Fairway to heaven: a spectacular New Zealand bargain for golfers.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Byline: Eric Sharp

MOUNT MAUNGANUI, New Zealand _ Few people turn up their noses at a bargain, which is reason enough for any golfer to love New Zealand.

The savings on greens fees, meals and lodging during a three-week trip would cover most of the cost of round-trip ticket from the United States.

The bonuses are that the Kiwi climate is as good or better than any place in the United States, the scenery is spectacular, the food is great and there's so much to do besides golf that some days you'll hardly find time to pick up a club.

Ironically, the New Zealand Tourism Bureau doesn't push the bargain rates that make Kiwi golf such a deal for those in the know, worried that "bargain" will be equated with "cheap" and diminish the country's image.

That's not likely, says Tim Purcell of Philadelphia, who has made four trips to New Zealand during the North American winter and plans "to keep on coming here for as long as they'll let me."

"It's fantastic. The weather is great. If you like it tropical, drive up to Northland (the northern third of the North Island). You can play golf among the palm trees," he says.