18 Day Fairways of New Zealand ‘Premium’ Golf Tour 

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival you will transfer from Auckland International Airport to the Auckland Domestic Terminal (5 minutes) and board your Air New Zealand Domestic Flight to Kerikeri.

On arrival in Kerikeri you will be met by our representatives and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle.

NORTHLAND/TE TAI TOKERAU – Spring in subtropical Northland brings the senses alive. Imagine ocean waves lapping on white sand beaches with the warming sun on your skin. Listen to native birdsong in ancient kauri forests. Savour the taste of luscious fruits and fresh seafood and inhale the fragrance of early blooms. The subtropical Northland experience promises a contrast between the relative sophistication of the east coast and the soulful simplicity of the west coast.

Today you’ll play the extraordinary Kauri Cliffs Golf Course. Designed by the late David Harman to feature the natural landscape, Kauri Cliffs has earned the admiration of many world-class golfers and consistently rates in the world’s top 50 golf courses as selected by golf publications and websites. Along with the challenge, golfers can enjoy majestic views of the Pacific Ocean from at least 15 holes – including six holes on the edge of the cliff-top. At the end of the day, you can relax in the award-winning lodge and enjoy beautifully crafted food and wine before retiring to your luxury accommodation.

This morning you will head off early with a private transfer back to Kerikeri airport to pick up your Intermediate SUV Rental car. Once done your journey south takes you from the far north of New Zealand to a popular coastal paradise closer to Auckland. Departing from the idyllic Matauri Bay, you’ll pass through the heart of Northland, with its rolling green hills and small rural towns. The final leg of the trip takes you to the coast, where the landscape changes to reveal the beautiful beaches and tranquil estuary of Mangawhai Heads. From there its a short drive to Te Arai.  This is a journey that connects a remote northern gem to a lively holiday destination, offering a perfect blend of peaceful scenery and coastal charm.

Te Arai Links, is located on a spectacular coastal strip just 75 minutes north of Auckland, Te Arai Links offers a premier golfing destination. The resort boasts two 18-hole championship courses: the South Course, designed by Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw, and the North Course, designed by Tom Doak. Both courses are true links layouts, with exposed sand dunes, fast fescue turf, and incredible views of the Pacific Ocean.

Today you will play the North Course. Starting and finishing on the Ocean, the 18 hole, par 71 golf course has been designed as a traditional walking links golf experience. Designed by Tom Doak, the same designer as sister course, Tara Iti (ranked #6 in the world), you can expect the North Course near the top of its class. This course plays very differently than the South Course, with more inland golf and unique green shapes.

Get to the course as early as you can as the warm up facilities are a world class experience all by themselves and the clubhouse and food & beverage is the very best on offer.

Today you will play the extraordinary South Course. The 18 hole, par 72 South golf course has been designed as a traditional walking links golf experience, set over 36 hectares (90 acres) of turf, across the property’s natural rolling sand dunes. All 18 holes have spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, with Little Barrier Island and the Hen and Chicks Islands in the background. The South Course debuted at #85 on the latest 23/24 GOLF Magazine Top 100 Courses in the World List.

This is a popular and straightforward journey that offers a perfect transition from a peaceful coastal getaway to a vibrant city experience. Leaving the laid-back atmosphere of Te Arai and its surrounding surf beaches and estuary’s, the route heads south along State Highway 1. You’ll travel through the rolling green hills and farmlands of the Northland region, with a number of optional stops along the way at charming rural towns, boutique wineries, or local eateries in the Matakana area. As you get closer to your destination, the scenery gradually gives way to the urban landscape of Auckland.

AUCKLAND / TĀMAKI MAKAURAU – an exciting, sporting and cultural city, sprawled on a narrow isthmus, between two harbours. The Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, are a main feature of the city, along with numerous volcanic cones such as Mount Eden and Rangitoto Island. The city’s many beaches, marinas and parks, make it ideal for outdoor pursuits such as yachting, rugby, cricket or a day at the beach. The Auckland metropolitan area is New Zealand’s biggest city, and the population mix of European, Maori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

Titirangi Golf Course is a world-class golf course situated in a beautiful bushland setting between the lower slopes of the Waitakere Ranges and the Manukau Harbour. Founded in 1909, it is a private members club but offers limited playing opportunities for New Zealand and overseas visitors. Titirangi is regarded as one of New Zealand’s top courses and is the only one in the country designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie. MacKenzie’s designs are notable for their sensitivity to the nature of the original site and he is admired for producing holes that offer an ideal balance of risk and reward. After designing Titirangi in 1927, MacKenzie went on to design some of the world’s top courses including Augusta, Cypress Point and Royal Melbourne.

