Close to the popular Bay of Islands town of Paihia, the Waitangi Golf Club is an unremarkable country club best recommended for its wonderful views across the waters of the bay toward the adjacent town of Russell. The 1st and 9th are played through a steep valley, the course then heading over an entrance road and down toward cliffs with most of the back nine enjoying water views.

The architecture here is very basic, the greens are flat and bland and protected by single, shallow flanking traps which make up and downs rather straightforward.

The course is fun enough to play, but without the views would struggle to hold the golfers attention. Holes generally head up and down hills rather than across slopes, and there are few preferred angles or strategic lines to create interest for the better players. The views though steal the show and make this a worthwhile detour on the way up to Kauri Cliffs