17 Day Absolute Golfing Dream

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Jacks Point New Zealand Golf
Wai-o-Tapu
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ITINERARY
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17 Day Absolute Golfing Dream

Enjoy a golf holiday in New Zealand, where the pace of life is slower and the courses rarely crowded. A wave of golf course creation in New Zealand saw legacy-built courses each vying for the most spectacular setting with exclusive lodges and terrain. We showcase the best of these courses with some must-see New Zealand icons included - such as Waiheke Island, Mount Cook, Milford Sound and geothermal Rotorua.

Duration: 17 Days

Starts: Auckland

Finishes: Queenstown

+ Absolute Chauffer Inclusions:
  • Dedicated Travel designer
  • Professional Driver/Guide
  • All airport transfers
  • Full In-Country Support
Your Experiences:
  1. Exclusive Wine Tour Waiheke Island
  2. 18 Holes Kauri Cliffs
  3. Scenic Flight & Tour of Cape Reinga
  4. Full Day Eco Thermal Tour
  5. 18 Holes Wairakei International
  6. 18 Holes Cape Kidnappers
  7. Tasman Glacier Boat Trip
  8. 18 Holes Jacks Point
  9. Fly & Cruise Milford Sound
  10. 18 Hole Millbrook Golf Resort
Your Locations:
  1. Auckland
  2. Waiheke Island – Hauraki Gulf
  3. Bay of Islands, Northland
  4. Rotorua
  5. Taupo
  6. 17 Day Absolute Golfing Dream
  7. Christchurch
  8. Mount Cook National Park
  9. Queenstown
  10. Milford Sound
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Day by day tour itinerary

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DAY 1
Welcome to Auckland

As the name belies, ‘The City of Sails’ – as Auckland is fondly known – is a stunning sea side city. The city centre surrounds a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. In the Auckland region, the North Island is geographically narrow and the city straddles a slim piece of land with coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean, and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea. Boutique shopping, pulsing, Pacific-inspired markets and a passionate cafe culture make this city a charming place to visit.

Aucklands Viaduct Basin at sunset
DAY 2
A Private Waiheke Island Wine Tour

A Quiet Tropical Paradise in Aucklands Hauraki Gulf, Artists and free-spirits mingle with the rich and famous on blissful Waiheke Island.

Just 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland, across the beautiful Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island seems a million miles away in pace and beauty. Waiheke has a special charm and seaside holiday atmosphere. Waiheke Island is an eclectic mix of cultures, activities, vineyards, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, beautiful beaches, scenic walking tracks and much, much more.

The “small is beautiful” philosophy yields low quantities of extremely high-quality fruit, which is made into international award-winning wines. Visit up to 4 premium vineyards on a 5.5-hour exclusive tour. We’ll tailor this tour to suit your needs and timeframe.

DAY 3
Fly to the Bay of Islands

Northland is renowned for its spectacular coastlines, marine reserves and kauri forests. The natural landscape is its playground.

With pristine, white sand beaches, an abundance of maritime sports, and a relaxed and long hot summer always expected! Northland consistently draws visitors from around New Zealand and the globe.

Leisure activities abound in the stunning Bay of Islands with sailing, kayaking, and dolphin sightseeing all available year-round.

The sub-tropical climate keeps Northland warm throughout the year.

DAY 4
Golf at Kauri Cliffs

The David Harmon designed golf course, is an eye-popping 6510 metre, 72 par

Kauri Cliffs was designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, Orlando, Florida. The par 72 championship golf course measures 7,139 yards / 6,528 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 which plunge to the sea. The beautiful inland holes wind through marsh, forest and farmland. Kauri Cliffs is currently ranked #37 in the world by Golf Digest Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses in the World.

Kauri Cliffs
DAY 5
The tip of New Zealand - Cape Reinga

Explore the very top of New Zealand it includes return scenic flights over 90 mile beach and the east coast plus a 4WD vehicle tour of the area.

A popular and fantastic way to explore the very top of New Zealand it includes return scenic flights over 90 mile beach and the east coast plus a 2.5hr vehicle tour in the area. This tour consists of an initial 45-minute scenic flight heading up to the west coast and 90 mile beach before landing at the private airstrip. The tour guide will meet the plane to begin the vehicle tour visiting Cape Reinga lighthouse, Tapotupotu Bay and Te Paki Giant sand dunes for sand tobogganing before boarding your return flight to Paihia.

DAY 6
Discover the Geothermal Wonderland of Rotorua

This morning fly to Rotorua

Rotorua is surrounded by steaming lakes, bubbling hot pools and bursting geysers, host to some of the world’s most incredible natural forces. A heartland of Maori culture, the local people have embraced this turbulent land. For the traveller there is a breadth of attractions – families will enjoy viewing farm attractions and native wildlife, adventure seekers can experience world class white water rafting or mountain biking, while culture enthusiasts can experience indepth vibrant Maori traditions.

Rotorua
DAY 7
Full Day Eco Thermal Tour

Visit Wai O Tapu and Waimamgu Volcanic Valley

In this tour you will visit Rotorua’s most natural and popular geothermal parks: Wai O Tapu and Waimamgu Volcanic Valley. You will see volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool mud pools and hot springs. The two parks offer a variety of thermal activity: at Wai O Tapu, the colourful hot springs are the key features along with the famous Lady Knox geyser; at Waimangu Volcanic Valley, you will learn about the history and legends of the great eruption of Mt Tarawera which blew open this now spectacular, bush covered, geothermal park. To bring the story alive, you will visit The Buried Village, which is the site of a former Maori village, destroyed during the Tarawera volcanic eruption.

