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Aotearoa, New Zealand. Land of the long white cloud, long driving fairways and greens that rewrite the definition of green!
“Kia ora” is how we say hello and welcome you to the heart of our country. Your Golf in New Zealand Tour will take you from the beautiful city of Auckland, north to the Matakana coast on the Hauraki Gulf and on up to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands. From here, it is back down to Great Lake Taupo – New Zealand’s largest lake – before heading east to the fabulous wine region of Hawke’s Bay. Then we relocate to the very fabulous, take-your-breath-away Queenstown Lakes District towards the southern end of the country’s South Island. Here we conclude our tour midst some of the most spectacular scenery New Zealand has to offer.
Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, nestled between the mighty Manukau Harbour and the sparkling Waitamata. With its iconic Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower and Viaduct Harbour precinct, the city has instant appeal for visitors and locals alike. Just ask those who live here!
After you have completed customs, you will be transferred to your Auckland accommodation where you can make yourself comfortable and relax for the night.
Morning Breakfast. Meet in the hotel lobby to take the morning Auckland City Tour.
Visit Auckland’s main attractions, Auckland Museum, Mission Bay, Mt Eden, Auckland’s Harbour Bridge to Devonport and North Head. In the afternoon we take a 35 minute ferry on the Waitmata Harbour to Waiheke Island.
Waiheke Island is the ultimate island retreat. You’ll feel another world away, and yet Waiheke is just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. The island is known as the island of wine because of its many wineries and vineyards. A wine tasting or tour is a must.
On arrival at Waiheke Island you will have free time to walk around the local shops at Oneroa or you can relax at the sheltered and picturesque Oneroa beach.
After the time at the beach and shops you transfer to Cable Bay where we will enjoy a 3 course dinner and panoramic views of the Waitmata Harbour and Auckland City.
Following dinner you transfer to the ferry back to Auckland.
Start the day with breakfast before you transfer to Omaha Beach Golf Club approximately one hour north of Auckland.
Bordered by the sea on one side and a natural estuary on the other, the 18 hole, par 70 championship golf course is a links style resort course. Crafted by its designers to make the most of its enthralling seaside location, Omaha Beach Golf Club is a true hidden gem of New Zealand Golf.
After the golf you head to Brick Bay Vineyard for lunch and a little wine tasting before we take a leisurely stroll around the sculpture trail where you walk among 45 sculptures by leading New Zealand artists.
After Lunch, you transfer to the historic, sub-tropical paradise of the Bay of Islands. A three hour drive or 35 minute flight north of Auckland, the Bay of Islands encompasses 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula and includes the boutique towns of Opua, Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri.
You check in for a three-night stay at The Waterfront Suites, Paihia. You will have the evening free to settle into your apartment.
After breakfast the morning is yours to relax and explore.
Following lunch, it’s all aboard the catamaran, Dolphin Seeker, for the half day dolphin cruise around the stunning Bay of Islands to the famous hole in the rock on Motukokako Island. Before you make your way back to port, you will have hopefully spotted a dolphin or two.
After the cruise the evening will be yours to dine at one of Paihia’s many restaurants.
Take breakfast at your leisure and transfer to Kauri Cliffs mid-morning.
Kauri Cliffs was designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, Orlando, Florida. The par 72 championship golf course measures 7,119 yards / 6,510 metres and offers five sets of tees to challenge every skill level. Fifteen holes view the Pacific Ocean, six of which are played alongside cliffs that 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.
After an enjoyable day at Kauri Cliffs, you can take the evening to wine and dine as you like.
Breakfast is early this morning as you transfer to Bay of Islands airport to take a flight to Taupo via Auckland.
The Great Lake Taupo region, with its volcanic and geothermal activity, is undoubtedly one of the world’s most unique and picturesque areas. This year-round destination is a sporting mecca and nature-lover's paradise with hiking trails, world-class trout fishing and water activities leading the way.
On arrival at Taupo Airport, you will transfer to Hilton Lake Taupo and check in for a two-night stay.
In the afternoon you play golf at Wairakei Golf Course, set alongside the majestic beauty of the Wairakei Geothermal Park. It was against this impressive backdrop that leading British Golf Course Architect, Commander John Harris and his assistants, succeeded in creating New Zealand’s first truly great championship golf course and a golfing experience that remains unique to this day.
Come the evening and you are free to relax and dine at your own pace.
Take breakfast as you will before your mid-morning transfer to The Kinloch Club. The Kinloch Club is New Zealand’s only Jack Nicklaus designed golf course and is often compared to the classic link courses in Scotland and Ireland. Ranked as New Zealand’s number one golf course in 2014, the Kinloch Club is also rated 76th of the top 100 golf courses outside of America by Golf Digest Magazine.
This evening you will attend the Maori cultural experience show and dinner.
After breakfast, board your mid-morning transfer to Hawke’s Bay.
Situated on the East Coast of the North Island, Hawke’s Bay is recognised on the world stage for its award-winning wines. Its principle city Napier is renowned for its Art Deco architecture. The city was rebuilt after it was devastated by a huge earthquake in 1931.
Take time to check-in for your two-night stay at your Hawke’s Bay accommodation. You will have some free time to settle in at the hotel.
In the early evening you will meet in the hotel lobby to take the world’s only Progressive Winery Dinner tour. The sumptuous three-course dinner weaves its way through top wineries and restaurants and features sightseeing with fully guided commentary and interactive wine tasting. You will enjoy a ‘Champagne Sunset’ from Te Mata Peak as well as a selection of local award-winning wines with your dinner. And it is all topped off with dessert, dessert wine and tea or coffee.
