Bay of Islands Golf Club is an 18-hole golf club in Kerikeri, Northland, with a clubhouse that doubles as a function venue. The club now trades publicly as Kerikeri Golf Club, having launched a new website under that name; the two names refer to the same organisation.
### History
The club records its formation on 16 April 1936, reported in the Kerikeri Gazette, with a steering committee of five elected. Alec Riddell was made the first life member for providing land for the course on his farm at the corner of Kerikeri Road and State Highway 10. Early coaching came from three-time New Zealand Open champion Alex Murray of Wiseman's in Auckland, who travelled to Otiria by train and was billeted by members for three-day visits. The club closed in 1941 and was reformed at its current location in 1970. The name was changed from Kerikeri Golf Club to Bay of Islands Golf Club Kerikeri at a general meeting on 29 September 2010.
### The course and clubhouse
The course is 18 holes and includes what the club calls its signature drop hole. Visitors are welcome year-round without membership and can book tee times online or through the club, with advance booking recommended at weekends and in peak season. There is an on-site golf shop stocking balls, gloves, apparel and refreshments, and a full-time café in the clubhouse. Neat golf attire is expected on the course and in the clubhouse.
### Meetings and events
The clubhouse is offered for hire and is the club's main MICE asset. The club's venue hire information describes a fully equipped clubhouse in central Kerikeri with golf course views and ample parking, a licensed bar and catering facilities, seating for 140 people inside with tables and chairs provided, and a seated covered barbecue area outside. Equipment listed includes a dance floor, PA and sound system, and a projector. Hire is available hourly, half-day or full-day, except on long weekends, with rates on enquiry.
Catering is handled in-house and is offered for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, casual parties and corporate events, tailored to dietary requirements and budget. The club runs its own regular events, including a jazz club night and a quiz night with dinner and bar, plus Sunday night roasts.
On the golf side, the club specifically caters for group bookings, corporate golf days and social golf days, and says its team can help organise competitions, catering and tailored event packages.
### Suitability
A good fit for corporate golf days, incentive rounds, team-building sessions, awards dinners and mid-sized conference dinners in the Bay of Islands, where a projector, PA and licensed bar are needed alongside a course. It is a club venue rather than a hotel, so accommodation and full conference production must be arranged separately.
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