A guide to Auckland's exclusive members' clubs

Town members of the Auckland Club pay just under $1000 a year.

AUCKLAND CLUB

* Established: 1853

* Purpose: For fellowship and networking.

* Members: 730 (690 men, 40 women). Average age 50 to 55.

* Cost: Town members (those who live within 65km of the clubhouse) pay "just under $1000" a year, says president Michael Woods. Those aged 20 to 30 pay a third of that.

* Facilities: Five floors include a dining room, bar, library, billiards room and reception rooms.

* Briefcases and parcels must be left at reception. Cellphones not permitted.

* Dress: Jackets and ties must be worn in the dining room.


NORTHERN CLUB

* Established: 1869

* Purpose: To provide functions and facilities that members find attractive.

* Members: 1350 (10 per cent women). Average age 49.

* Cost: Annual subscription is "about the same as The Auckland Club", says president Gavin Cormack. An entrance fee applies but is waived for those under 30. Reduced subscription rates for members under 40.

* Facilities: Four storeys include a contemporary bar and restaurant, formal dining room, traditional bar, intimate whiskey bar, reading room, billiards room, gymnasium and seven function rooms.

* Rules: Briefcases are left closed and business talk is confined to private rooms. Cellphones not permitted.

* Dress: Jackets and ties must be worn on the main floor.


PARNELL LAWN TENNIS CLUB

* Established: 1872

* Purpose: To play lawn tennis.

* Members: 660 (400 senior, 110 junior, 150 non-playing). 50 per cent men, 50 per cent women. Average age 50.

* Cost: Senior members pay a $340 entrance fee and $510 a year. Reduced fees apply for those under 28.

* Facilities: Eight championship TigerTurf floodlit courts and clubhouse with bar and pro shop.

* Rules: No cellphones on court except for doctors.

* Dress: Recognised tennis clothes on court. No caps in the bar after 5pm.


AUCKLAND GOLF CLUB

* Established: 1894

* Purpose: Promotion and enjoyment of golf.

* Members: 1600 (54 per cent men, 35 per cent women, 11 per cent juniors). Average age low-50s.

* Cost: The AGC declined to divulge current subscription rates. Its centenary book shows the annual subscription for full-playing members in 1991 was $1050.

* Facilities: 18-hole championship course, pro shop and clubhouse with bar and restaurant set on 58ha.

* No cellphones in the clubhouse or on the course except for doctors on call.

* Dress: Appropriate, approved clothes on course. Smart golfing attire in the clubhouse.