Luxury New Zealand Golf Vacations
The ultimate golf adventure, take a trip to dramatic New Zealand
With more golf holes per capita than any other country, there is enough quality golf to play on the two main islands of New Zealand (North and South) for several months. Combined with all the adventure sports, wine tasting, dramatic scenery, world-class fishing, and cultural events, we suggest taking at least two weeks to fully maximize the experience.
New Zealand, being a country that stretches north and south, experiences dramatic changes in scenery and climate within short distances. In contrast to the United States, the warmest parts of New Zealand are in the north and the coldest in the south.
The Best Golf Destinations in New Zealand
North Island
The tip of the North Island, featuring the Bay of Islands, has a tropical feel. The temperate area around Auckland is excellent for growing grapes and features fabulous wines. Further south you have the prehistoric feeling of the hot springs of Rotorua and the magnificent Lake Taupo. Finally at the bottom of the North Island is the capital city of Wellington.
Championship golf on the North Island includes Cape Kidnappers, Te Arai, Paraparaumu Beach, Kauri Cliffs, Royal Wellington, The Kinloch Club, Waitangi, Rotorua, and Wairakei, Royal Auckland, Titirangi.
South Island
The South Island features dramatic mountains and ‘The Adventure Capital of the World’ Queenstown. The home of Bungy jumping, Shotover River jet boats, parasailing, and sky diving. Take a trip to Milford Sound and you will feel like you are in the heart of the Alps. Christchurch is quintessentially English, while Dunedin is firmly Scottish in character.
Championship golf on the South Island includes Jack’s Point, The Hills, Queenstown, Clearwater, Russley, Arrowtown, Christchurch, and Millbrook.
New Zealand’s Best Golf Courses
Cape Kidnappers
After realizing his dream at Kauri Cliffs, American billionaire, the late Julien Robertson, turned his attention to doing the same at another stunning site – Cape Kidnappers on the southern tip of Hawke’s Bay.
Kauri Cliffs
The golf world stood up and paid attention when the late hedge fund billionaire, Julien Robertson, opened the David Harman-designed course in 2004, on his working sheep ranch in New Zealand.
Te Arai
Like Julien Robertson before him, fund manager Ric Kayne and managing partner Jim Rohrstaff set out to scale new golf heights on the sandy turf of New Zealand’s North Island.
Paraparaumu
Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers were not the first New Zealand courses to grace the World’s Top 100 Course rankings – that long-running distinction belongs to Paraparaumu Beach Links on the North Island.
Explore New Zealand
New Zealanders are very proud of their athletic achievements from a small nation, if you have time take in a rugby or cricket match. Celebrate the indigenous Māori culture by learning the Haka and sample their national dish, Pavlova, a delightful meringue and fruit dessert. It is also the backdrop for many movies including the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Flights between the two islands are numerous and relatively inexpensive. Driving is on the left side of the road like in the UK, however, there are more sheep than cars, so traffic will not be an issue.
New Zealand Golf Tour
Golfing around New Zealand is truly a feast for the senses with gorgeous seaside courses and breathtaking scenery that rivals any country on earth. But it also involves moving around a bit if you want to play the top ranked courses, including some domestic flights up and down this elongated, two island country.
The 5 Best Courses in New Zealand Open To The Public
New Zealand Reviews
I can’t wait to go again!
I thought our New Zealand trip would be a once in a lifetime thing, but after returning and remembering our trip, I cannot wait to go again. Everyone at Premier Golf did a great job and the hotels and golf courses were amazing. Te Arai and Cape Kidnappers were our favorites… but Kauri Cliffs and Jacks Point were great too. Next time we are going for at least two weeks!
Book your New Zealand golf vacation with Premier Golf
Premier Golf has been organizing golf vacations and tours since its founding in 1988, and you can rest assured our experts will tailor your next vacation to meet your specific wants and needs.
Representatives will be on hand to help you dream up the most spectacular New Zealand golf trip. Whatever your desires, Premier Golf will ensure that you receive the best customer service, every step of the way.
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New Zealand FAQs
New Zealand has 396 golf courses, ranging from scenic coastal links to challenging inland layouts.
Although not a major tournament, New Zealand hosts the Men’s and Women’s Open Championships annually.
Yes, while all-inclusive resorts are available, most accommodations are self-catered lodges, providing a unique local experience.
Yes, Premier Golf provides fully customizable golf tours in New Zealand, allowing golfers to tailor their trip to their specific preferences and interests.