English + Golf in Nelson, New Zealand – 2 Weeks, 6 Golf Courses
2 weeks including homestay and morning English class + golf in the afternoon at 6 different golf courses
(links to the golf courses below)
$4130
Nelson English Centre offers an English + Golf holiday in Nelson, New Zealand, combining weekday morning English lessons with golf at courses across the Nelson Tasman region. The two-week programme includes English tuition, homestay accommodation, airport transfers, transport to six golf courses, green fees and golf club hire. It is suitable for international visitors who want to improve their English while enjoying New Zealand golf, whether they are beginners or experienced players. Contact us to discuss dates, availability and any additional golf coaching required.
What is included?
✅ 2 weeks of morning English from 9 am to 12:15 pm
✅ 2 weeks homestay (breakfast and dinner Mon to Fri - 3 meals on weekends)
✅ Homestay placement fee
✅ Nelson airport transfers (pick up and drop off)
✅ Transport to 6 golf courses
✅ 6 Golf club green fees
✅ Golf club hire
✅ NEC staff support (our staff will join you playing golf)
✅ Free time to explore Nelson
$4130 per person
We can also custom make an English and golf holiday in Nelson, New Zealand if you want to include professional golf lessons, driving ranges, periods longer than 2 weeks etc.
Dates
2 Nov 2026 to 15 Nov 2026
30 Nov 2026 to 13 Dec 2026
9 Feb 2027 to 21 Feb 2027
5 April 2027 to 18 April 2027
For 2 or more students you can choose any other dates (subject to availability)
Waahi Taakaro Golf Club
9 holes - Parkland / valley course
8 minutes, 5km from school (included in 2 week programme)
The closest golf course to school just an eight minute drive, 5km up the Maitai river valley. It is a 9-hole scenic course with different tees allowing golfers to play the course twice . Tucked into the Maitai Valley, with rolling terrain, river crossings and small greens. Best for social golfers and intermediate players who enjoy a shorter course that still requires accuracy. Experienced golfers will also find a challenge
1st hole on Waahi Taakaro
Nelson Golf Club
18 holes - Links course
13 minutes, 7km from school (included in 2 week programme)
It is a beautiful 13 minute drive from Nelson English Centre, just 7km from school. A distinctive links-style course beside Nelson Airport, with coastal winds, open fairways and sea and mountain views. Best suited to intermediate and experienced golfers who enjoy strategic shot-making, although beginners can also play.
Turn the sound down before watching the helicopter flight over the course
Nelson Golf Course
Greenacres Golf Club
18 holes - Parkland / island course
22 minutes, 19km from school (included in 2 week programme)
Set on Best Island in Waimea Inlet, Greenacres features attractive parkland scenery, water views and strategically challenging holes. Suitable for all abilities, from social golfers to low-handicap players seeking a demanding round. It is 19 km, 22 minutes drive from school and is described as one of the more challenging courses in the top of the South, while also welcoming social golfers and players of all abilities.
Greenacres Golf Course
Tasman golf course
9 holes - Coastal / hill course
40 minutes, 41 km from school (included in 2 week programme)
A drive along the coast for 40 minutes from school, is the course with the best views in New Zealand. Famous for panoramic views across Tasman Bay, this course has sloping fairways and small greens. It is particularly suited to golfers who enjoy a technical challenge, including intermediate and experienced players. Beginners may find the slopes demanding.
Motueka Golf Club
18 holes - Parkland course
42 minutes, 47,8 km from school (included in 2 week programme)
A well-maintained course near the Motueka foreshore, known for narrow, tree-lined fairways and greens that reward accuracy. Ideal for intermediate and experienced golfers, while beginners can develop their consistency and course management.
Motueka Golf Course
Totaradale golf course
9 holes - Country / parkland course
29 minutes, 28 km from school (included in 2 week programme)
A welcoming country course surrounded by mature trees and gentle hills. With different tee positions on the second round, it offers variety for beginners, recreational players and experienced golfers looking for a relaxed but interesting game. Holes 10-18 have different Tee placements offering a new perspective to the hole
29 km and 30 min drive into the countryside brings you to the challenging course that has well maintained greens and fairways and is proud of its reputation of being one of the best 9-hole courses in Nelson and possibly the South Island.
