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.
Almost everyone wants to play Kauri Cliffs on the far North Island, and also play Jacks Point down at the bottom of the South Island in Queenstown. But in between are 750 miles of amazing topography to traverse, and Premier Golf recommends at least 12-14 days to do it justice.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – 3 (Day lost traveling)
Depart the USA west coast in the evening for a 13-hour overnight flight to Auckland.
Auckland to Te Arai: Early morning arrival in Auckland and meet your driver for the roughly 90 minute drive north to Te Arai and check into The Suites at Te Arai Links (upgrades to cottages or villas are also available).
Your first afternoon is available for optional golf or relaxation around the resort. In-room massages or yoga might help alleviate the long day of travel.
Day 4
Te Arai: After breakfast (included every day of your tour), golf the new Te Arai South Course designed by Coore-Crenshaw which has ocean views from 16 holes and eight holes directly along the sea (walking only with caddies). A fantastic experience to start your New Zealand golf tour!
Day 5
Te Arai: Your second round of golf at Te Arai playing the Tom Doak designed North Course (walking only with caddies) which winds through the forest and along the sea reminiscent of the nearby, and very private, Tara Iti GC. It will be hard for you to pick your favorite course at Te Arai, they are so good!
This afternoon consider a horseback ride on the beach, swimming in the ocean (or in the heated outdoor lap pool), or the miles of hikes in the local area.
Day 6
Kauri Cliffs: Check out of your hotel and your driver will take you 2.5 hours north to the incomparable Lodge at Kauri Cliffs and your luxury suite. Premier Golf’s Bill Hogan considers Kauri Cliffs “the best little golf resort in the world and deserving of six-stars”.
Afternoon golf on Kauri Cliffs (caddies or carts available), the stunning clifftop David Harman designed layout, often ranked in the world top 100, and ocean vistas from 15 holes. Gourmet multiple course dinner is included in the room rate.
Day 7
Kauri Cliffs: Morning golf today at Kauri Cliffs, and trust us, you can never get enough of this course!
Afternoon is free to enjoy the spa, perhaps a picnic on the gorgeous Pink Beach, hiking in nearby forest, fishing or other activities.
Gourmet multiple course dinner is included in the room rate.
Day 8
Cape Kidnappers: This morning fly to Napier and short transfer to golf at Cape Kidnappers, the famed Tom Doak creation built on tiny fingers of land some 450 feet above Hawkes Bay. Visually stunning, don’t get lost in the ambience because the golf course has plenty of teeth!
After golf, the best accommodations are onsite at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, or you can choose from a hotel in art deco Napier or perhaps one of the wine estates in the nearby Hastings area.
Day 9
Cape Kidnappers: another round of golf today on Cape Kidnappers and / or winetasting and farm to table dining at one of the local wine estates. There is so much to see (and taste!) in the surrounding area.
Non Golfers – Knysna Lagoon Experience & walk, plus lunch at the Featherbed Nature Reserve
Day 10
Queenstown: Fly from Napier to Queenstown on the South Island, and short transfer to your hotel or resort in this mountain lake town famous for all kinds of outdoor pursuits.
This afternoon consider a Shotover River Jet Boat ride, Bungee Jumping off a bridge (no really!), a cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamboat on giant Lake Wakatipu.
Optional golf at Arrowtown or Millbrook or The Hills, or the 10-minute Skyline Gondola to a stunning mountain perch overlooking the mountains and lake. There are a plethora of restaurants to choose from tonight in Queenstown.
Day 11
Queenstown: Scenic round of golf today (aren’t they all in New Zealand?) at Jacks Point GC, one of the prettiest mountain view courses in the world.
Afternoon free in town or to pursue one of the many outdoor activities available around Queenstown.
Day 12
Queenstown: We’ve kept the last day to discover the majestic fjord land at Milford Sound. From Queenstown, you can elect to do a drive-cruise experience (12+ hours) or a fly-cruise trip (4-5 hours) and view the spectacular Fjordland National Park.
As an option, consider another round of golf at Millbrook or The Hills GC.
Day 13
Fly Queenstown to Auckland and then your 12 hour nonstop flight back to USA west coast, arriving on the same day.
Highlights
Combine the finest golf across New Zealand with some of the most picturesque and stunning scenery on North and South Island. New Zealand is a land of wonder, and you will experience otherworldly vistas on and off the golf course.
Enjoy request dining from local produce and some of the most welcoming and friendly hospitality anywhere in the world.
Tour Summary
10 nights’ accommodation including daily breakfast
7 rounds of golf with cart
Pre-dinner cocktail
4 multiple course gourmet dinners at Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers
6 days of private airport, hotel & golf transfers
Sample Pricing
$14,145 per golfer, based on double/twin room sharing
$11,350 per non-golfer, based on double/twin room sharing
$20,630 per golfer, based on single room
Price is based on 4 persons sharing transfers.
All taxes and fees included
Our Tip
Try a thrill-seeking adventure when in the action-packed city of Queenstown. From a jet boat ride to bungee jumping, you can experience an adrenaline rush like no other.
The 5 Best Courses in New Zealand Open To The Public
Discover the allure of New Zealand’s breathtaking, yet ever-changing landscapes through its top publicly accessible golf courses. From dramatic coastal cliffs to rolling green fairways, these courses offer not only a challenging game but also an immersive experience in one of the world’s most scenic destinations.
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