Wai-o-tapu geothermal lake
DAY 8
Travel to Lake Taupo

Stay at Huka Lodge

Lake Taupo – The Biggest Volcanic Crater in the World Impressive is the word best used to describe Lake Taupo; after all, it is the biggest volcanic crater in the World! Lake Taupo is set amidst clean, green countryside, spectacular mountain scenery, beautiful native bush and some of the largest pine forests in the Southern Hemisphere. Taupo offers many leisure activities including exploring the lake by boat for scenery or fishing; view the mighty Huka Falls or visit local geothermal sites with natural hot pools and springs, steaming craters and boiling mud pools.

DAY 9
Golf at Wairakei International

After a days golfing travel to Hawkes Bay

This Golf Course is set in the heart of the scenic Wairakei Tourist Park. This makes a round at the course a rare and challenging experience. There are plenty of fairway bunkers and hazards on this undulating course. Officially opened in 1970, Wairakei International Golf Course graces natural rolling countryside near Taupo in the central North Island. With 108 large well-placed bunkers, 6414 metres (par 72) men, and 4748 metres (par 72) ladies.

Then travel to Napier – Art Deco City set in a Coastal Wine Region The Pacific Ocean provides a stunning backdrop to the Hawke’s Bay, framed to the south by the dramatic Cape Kidnappers and the Tukituki hills.

DAY 10
Golf at Cape Kidnappers

Atop towering cliffs lies a wild and thrilling golf adventure created by course architect of the decade - Tom Doak.

Cape Kidnappers 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.

DAY 11
Fly to Christchurch and travel to Mt Cook

Mt Cook National Park is known for its exquisite alpine beauty and is home to the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook.

Mt Cook National Park is known for its exquisite alpine beauty and is home to the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook. Its Maori name, ‘Aoraki’ means ‘cloud piercer’ and at 12,016ft (3,755m) it towers above the surrounding snow-covered peaks in the park. A third of the park is covered in permanent ice and snow and the mighty Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier outside of the polar regions. This is the very heart and soul of a World Heritage and National Park wilderness playground. Ice, snow, hidden valleys, lakes and glaciers offer golden opportunities for discovery, relaxation and adventure.

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    2 nights at The Hermitage

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    Approximate Distance: 335 km

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    Total Driving Time: 4 hours

DAY 12
Explore Tasman Glacier

Experience the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake and its icebergs, in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Today take a unique guided experience departing Aoraki/Mount Cook village. Board your MAC boat, and explore the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake, where you will discover the ever-changing ice face of the Glacier and icebergs, making each trip different from the last due to changing winds and currents. Knowledgeable guides, enhance your experience with their expertise and passion for this amazing alpine environment. Have you ever been alongside, discovered or touched an iceberg?

DAY 13
Travel to Queenstown

Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps, is New Zealand's most celebrated destination.

Offering a wealth of accommodation to suit all travellers, there is huge diversity in the experiences to be enjoyed – from adrenaline activities such as bungee jumps and sky diving, adventurous excursions like jet-boating and hiking through to superb golf, gourmet food and wine tours or romantic hot air ballooning.

DAY 14
Golf at Jacks Point Golf Club

This is an 18 hole par 72 championship course it offers golfers of any calibre a challenging and unforgettable experience.

With a backdrop of 2300 vertical metres of the razorback Remarkables mountain range and an armchair view of an outstanding lake and mountain panorama. Just as the rough-hewn stone walls adjacent to the fairways evoke its high country farming heritage, so the entire Jack’s Point Golf Course has been designed to take full advantage of its history and terrain – raw, dramatic and wild.

DAY 15
Return Scenic Flight and Cruise the Beautiful Milford Sound

Take off from Queenstown, and fly above the rugged backcountry of Central Otago

Witness what nature has created over the years, as you journey over two remarkable National Parks; Mt Aspiring and World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park. Upon landing at Milford Sound Airport you will be surrounded by some of the most magnificent scenery in the world and you’ll board your Mitre Peak Cruises vessel and begin your voyage cruising the length of the 16km fiord out to Tasman Sea. Complete your journey with a scenic flight over the Southern Alps back to Queenstown.

Milford Sound Heli
DAY 16
Play Millbrook Golf Course in Arrowtown

This is New Zealand golf at its best.

Set in a natural, alpine amphitheatre, against the backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range, the golf course at Millbrook exploits the dramatic terrain fully, delivering world-class golf. Millbrook is quite simply a fantastic golf resort. The 18-hole, par 72 championship course was designed by renowned professional and master golfer, Sir Bob Charles. It features four different tee positions for complete enjoyment at all levels of playing expertise. Besides golf, Millbrook has been designed to provide the finest health and body treatments.

DAY 17
Farewell from New Zealand

Transfer to Queenstown airport for your onward flight

Say farewell to Queenstown today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand golfing adventure.

If you still want more – perhaps a stop off in Fiji or Australia on the way home – just ask!

Farewell
Nikita Smith, OUR ABSOLUTE NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL DESIGNER SAYS: “This trip combines the best of golfing in New Zealand whilst also including the must-see scenic wonders on offer. We can easily add excursions to the itinerary for non-golfing partners. ”

Ready to find out more? Talk to one of our friendly travel designers about his tour. We guarantee you it will be the experience of a lifetime!

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