Second-tier 18-hole golf courses in Queenstown have been rebranded by tourism bosses.
Queenstown Golf Course and Arrowtown Golf Course were referred to as ''tier 2'' courses by Golf Tourism New Zealand (GTNZ).
But they are now among 26 across the country classed as ''New Zealand Experience'' courses.
''Tier 2 ... did not accurately depict the quality and diversity of these courses,'' GTNZ's annual progress report reads.
''This portfolio is important to showcase the crucial elements of the New Zealand golf brand such as value for money, local culture, community spirit and country charm.''
The report states the courses can complement the 12 high-quality courses identified as ''marquee courses'', which include Arrowtown courses The Hills and Millbrook and Queenstown course Jacks Point.
The ''Experience'' courses can increase yield from visitors, it states, with repeat short-stay visitors potentially adding a day to their holiday for a round.
Eleven courses in the South Island feature in the portfolio, including Cromwell, Invercargill, the Southland Golf Club's Oreti Sands course and, in Dunedin, Chisholm Park and the Otago Golf Club course at Balmacewen.
''This portfolio has varying quality of facilities that may not meet expectations of golfers from all markets, and we must accurately represent them to golf tourists to ensure visitor expectations are met.''
GTNZ has, to date, assessed 60 of the 400 courses in New Zealand.
