17 Day - New Zealands Ultimate Golfing Tour

Fly into Auckland– ‘The City of Sails’; a title gained from the view of yachts seen against the cityscape. Pass through Customs and board a short flight to Kerikeri; the largest town in the Bay of Islands. This sub-tropical region has the finest maritime park in New Zealand with 144 islands, secluded bays, and an abundance of marine life. One of the most picturesque and popular holiday sites, it combines great fishing, diving, sailing with some of New Zealand's most significant historic sites. Once landed, collect your rental vehicle and drive for one hour to the Carrington Resort. Spend the rest of the day relaxing before dining at the Lodge's restaurant.

Two Nights Accommodation at Carrington Resort on the Karikari Peninsula. This lodge, golf club and vineyard is situated on a 3000 acre Black Angus stud farm on the Karikari Peninsula. Relax or take in some of the activities on offer; skeet and trap (clay targets) shooting range, tennis courts, heated swimming pool and spa looking out over the Pacific Ocean, not to forget 4km of secluded white sand. (2 nights)

After breakfast play a round of golf on the Carrington Golf Course; an 18-hole course designed by Matt Dye that has stunning sea views, the course itself is more reminiscent of an inland course. Admitted into the “New Zealand Golf Cluster”, which is a grouping of the country’s top nine courses. The courses can’t apply to be a member course, they have to be invited and need the approval of all of the other courses. We suggest you break for lunch between 9th and 10th holes at the winery restaurant.

Spend the afternoon touring and tasting the wines at Karikari Estate Winery. This winery has earned numerous medals and glowing reviews therefore is well on the path to become a major player in the New Zealand wine market. Evening at Leisure.

Drive for approx an hour and check into The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, you will be staying two nights so explore and get familiar with this exquisite Lodge area. Then tee off on the Championship Golf Course that was designed by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants in Orlando, Florida. An impressive 15 of the 18 holes have stunning ocean views with challenging fairways and greens on cliff tops, not to forget the others that wind through marsh, forest and farmland. When finished relax and spend the afternoon exploring the area and enjoying cocktails before your á la carte gourmet meal. Retire into your charming cottage that is nestled in native bush and overlooks the golf course and the Pacific Ocean.

Two Nights Accommodation at the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs. Located in the Bay of Islands; this luxury lodge is one of the most awarded luxury boutique golf and spa resort hotels in NZ. Set on 6,500 acres near Matauri Bay the Lodge affords spectacular 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean and is home to a par 72PGA Championship golf course designed and built by David Harman. Kauri Cliffs is also a memeber of Relais &Chateaux, an exclusive collection of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in the world.

Help hoist the sails and take the helm, as you sail for the uninhabited sub-tropical Cavalli Islands aboard a 47ft/15m centre cockpit steel cruising cutter. You may see dolphins, blue penguins, shearwater, gannets, terns and a host of other wildlife. Enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared on board by a trained chef. Spend the afternoon snorkeling, beaching, walking, or just chill out on board with a glass of wine or beer and watch the waves go by. Evening at leisure.

Some alternative sightseeing and activity options available are:

Drive south, stopping at Waipoua Forest; famous for having the two largest living kauris (Tane Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere), the ring counts confirm that these are two of the largest existing trees, over 2000 years old. The beauty, unique character, and significance of this forest will inspire those who visit.

Continue onto Gulf Harbour Country Club; this world class championship course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr commands spectacular views over the Hauraki Gulf. Enjoy playing on this 18-hole, 6483m par 72 course which tantalises players of all levels of skill with a variety of holes, several of which feature risk and reward opportunities. Drive into Auckland City and check into your accommodation; Mollies Boutique Hotel

Two Nights Accommodation at Mollies in Auckland. Overlooking Auckland Harbour Bridge, Mollies boutique hotel offers spacious accommodation, a stroll from fashionable Ponsonby Road and 5 minutes to Auckland City CBD.

Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a mild climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping and you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland. Also known as the City of Sails - a title gained from the view of yachts seen against the cityscape. Nestled within an isthmus of two oceans, the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea, Auckland contains much serene natural beauty with many exciting area’s to explore.

Sightseeing and activity options available:

Your journey to Rotorua will take you through a mixture of farmland, lakeland and forest. You’ll know you’ve arrived in the city of Rotorua when you see (and smell!) the geothermal steam plumes.

Geysers, mud pools and thermal springs have been attracting visitors to Rotorua since the 1800s and the living, breathing landscape never fails to amaze. Perched on the edge of a large lake, in the crater of an ancient volcano, this picturesque city is also the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture. With 16 sparkling lakes within 20 minutes drive of the city, as well as magnificent forests surrounding, Rotorua has earned the reputation as the North Islands outdoors adventure centre offering an exciting array of experiences.

Golf: Play the 18-hole Arikikapapa Course, the 6328m long Arikikapapa offers an interesting round of golf with steam vents and geyser craters as natural hazards. Not a long, but still challenging course set amidst Rotorua's thermal zone. Arikikapapa means "the sound of plopping mud".

