No time for a full game of golf? Practise your swing at one of these driving ranges around Auckland.
1. Takapuna Golf Driving Range
Northcote Rd, ph: (09) 443 5002. Open 7am to midnight, seven days.
One of the biggest in Auckland, with 48 covered bays (double storey) and a 220m driving range. The range is fully floodlit so you can keep practising long after the light has faded. Pay for 100 balls and receive 150 balls ($13), 50 balls $7, 20 balls $3.50
2. Topgolf Driving Range
68 Trigg Rd, Huapai, Kumeu, ph: (09) 412 2566. Open Mon-Fri from 9am-9pm, weekends 9am to 8pm.
Now with new management, Topgolf has a spectacular rural outlook with native trees, target greens and even a natural water hazard. With 18 covered and three outdoor bays plus a sand bunker, chipping green and grass from which to drive balls, there's plenty of chance to practise.
100 balls $12, 50 balls $7 and 25 balls $5.
3. Lakes Golf Course
34 Worsnop Way, Dairy Flat, Albany, ph (09) 426 9814. Winter hours 8am-5pm, seven days. Licensed cafe Thu to Sun.
If water is your golf weakness, the Lakes Golf Course boasts a 20-bay undercover driving range with the first 120m over a lake (complete with floating golf balls). Practise your putting, chip and run shots on the putting green while you're there. 40 balls $7, 100 balls $14.
4. Golf Warehouse
Ellerslie Racecourse Infield, Gate 1, Ascot Ave, ph (09) 522 2124 or 0800 465 346; Premier International Driving Range at Takapuna (Fred Thomas Dr, ph: (09) 489 5374) plus 79 Ormiston Rd, East Tamaki, ph: (09) 274 4479. Mon-Fri 8am to 9pm, weekends 7am-8pm
A giant driving range of 20 bays in the middle of the Ellerslie Racecourse, which also has a pitch and putt course and a separate dedicated practice area (with putting and chipping, bunkers). 45 balls $6, 90 balls $12.90, concession card 450 balls $54. Club hire $3. No bookings needed.
5. Twin Oaks Golf
994C State Highway 22, Paerata, Pukekohe, ph (09) 239 1817.
20 covered bays with four bays kept private for lessons and teaching with a golf pro (bookings needed). A state-of-the-art driving range and manicured practice area in a picturesque country setting. Monday 11am to 7pm , Tues and Wed 9am to 7pm, Thu and Fri 9am to 8pm, Sat 9am to 7pm, Sun 9am to 5pm. Large basket (95-100 balls) $12, small basket (45-50 balls) $7 and 12 large baskets concession, $100.