Then you will be returned to your accommodation to reflect on the experience of your first progressive winery dinner!
Breakfast today at your leisure and then take the mid-morning transfer to Cape Kidnappers Golf Course. Designed by legendary golf architect Tom Doak, the Cape Kidnappers par 71 golf course measures 7,119 yards (6,510 meters) and will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Completed in 2004, this spectacular New Zealand golf course has been hailed as one of the great modern marvels in golf. You will understand why on your first drive!
After golf, you transfer to Napier Airport to take a flight to Queenstown.
Nestled on the shores of the magical Lake Wakatipu and watched over by the inspiring Remarkables Mountain Range, Queenstown is a town for more seasons than you can imagine. Pure white ski fields, alpine passes and majestic high country stations stand arm in arm with raw, youthful rivers and the natural jeweled lakes of Hawea, Wanaka and Wakatipu. There’s retail therapy to sooth the most troubled soul, air that is so clear it makes the scenery look almost like a painting andnight skies that let you touch the stars!
On arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation, your home for the next seven relaxing days. After check-in there will be a chance to catch your breath before you gather in the lobby for a welcoming dinner featuring exquisite Kiwi cuisine.
Breakfast is taken and then it’s time for your first Queenstown golf experience!
Be prepared to be astonished. Carved from high country station farmland, set against the dwarfing backdrop of the Remarkable Mountain range and overlooking Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu, Jack’s Point is Queenstown’s newest and billed as one of the world’s most spectacular courses. It is definitely the South Island’s very best.
The John Darby designed 18-hole par 72 championship golf course provides a range of challenges for both experienced and beginner golfers. It retains the feel of the high country with dry stone walls lining the fairways. Wetlands, native bush and stunning vistas all add to the appeal of Jack’s Point.
After the 18th, it’s time to rest up back at the hotel before an adventure of another sort takes over the afternoon – the Shotover Jet tour.
Your eyes will water and your lungs scream out loud as you rip down the Shotover River at a speed both thrilling and just a little terrifying. Twisting through the Shotover Canyon, skimming within a hairs breadth of rocky out crops and having your world turned upside down in 360 degree turns - the Shotover Jet Queenstown has gained quite a reputation as the most exciting jet boat ride in the world. Disagree if you dare!
If you can stop shaking after the Shotover, the evening is yours to explore the sights of Queenstown or dine at one of the many fine restaurants on offer.
Breakfast in the stillness of the early morn before departing for a day of golf at Arrowtown Golf Club. A new world is yours from every fairway as the views continually change and excite. Your camera will be nearly as important as your iron! The 18 hole, picturesque Arrowtown Golf Club, sits in an amphitheater of rugged mountains and scenic delights that sets the Queenstown Lakes District apart from all the rest. Each hole has its own attraction and the diverse and challenging course attracts players from all over the world.
At the conclusion of the day, it is back to Queenstown for your own activities.
There is no rush for breakfast this morning, - take it at your leisure before feasting on some of Queenstown’s world renowned sights and attractions.
From the dramatic scenery of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables to the adrenalin pumping action of bungy jumping, you’ll see and experience the very best. We have made some suggestions for you here but feel free to explore further afield. You will need to book these tours by calling the Golf in New Zealand tour office.
Queenstown Hill View point: Get the camera ready for stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables and more.
AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge: Experience the thrill of bungy either as a watcher or maybe even a jumper.
Gibbston Valley Winery: Taste a selection of locally produced fine wines, including the celebrated Pinot Noir at this award winning winery.
Lord of the Rings Film Location: The famous Pillars of the Kings scene was shot here and the views are spectacular.
TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise: A cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the iconic steamship the TSS Earnslaw is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience Queenstown’s famed scenic beauty. Cruises depart regularly throughout the day. You can choose to do a lake cruise, or you may prefer to cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm where you can go on a guided farm tour, try a horse trek and enjoy a barbecue lunch or evening dinner.
The evening is yours to dine, relax or be a little social.
Take your time over breakfast this morning before we leave for Arrowtown mid-morning.
By now you know the detail of Arrowtown’s golf course. But this morning we want you to make yourself at home in this delightfully charming and quirky gold rush village nested below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River. Here is tree-lined history come to life in the charming precinct of miner's cottages, house shops, galleries, bars and restaurants - and not one from an international chain. You can walk the picturesque trails along the Arrow River or seek your fortune at the bottom of a gold pan!
After approximately two and a half hours in Arrowtown, we will transfer to the five star Millbrook Golf and Lifestyle Resort for an early afternoon tee time.
Millbrook is simply an unforgettable Queenstown golfing experience. Voted the leading golf resort in Australasia for the third year running, current co-host of the New Zealand Golf Open, this championship course offers three fabulous nine-hole courses each named after local prominent Queenstown landmarks - The Remarkables, The Arrow and The Coronet Nine.
We keep referring to the ‘most scenic’ the ‘most spectacular’ - it’s just par for the course in New Zealand - but Millbrook is simply that one of the most scenic golf courses you will ever play on.
After golf you will enjoy a 3 course dinner at the award winning Mill House restaurant. Celebrate wonderful memories and new friendships made over the past 13 days.
This is where you start saying your farewells. Following breakfast we will arrange a private transfer to Queenstown airport for your return flights.