Fable Terrace Downs Golf Course is one of the most memorable high-country golf experiences in New Zealand, combining dramatic Southern Alps scenery with an 18-hole championship layout overlooking the Rakaia Gorge. Located at Windwhistle in Canterbury, around an hour from Christchurch, the course feels wonderfully remote once you reach the first tee, with mountains, river valleys and huge open landscapes surrounding the fairways.

Designed by Sid Puddicombe, the 18-hole, par-72 course measures 6,406 metres from the back tees and offers four different tee positions on every hole. The front nine originally opened in 1993, with the second nine completed in 1999, and the two halves provide noticeably different styles of golf.

The front nine has more of a parkland character, with sheltered holes moving through a picturesque woodland setting. Trees provide definition from the tee, while changes in elevation, bunkering and water mean finding the correct part of the fairway is far more useful than simply chasing distance.

Things open up considerably on the back nine, where the course takes on a more links-inspired character. The landscape becomes increasingly exposed, allowing the high-country wind to influence both club selection and ball flight. With fewer trees providing shelter, conditions can change quickly, giving this section an almost Scottish feel despite the unmistakably New Zealand mountain scenery.

Water is a major part of the challenge throughout the course, with 10 lakes and more than 60 bunkers helping to protect landing areas and greens. We particularly like the amount of choice you are given from the tee. There are plenty of opportunities to be aggressive, but the shortest line is not always the smartest one, especially when the wind starts moving across the property.

The scenery is a genuine part of the experience too. Views stretch towards the Southern Alps and across the Rakaia Gorge, so this is one of those courses where having a camera in the golf bag is almost essential.

Practice facilities include a driving range, while the Golf Pro Shop provides equipment, club hire and everything you need before heading onto the course. Professional coaching is also available for golfers wanting to work on their game during their stay.

Fable Terrace Downs Resort sits directly alongside the golf, making it easy to combine your rounds with luxury villa accommodation, dining and activities including archery, clay bird shooting and walking trails.
Speak to our Golf Travel Experts at Hashtag Golf Travel and we can include Fable Terrace Downs within a tailor-made New Zealand golf holiday, combining accommodation, tee times and other leading South Island courses.