New Zealands Terrace Downs Resort on the up

By David Newbery

There is no sure thing when it comes to attracting members and casual golfers, but New Zealand’s Terrace Downs Resort is experiencing a surge in activity.

The popular resort at Windwhistle, an hour west of Christchurch near the Southern Alps, has reported a spike in golfer numbers compared to 2012 figures.

Golf manager and NZ PGA professional Nigel Davis said he was delighted with the jump in the number of golfers taking up the challenge.

“After the devastating earthquakes in Christchurch and surrounding areas, the business sector was hit exceptionally hard,” he said.

“We (Terrace Downs Resort) felt many shakes and luckily only suffered minor damage.”

Still, the resort, like many other businesses, had to re-evaluate its golf business plan when golfers personally affected by the earthquakes temporarily dropped out of the game. 

“We had to look at how we go forward, how we attract business and what makes us different from any other golf courses,” Davis said.

“With senior management’s assistance, a strategic marketing plan was devised, which has resulted in huge interest from the local market.

“Figures have been soaring and from the same period in the previous year, we have had an increase of over 1000 golfers.”

Some of the initiatives included:

• introducing a senior pro-am;
• hosting monthly tournaments like the Gold Nugget Trophy and the High Country Challenge; and
• assisting with fundraising initiatives.

“In 2012, we were proud to have played a part in raising over $NZ100,000 for local charities,” Davis said.

“Our social media marketing has taken some giant leaps and our reach from this has far exceeded our expectations. We are constantly on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.”

“Interaction has been a big ingredient to our success and we are constantly looking at new and exciting ways to get our message out there.

“Golfers,” says Davis, “are becoming increasing reluctant to take up memberships, however, playing the game remains a high priority.

“Although there has been a huge push from governing golf associations with intent to increase membership numbers, we have been surprised at how many people are still out there playing golf but don’t belong to a golf club.”

Consistently ranked in the top-5 in New Zealand, the Terrace Downs Resort’s Sid Pudicombe and Associates-designed golf course is world-class.

Located 450m above sea level, the scenery is breathtaking with vistas over Rakaia River gorge and the snow-capped Hutt Mountain ranges.

“You are blown away sometimes with snow-capped peaks, which can make it hard to concentrate on your game when you have all the scenery around you,” Davis said.

Oftentimes, golfers take more shots with their cameras than they do with their clubs.

“The golf course is a good challenge,” Davis added. “Off the championship tees it’s 6400m, off the men’s tee’s it’s 6000m and the women’s tees 5278m.

“That makes a good test and the playability of the golf course is always very good.

“With four sets of tees, the golf course is a good challenge for all the different levels of players.”

Aside from its championship golf course, Terrance Downs Resort has a lot going for it. 

Other attractions include:

• luxury accommodation;
• fine dining as well as a casual bar and brasserie;
• on-site masseuses;
• clay bird shooting and archery; and
• horse riding.

“Our doors are always open to anyone looking to experience life and excitement at a High Country Resort,” Davis said.

New Zealand golf club members pay $NZ85 to play the golf course. For Australian golf club members it’s $NZ110 and $NZ135 for non-club members. Golf cart hire is $NZ50.

The Canterbury region is a great golfing destination with a number of other great resorts in Christchurch as well as around 30 member golf clubs.

But once you experience Terrace Downs Resort you’ll want stay on and play the golf course again and again.

And if for some reason you do tire of playing golf, the breathtaking scenery, ski slopes and plethora of other interesting activities will keep you captivated.

For more information, go to Terrace Downs Resort’s website www.terracedowns.co.nz

Stay and play 

Terrace Downs Resort has a number of package deals to suit corporate and group bookings.

The resort offers accommodation in a two-bedroom villa suite (twin or double rooms), full cooked breakfast and tea/coffee or refreshment break with a muffin.

But wait, there’s more.

There is a choice of one of the following:

• Complimentary use of a conference room with standard set-up equipment;
• clay bird shooting challenge;
• Golf with carts for eight people is available at the special rate of $NZ160 per person – a saving of $NZ100. The maximum number for this package is eight.

Terrace Downs Resort also offers day packages at a special rate of $NZ90 (normally $NZ200).

The resort is also a popular wedding venue thanks to the stunning high country scenery and on-site facilities.

Pre- and post-wedding events such as Hen’s Nights and Stag Dos can be accommodated.

There’s even a supervised kids’ club with professional babysitters.

Terrace Downs Resort is the only high-end resort close to Mount Hutt ski field. A heli taxi from Terrace Downs Resort to Mt Hutt car park is available for just $85 per person.

The resort offers special long-stay rates every winter.

They even have on-site activities for closed days including clay shooting, jet boat, spa and golf – of course.

Click here to read this story and many more like it in Golf Industry Central’s new Winter edition on-line magazine