Sightseeing and activity options include:

One Nights Accommodation  at Kawaha Point Lodge. Enjoy this luxury lodges accommodation which comprises 8 beautifully appointed super king/twin guest suites with stunning views over the lake or gardens. Each suite, named after one of the lakes in the area.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before being whisked away by helicopter to White Island Volcano. White Island is one of the most fascinating and accessible volcanoes on earth. Walking on White Island is like walking on the moon. No vegetation survives the harsh acidic environment inside the crater. Instead lush beds of yellow and white sulphur crystals grow amongst hissing, steaming, bubbling fumaroles. White Island is always active, constantly steaming. You can walk right inside its main crater just above sea level with a minimum of physical effort and without undue risk. This allows you to experience at first hand nature's immense power as gas and steam burst up from far below the Earth's crust. A very exciting experience!

On your return drive to Wairakei International Golf Course in Taupo. Set in the heart of the scenic Wairakei Park; this makes a round at the course a rare and challenging experience. With 108 large well-placed bunkers and plenty of hazards on this undulating course you will be challenged! Play 18-holes before checking into Chalet Eiger, your accommodation for the night.

One Nights Accommodation at Chalet Eiger. Situated above picturesque Acacia Bay overlooking Lake Taupo, this private boutique retreat offers luxury accommodation in a tranquil environment. Experience a unique international blend of Kiwi hospitality, European tradition and Asian charm.

After your gourmet breakfast, drive on the Thermal Explorer Highway over the Ahimanawa & Rimutaka Ranges, crossing the mighty Mohaka River, through cultivated forest and large areas of stunning native bush to the Hawkes Bay. Your destination is The Farm at Cape Kidnappers.

Spend the rest of your day relaxing and enjoying the facilities or take a Heli-Wine and Dine Tour of the Hawkes Bay; this is for Wine Lover who has a Sense of Adventure. Fly over the horticultural landscape of Hawke's Bay and surrounds; stop at the prestigious Sileni Estate for a 2 course lunch with matching wines then. During the afternoon you'll learn about the regions many different grape varieties and a little bit of local history. At the end of your tour you will be dropped off at your accommodation to relax for the evening.

Some alternative sightseeing and activity options are:

Accommodation: The Lodge at Cape Kidnappers -  Set atop 6,000 rolling acres of pasture land, The Farm encompasses terrain which is reminiscent of Montana but plunges 800 feet into the sea. The 180-degree panoramic views of the farm, golf course and Pacific Ocean are enjoyed from The Lodge; which offers a 50’ heated infinity pool and Jacuzzi, poolside cabana, and Day Spa. The Spa sits atop the hillside above the Lodge; you can choose from a variety of treatments including massage, reflexology, body wraps, and facials. Sheer Bliss!

After your gourmet breakfast take in a morning round of golf on the Cape Kidnappers Course; this wild and thrilling golf adventure was created by the hottest course architect of the decade – Tom Doak. The course opened on January 2, 2004 and already they have been voted the 4th top golf course in the world (Golf Magazine Sept 2009). Every hole has a view of the ocean, and Doak was able to route his course to incorporate several stunning fairways along the very edge of the cliff tops, siting greens where any ball that misses will plunge inevitably down 500 feet of sheer drop. Cape Kidnappers is a once in a lifetime experience, not to be missed.

During the afternoon, explore the Cape on a Gannet Safari.  Travel in air-conditioned 4-wheel drive vehicles over the hill country of Cape Kidnappers Station to within a few metres of the birds, no walking is required. Cape Kidnappers is the largest and most accessible mainland colony in the world. You will see these amazing birds nesting, preening, flying and performing the famous recognition ritual "Dance of the Gannets'.  This is a 36km round trip with a driver/guide who has a good knowledge of the gannets and farm. Spend the evening enjoying cocktails and dinner, gentlemen are required to wear a jacket; if you are packing lightly The Lodge has jackets available for guest use.

Accommodation: The Lodge at Cape Kidnappers

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before driving to Napier Airport, return your rental vehcicle and fly to Queenstown; The Adventure Capital. Famed for its international winter ski profile, Queenstown is also a brilliant spring, summer, and fall destination. This is when you get the best of its scenic beauty, easy walks, and endless opportunities to relax. Thrill seeking may be touted as the major attraction, but you can just as easily go fishing, golfing, gold panning, wine tasting, or boating. One thing is certain: You won't run out of things to do.

On arrival you will be transferred Millbrook Country Club; Queenstown’s luxury accommodation that combines everything anyone could want; majestic views, 18-hole Championship golf course, award winning restaurants and a magnificent spa facility.

During the afternoon explore on The Dart River Wilderness Safari; you will taken on a spectacular 1.5 hour jet boat journey through the Dart’s ever-changing braided river system, where you’ll be awed by your surroundings of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, ancient native forest, waterfalls and glacial valleys frozen in time. It includes an easy guided 30 - 40 minute walk through the ‘Heritage Trail’ at Paradise, passing through an ancient beech forest before travelling by 4WD, stopping to view scenery that has formed the epic backdrop for many international films, including ‘The Lord of the Rings’. Spend the evening discovering Queenstown’s nightlife.