The following golf courses can be included in a programme that is longer that 2 weeks. We can custom make an English + Golf experience to suit your needs.
Redstone Golf Park
9 holes - flat/country course
37 minutes, 41 km from school (not included in 2 week programme)
Redstone Golf Park is a charming 9 hole flat level golf course. Perfect for the older or beginner golfer, Redstone also offers the experienced golfer a challenge with our speciality moat at No 4 hole and other natural water features.
Golden Down Golf Course
9 holes - Parkland course
49 minutes, 50 km from school (not included in 2 week programme)
This charming 9-hole country course situated approximately 45 minutes from Nelson and Motueka boasts one of the longest par 5s in New Zealand at 660m.
Takaka Golf Club
9 holes - Coastal links-style course
1 hr and 45 minutes, 110 km from school (not included in 2 week programme)
Set among coastal dunes, this scenic course features undulating fairways and tricky greens, with wonderful views of Golden Bay and the surrounding mountains. Best for social and intermediate golfers who enjoy natural terrain, while experienced players can test their precision and putting
Takaka Golf Course
Onekaka Golf Course
18 holes Links and Mountain options
2 hours - 120 km from school (not included in 2 week programme)
A minimum of 4 players are required to play this course and requires a private guide. We can also arrange to stay the night on the course and have the whole course to yourselves.
Frequently asked questions about English + Golf
Q. What is the English + Golf Programme?
A. The Nelson English Centre English + Golf Programme combines high-quality English language lessons with golf at some of New Zealand's most scenic courses. Students study English each weekday morning with experienced teachers and then enjoy golf in the afternoons or at weekends.
Unlike many English schools that simply suggest golf as an optional activity, our programme is designed specifically for golfers. During your stay you can play a variety of excellent courses throughout the Nelson Tasman region, each offering different scenery, layouts and challenges.
Whether you are a beginner wanting to learn the game or an experienced golfer looking to enjoy golf while improving your English, this programme allows you to develop both skills during one unforgettable holiday.
Q. Who is the English + Golf Programme suitable for?
A. The programme is suitable for all ages and golfing abilities.
adult students
high school students on holiday (14 years and above)
18+
beginners
intermediate golfers
experienced golfers
students travelling alone
friends/couples
50+ golfers
Some students have never played golf before and simply want to try something new while studying English. Others are regular golfers who see this as the perfect opportunity to experience New Zealand's beautiful golf courses during their holiday.
The programme is particularly popular with students from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Germany, Switzerland and Europe, where golf is already a popular recreational sport.
Because students are placed into English classes according to their language level, your English ability does not need to match your golfing experience. Beginners and advanced English learners are equally welcome.
Complete beginners
Never played before? We can arrange professional introductory golf lessons.
Improving golfers
Play several different courses and practise your game while using English.
Experienced golfers
Enjoy six different Nelson/Tasman courses and experience New Zealand golf while studying English.
Q. Do I need to be a good golfer?
A. Not at all.
Many students joining the programme have never held a golf club before. If you are new to golf, we can arrange beginner coaching, equipment hire and suitable courses where you can learn in a relaxed environment.
More experienced golfers enjoy playing different courses throughout the Nelson Tasman region while meeting other golfers from around the world.
Golf is a sport that people can enjoy throughout their lives, making it an ideal activity for international students of all ages.
We can arrange for you to have professional golf lessons if you would like.
Q. Why choose Nelson for an English and golf holiday?
A. Nelson combines an English language school with several golf courses within easy driving distance of the city. The programme includes transport to six different courses, allowing students to experience different layouts and golfing environments during their two-week stay.
The region enjoys some of New Zealand's highest sunshine hours, creating excellent golfing conditions throughout most of the year. Courses are rarely overcrowded, allowing visitors to enjoy relaxed rounds surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Unlike larger cities, travelling between golf courses is quick and easy, meaning you spend more time playing and less time sitting in traffic.
