Images: images/essential_golf_new_zealand
Price: From NZ$16,386 pp
Duration: 17 days / 16 nights
Info: Double / Twin Share
Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland 
On arrival you will be met and driven to your city hotel.  A tour pack which includes everything you need for the duration of your stay will be handed to you.

Day 2: Auckland - Whangaroa Harbour & Matauri Bay
The trip from Auckland to the Bay of Islands takes around 3.5 hours, but give yourself some leeway for stops and sightseeing.  Enjoy the native bush surrounds and marvel at endless golden beaches as you arrive into the subtropical Bay of Islands region.  Continuing north it's just a short drive to Matauri Bay, your destination for the night.

Day 3:  Kauri Cliffs Golf Course
Kauri Cliffs was designed and built by David Harman and offers five sets of tees to challenge every skill level.  Fifteen holes view the Pacific Ocean, six of which are played alongside cliffs which plunge to the sea.  The beautiful inland holes wind through marsh, forest and farmland.  Kauri Cliffs is currently ranked #39 in the world by Golf Digest Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses in the World.  Your accommodation for tonight is The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs which affords spectacular 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean.  

Day 4: Kauri Cliffs - Paihia
Today return south through Kerikeri, a delightful place to learn about New Zealand's early history.  Continue on to Paihia, your destination for the night - and a great base from which to explore the Bay of Islands.

Day 5: Golf and Explore the Bay of Islands
 
The Waitangi Golf Course not only provides an exciting and every changing challenge to the golfer but also the most tremendous panorama of sea and island views of the Bay of Islands and Russell, river and estuary views over Waitangi and Opua and rolling bush and forest views inland over Mount Bledisloe and Puketona.  Spend some time on a remote stretch of beach, or cool off during a 'swim with dolphins' ocean safari.  Wander around Russell, a whaling port founded in 1843 and learn about our culture in historic Waitangi.  

Day 6: Paihia - Auckland via Waipoua Forest
Today you will leave the Bay of Islands for a scenic return trip to Auckland.  Your route goes south through Waipoua Forest, home to the largest and oldest Kauri trees in the country.  As you make your way back down the country you'll pass the Matakohe Kauri Museum with extensive displays on the region's logging, farming and social history.

Day 7: Auckland - Taupo
Heading south from Auckland you'll go through the lush pastures of Waikato King Country before arriving in Taupo which sits on New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo.  Your accommodation for two nights is Acacia Cliffs Lodge set in a simply stunning location with spectacular lake and mountain views.

Day 8:  Golf at Taupo
Kinloch Golf Course was ranked in 2013 in the Top 100 in the World by Golf Course Architecture Magazine.  It was also rated on opening in 2007 as the top new golf course outside North America by the prestigious US Travel and Leisure Golf Magazine.  The Kinloch Club (Nicklaus signature golf course) is the only Nicklaus designed golf course in New Zealand.

Day 9:  Taupo -  Napier
Napier, the city on the sea, is renowned for its 1930s Art Deco architecture, stately Norfolk pines, surrounding wineries and local fresh produce.  A landmark of Napier is Bluff Hill overlooking the Port of Napier, one of New Zealand's busiest ports, transporting timber, local fruit and meat products to worldwide destinations.  Your accommodation for two nights is The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, a 6,000-acres sheep and cattle cattle farm.  The championship golf course designed by Tom Doak is just one reason to experience The Farm.

Day 10: At Napier
Relax at your wonderful lodge today or take to the green on the spectacular Cape Kidnappers golf course.

Day 11: Napier - Christchurch
Today you fly south to Christchurch with Air New Zealand.  Pick up your rental vehicle at the airport depot and drive to Peppers Clearwater Resort.

Day 12: Golf at Clearwater Golf Course 
The par 72 championship course combines elements of links golf inspired by the great Scottish courses with parkland golf, more reminiscent of Florida.  Playable year-round, the course meanders around a succession of spring-fed lakes and trout-filled streams, with uninterrupted views of the spectacular Southern Alps.  There are five tee positions to suit players of all abilities.

Day 13:  Christchurch - Mt Cook National Park
Passing through the heart of the South Island you'll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo. Visit The Church of the Good Shepherd, one of the most photographed churches in the country. Follow the road and take in the view of Aoraki Mt Cook (New Zealand's tallest mountain) from the shores of Lake Pukaki, known for its glacier fed turquoise blue colour.  Continue along the lake to your final destination, Mt Cook Village.  We have included a 55 minute scenic helicopter flight for you to view the spectacular Aoraki Mount Cook from above.  You'll also land on the Tasman Glacier - a truly unique experience.

Day 14:  Mt Cook National Park - Queenstown
Leaving the alpine region, you'll travel over the Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand's highest roads with a summit of 971 metres.  Follow the road to Cromwell, and keep going through the sheer cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge towards the Gibbston Valley, one of New Zealand's premier wine growing regions.  Approaching Queenstown, the Remarkables mountain range comes into view as you arrive into the adventure capital of New Zealand.  Your accommodation for two nights is Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown.

Day 15:  Millbrook Golf Course
Set in a natural alpine ampitheatre, against the backdrop of the Remarkables Mountain Range, the golf course at Millbrook exploits the dramatic terrain fully, delivering world-class golf.  Designed by Sir Bob Charles and recently upgraded by Greg Turner, this 18 hole, par-72 championship course features 4 different tee positions for complete enjoyment at all levels of playing expertise.

Day 16:  Milford Sound
Today you will take a helicopter flight to descend through carved glacial valleys to Milford Sound where you'll join an informative cruise on the fiord iteslf.  On your return flight to Queenstown experience an alpine landing where you can step foot on pristine wilderness rarely seen by people.

Day 17:  Depart Queenstown
Depending on when your flight departs you might have time for one last Queenstown adventure before dropping your car off at the airport and catching your flight.

This itinerary can be customised to suit you perfectly

 

Included in Package:
  • All golf green fees and club hire
  • 16 nights staying in Boutique lodges and hotels
  • Rental car hire including unlimited kms, airport/ferry terminal fees, additional drivers, GPS navigation
  • Daily breakfasts
  • 7 dinners
  • Private airport transfers
  • Domestic flight Napier to Christchurch
  • Huka Falls jet boat
  • Mt Cook Ultimate Scenic Flight
  • Exclusive helicopter tour to Milford Sound including cruise

Not only does New Zealand have stunning scenery, superb lodges and hotels but we are also lucky enough to have nearly 400 golf courses.

On this itinerary you get to play some of the country's best courses, stay in some of the finest locations and experience some thrilling activities.

Starts in:       Auckland
Finishes in:   Queenstown

Photo Credits:
Kauri Cliffs, Northland - Gary Lisbon
Cape Kidnappers, Hawke's Bay - Jacob Sjoman
Millbrook Golf Course, Arrowtown - courtesy of Tourism New Zealand