Accommodation: Millbrook Country Club

Up early this morning to see the sun rise on the Majestic Southern Alps. Floating up to 2400 metres (8,000ft) high in a hot air balloon you will see a panorama of lakes and mountains stretching from Mt Cook (3765m) in the north to Mt Tutoko in Fiordland. Fly in a valley near beautiful Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover River surrounded by mountains before landing in a grassy field to enjoy a champagne-style breakfast.

Return to Millbrook Resort and take in an afternoon round of golf on this fantastic golf course with the Remarkables mountain range as its backdrop. The18-hole, par 72 championship course was designed by renowned professional and master golfer, Sir Bob Charles.

Evening at leisure - either dine at Millbrook or at one of Queenstowns fabulous restaurants.

Accommodation: Millbrook Country Club

Relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast then take some time to explore Queenstown, the options are endless, perhaps take the gondola to overlook Queenstown or if you want a feeling of true exhilaration there are bungy jumps available from all different locations.

Here is a selection of the many options available:

When you have finished your adventure drive on one of the most remote roads in New Zealand – Queenstown to Manapouri. From here you will join a short cruise across island-studded Lake Manapouri. Then board a coach for the journey on the remote sub-alpine route over Wilmot Pass. Once here you will board the Fiordland Navigator at Deep Cove and your Overnight Cruise on Doubtful Sound begins. There is plenty of time on your overnight cruise to soak up the stunning surrounds and to discover the hidden arms of Doubtful Sound – Hall, Crooked and First. Bottlenose dolphins often ride the bow waves, fur seals bask on the rocks and, at times, rare penguins make an appearance. You will be at anchor at a chosen mooring for the night giving you the opportunity to kayak around the shoreline, go exploring in the tender craft with our nature guide or simply relax on deck. Relax and enjoy a sumptuous three-course buffet before retiring to your private cabin.

One nights accommodation on the Fiordland Navigator.

On your return to dry land, journey north over the spectacular Lindis Pass to the rugged high country landscape of the Mackenzie Basin to The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. This includes the highest peak in Australasia (Mt Cook - 3,755 metres).

Board a ski equipped aircraft and begin the dramatic flight over Aoraki/Mount Cook and Glaciers. The aircraft will take you directly into the heart of the Southern Alps and the Tasman Glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the world. Landing on the glacier, the engine will be stopped, and you alight onto the glacier where climbers would take hours or days to reach. Experience the "natural quiet" of the mountains, broken only by the occasional avalanche or sounds from the glacier as it makes its way down the mountain.

Some sightseeing and activity options available are:

One Nights Accommodation at the Hermitage Hotel. Ringed by magnificent snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps, the Hermitage Hotel is a world renowned tourist destination and has been an icon of superior accommodation and dining since 1884.

Continue your journey north, passing the majestic and peaceful Lake Tekapo travelling through the Mackenzie High Country before reaching Terrace High Country Downs Resort. This resort is perched on the edge of the spectacular Rakaia River with stunning views up to Mt Hutt. Enjoy a leisurely lunch before teeing off on the Terrace Downs Golf Course; this stunning 18 hole golf course is rated among the top 3 in New Zealand. The views are awesome, which constantly challenges players to keep their eyes on the ball.

Spend the evening dining at one of the Resorts three restaurants; which range from ‘The Grill’, specialising in outdoor cuisine complete with a specialised wood fired oven to ‘Avoca’, an award winning fine dining restaurant.

Spend the morning enjoying Terrace Downs Resorts facilities; perhaps enjoy a treatment in the Day Spa, or a horse trek, some clay pigeon shooting or even a spot of salmon and trout fishing.

Drive to Clearwater Resort and enjoy your last game of golf on NZ soil; this course is a ‘must play’ on any NZ Golf Holiday. There are elements of links and parkland golf at Clearwater course with an abundance of water. The resort’s 15 hectares of lakes are fed by natural springs and crystal clear streams that are teeming with trout. Water comes into play at 14 of the holes with numerous grass hazards of tussocks and marram grasses. There are five-position tees, including the championship tees which are rated by NZ Golf Association as the toughest in the country.

When ready drive into Christchurch; internationally famed ‘The Garden City’ and also known as the ‘most English City outside of England’.  Christchurch was planned around the Gothic Canterbury Cathedral, whose 65 meter spire dominates almost every view.

One nights accommodation at the George. This very individual, multi award winning boutique hotel is situated picturesquely in the heart of Christchurch. With a one-to-one ratio of staff to guests, impeccable service is guaranteed.

Christchurch is the nation’s second largest city and because of its extensive gardens and the Avon River meandering though it, is regarded as the most English of New Zealand cities.

Some sightseeing and activity options available are:

Have we missed a course that you want to play? Let us know and we will customize an itinerary  for you.

Please take the time to view our “Virtual Tour” for the 17 Day Ultimate Golfing tour or download/print the detailed “Tour Dossier”. Both can be found on the right hand column of this page. Alternatively you can simply contact us. For a comprehensive list of all activities available in each location featured in this tour, please refer to the "Destination Guide" found at the top of this page.