Nelson also offers beaches, national parks, cafés, wineries, cycling trails and outdoor activities, making it an excellent destination for partners and families travelling together.
Q. Which golf courses can I play?
A. Students will have the opportunity to play six outstanding courses during their 2-week stay, including:
Waahi Taakaro Golf Course - 9 holes · Parkland / valley course
Nelson Golf Club - 18 holes · Links course
Greenacres Golf Club - 18 holes · Parkland / island course
Tasman Golf Club - 9 holes · Coastal / hill course
Totaradale Golf Course - 9 holes · Country / parkland course
Motueka Golf Club - 18 holes · Parkland course
More golf course options are available for students who stay on longer than 2 weeks
Redstone Golf Course - 9 holes · Flat country course
Golden Downs Golf Club - 9 holes · Rural / country course
Between 1 and 2 hours drive from school there are also the following courses available
Takaka Golf Club (Golden Bay) - 9 holes · Coastal links-style course
Onekaka Links Golf Club (Golden Bay) - 36 holes in total · Private coastal links
Murchison Golf Club (Murchison) - 9 holes · Rural / riverside course
Marlborough Golf Club (Blenheim)
Rarangi Golf Club (Blenheim)
Picton Golf Club (Picton)
Each course offers something different. Some are championship-style parkland courses, while others provide relaxed country golf with spectacular mountain or coastal views.
Many visitors comment that the variety of courses is one of the highlights of the programme.
Q. Can beginners join the programme?
A. Absolutely.
The programme is designed for everyone.
If you have never played golf before, we can arrange introductory lessons where qualified instructors teach the fundamentals including grip, stance, swing, putting and golf etiquette.
Because golf is played at your own pace, beginners quickly gain confidence while enjoying time outdoors with other international students.
Learning golf in New Zealand is often less intimidating than in busy cities because courses are welcoming, friendly and generally much quieter.
Q. What English classes will I study?
A. Students join Nelson English Centre's General English programme.
Classes focus on speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation while encouraging students to use English confidently in real-life situations.
Small class sizes allow teachers to provide personal attention, helping students make rapid progress regardless of their starting level.
Many students find that playing golf with classmates provides additional opportunities to practise English naturally outside the classroom.
Q. How much English will I use while playing golf?
A. Quite a lot!
Golf provides an excellent opportunity to use everyday English naturally.
During a round you will discuss scores, weather, equipment, strategy, local wildlife and everyday conversation with your playing partners. One of our staff will accompany you around the golf course.
Many students say their confidence improves because they are speaking English in a relaxed environment rather than only inside the classroom.
Golf also introduces useful vocabulary that can be used internationally whenever you play in the future.
Q. Can I improve my golf while improving my English?
A. Yes.
One of the biggest advantages of this programme is that you are learning two skills at the same time.
Morning English classes improve your communication, while afternoon golf helps you develop your swing, course management and confidence.
Many students find that learning English and golf together keeps every day interesting and motivating.
Instead of spending all day in a classroom, you enjoy a balanced lifestyle that combines education, exercise and recreation.
Q. Why is Nelson English Centre different from other English schools offering golf?
A. Very few English language schools around the world offer a dedicated English + Golf programme, especially with the option of playing at six different golf courses over a 2 week period.
At Nelson English Centre, golf is much more than an optional afternoon activity. It is an integrated programme designed for people who genuinely enjoy the sport.
Students benefit from excellent English teaching, a friendly family atmosphere, small class sizes and access to several different golf courses within a short drive of the school.
The Nelson Tasman region also enjoys a mild climate, spectacular scenery and one of New Zealand's sunniest environments, making it an ideal destination for golfers throughout much of the year.
For students looking for an unforgettable study holiday, Nelson offers a unique combination that is difficult to find anywhere else in the world.
Updates by Miles Fitton, owner of Nelson English Centre on 11 Oct 2026