes showcase panoramic mountain vistas and rugged landscapes rarely matched anywhere in the world. Its signature 16th hole is a standout — a spectacular 143-yard par three played from a tee perched more than 500 feet above the gorge, requiring a precise shot across native bush to a beautifully framed green.

Designed to be enjoyable for golfers of all abilities, Terrace Downs balances generous fairways with a variety of risk-and-reward opportunities. The course is highly playable, blending world-class scenery, memorable architecture, and an unforgettable alpine setting.