Maramarua Golf Club, Pokeno

Barely 45 minutes south of Auckland City sits this sometimes challenging country golf course. With a few steep hills and many strategically positioned trees, this is truly a course for the straight hitter. But, then again, a good slice is useful from the tee on the par four 16th. A couple of nasty lakes are probably full of balls, as are the paddocks directly across State Highway 2. A small pro shop sells balls, tees, clubs, and other accessories. Bookings are recommended on the weekends because of club days and competitions.