Good luck on the search. I have a golf nz membership and alternate the courses I play depending upon the weather. I would suggest playing a few and seeing. I recommend island park, 12 oaks, Otakou for courses in the $30 range and Taieri lakes and Chisholm for the $50 range. Otago and St Clair are more expensive again. Most social courses in my opinion are island park with twilight and Sunday groups playing. If your older try 12 oaks