Overview
Maraenui Golf Club is an 18-hole course in Napier, Hawke’s Bay, set among mature trees just off Marine Parade. The course measures 6,125 metres and plays to par 71, and the club, which calls itself one of Hawke’s Bay’s finest, promises a gentle sea breeze across the course on summer days.
Although the land is flat, the course is not a pushover. The fairways are tightly framed by trees, and the greens complexes and bunkering are shaped to make you think on approach shots. The greens are a mix of Poa annua and browntop, mostly flat with subtle borrows, and the club keeps them at around 8 to 10 feet on the stimpmeter. Fairways are contoured, the rough is kept playable with an intermediate cut beside the fairway, and there are not too many penalty areas, so it suits golfers of every level.
The club has more than 600 members and a full clubhouse: lounge seating for up to 160 with views over the course, a bar and café, function rooms, changing rooms with showers and lockers, and club storage. The golf shop sells clubs, balls and clothing and runs hire of clubs, trundlers and carts, and an NZPGA professional offers coaching by arrangement. Practice is on a fairway area and driving nets, and a practice green was under construction at the time of checking.
Right next door is the Awatoto public course, a 9-hole layout listed among the club’s facilities and open to everyone, including non-golfers, families and social groups. It reopened after flooding from Cyclone Gabrielle and also offers FootGolf.
Green fees & prices
- Affiliated golfer, 9 holes$45
- Affiliated golfer, 18 holes$60
- Non-affiliated golfer, 9 holes$60
- Non-affiliated golfer, 18 holes$90
- Member’s guest (affiliated), 9 / 18 holes$35 / $50
- Students 19 and under, 9 / 18 holes$20 / $30
- Group booking, 18 holesAffiliated golfers; non-affiliated $85$55
- Cart hire (visitors), 9 / 18 holes$25 / $40
- Trundler, 9 / 18 holes$5 / $10
- Clubs and trundler, 9 / 18 holes$30 / $45
Prices checked 22 October 2026 on the official website. Prices may change; confirm with the course before you book.
Facilities
Good to know
Green-fee players are welcome, though tee times can be limited on Wednesdays and Saturdays, which are club days. Overseas visitors who belong to an affiliated club at home can ask the office about short-term playing rights. Official page ↗
Bookings are essential. Start sheets run from 7:30am to 1:00pm every day. Book online or phone the professional’s shop; groups and advance bookings go through an enquiry form. Official page ↗
The course is flat and easy to walk, so it is a comfortable round on foot with a trundler.
About 5 minutes’ drive from central Napier and 15 minutes from Hastings, just off Marine Parade at 285 Te Awa Avenue.
History & highlights
Every hole has a name, from “Maraenui” at the 1st and “Kidnappers” at the 9th to “Serpentine” at the 17th and “Home” to finish.
On most men’s tees the 6th, 7th and 13th are par 5s, giving longer hitters chances to score; the women’s card has even more par 5s.
A 9-hole public course beside the club with very low green fees, ideal for beginners and a quick family round.
Tips for first-timers
- Avoid Wednesdays and Saturdays if you want plenty of tee-time choice; those are club days.
- Book ahead: start sheets operate every day and bookings are essential.
- If you belong to a club affiliated with New Zealand Golf, say so; you’ll pay the cheaper affiliated rate.
- Thinking of joining? The club credits a trial-round green fee against your subscription if you sign up.
- Expect a breeze off the sea in summer and club up accordingly.
Map & location
The club is at 285 Te Awa Avenue, Napier. Awatoto Golf Public Course is right next door (about 0.3 km), Napier Golf Club is about 7.5 km away and Karamu Golf Club about 10 km.
FAQ
How much is a green fee at Maraenui?
Affiliated golfers pay $45 for 9 holes and $60 for 18. Non-affiliated golfers pay $60 and $90. Students aged 19 and under pay $20 and $30. Prices can change, so confirm with the club.
Do visitors need to book?
Yes. Bookings are essential, and start sheets run daily from 7:30am to 1:00pm. Wednesdays and Saturdays are club days with limited visitor times.
How long is the course?
6,125 metres over 18 holes, par 71.
Is the course walkable?
Yes. It is flat and easy to walk. Carts and trundlers can be hired from the shop.
Is there a cheaper course nearby?
Yes. The Awatoto public 9-hole course next door charges $15 for 9 holes for adults.
Can I hire clubs?
Yes. Clubs with a trundler cost $30 for 9 holes or $45 for 18 holes.
Sources
- Official website
- Green fees
- Course tour
- About us
- Awatoto course
- Tee booking
- Contact
- Location: OpenStreetMap
Facts checked 22 October 2026. We only list details we could confirm on the sources above; anything else is left out.