Start this journey early today to avoids traffic by heading south from Auckland, cruising through the Waikato’s farmlands. The landscape opens up as you continue, and suddenly, you’re on the shores of Lake Taupō. It’s the largest lake in New Zealand, perfect for a swim, a boat trip, or just enjoying the view. The town of Taupō is lively and a great base for exploring the area.

Today you’ll play the beautiful Wairakei International Golf Course. Wairakei, a golf course in a wildlife sanctuary, has to be the quintessential New Zealand golf experience. Only 10 minutes by road from the popular tourist mecca of Lake Taupo, Wairakei sits apart inside a predator-free sanctuary. This could be the quietest course ever with the only sounds from the protected native birds and the echo of club on ball. Gorgeous golf holes here wind their way one after the other through deep native bush.

Today you are off to play The Kinloch Club this morning, New Zealand’s only Jack Nicklaus designed golf course and a real test! The Kinloch Club is your chance to play a round of golf at one of New Zealand’s most prestigious courses. The Kinloch Club is a championship course with a stunning setting, featuring panoramic views of Lake Taupō and a challenging yet enjoyable game. It’s a memorable experience for any golf enthusiast, with a great blend of a quality course and beautiful scenery.

This journey takes you from the central volcanic plateau to the stunning east coast. Departing from Taupō, a town on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake and home to famous geothermal activity, the route heads southeast. As you travel, the landscape changes from the high-altitude, volcanic scenery of the Central North Island to the fertile plains and rolling hills of Hawke’s Bay. You’ll pass through farmland and small rural communities before the land opens up to reveal the picturesque vineyards and orchards that have made the region famous. The journey culminates as you pass through Havelock North, a charming town nestled at the base of the iconic Te Mata Peak, known for its superb food and wine scene and onto the stunning Rosewood Cape Kidnappers.

HAVELOCK NORTH/KARANEMA – The prosperous country village of Havelock North has a natural, tree-lined charm. There are some gracious homes on the lower slopes of the hills and a thriving arts community. Keirunga Gardens provides a focus for visitors interested in viewing and purchasing examples of local creativity. Restaurants in the town are known to serve hearty country food, and there’s a honey shop where you can see the bees in action. Just south of Havelock North is Te Mata Peak, which stands nearly 400 metres above sea level. The peak is open from dawn to sunset throughout the year. Well-maintained walking tracks provide access to the surrounding forest areas.

Today you will be in golfing heaven when you play at Cape Kidnappers. Situated on a rugged peninsula in Hawke’s Bay, this Tom Doak-designed course is considered a modern marvel of golf architecture. The course is built on a “ridge-and-valley” landscape, with fairways that run along a series of dramatic fingers of land that jut out into the Pacific, towering 140 metres above the sea. This unique design creates a series of holes unlike anything else in the world, with cliff-edge fairways and deep, intimidating bunkers. The course’s firm and fast surface, combined with the ever-present coastal winds, demands strategic play and skill. Beyond the raw drama of the coastal holes, the inland holes are equally compelling, offering engaging terrain and stunning scenery. A round here is an unforgettable experience that blends an exhilarating challenge with some of the most spectacular natural beauty on earth.

Today you will travel to the South Island. Dropping your car at Napier Airport you will catch an Air New Zealand flight to Christchurch where you will pick up your next Intermediate SUV Rental car ready for your South Island adventure.

CHRISTCHURCH/OTAUTAHI -Located on a level plain, Christchurch is defined by its historic past and vibrant future. The willow and oak-lined River Avon meanders through its heart, where you can enjoy a punt ride or explore the sprawling Botanic Gardens. Much of the city’s unique charm comes from its blend of old and new; elegant stone buildings sit alongside striking contemporary architecture. Following a series of earthquakes, the city has been thoughtfully and creatively rebuilt, resulting in innovative new spaces like the Transitional Cathedral and Margaret Mahy Playground. This spirit of renewal makes Christchurch an exciting hub for arts, culture, and dining, while its proximity to both the stunning Canterbury Plains and the volcanic Port Hills offers easy access to outdoor adventures.

Todays round is at the stunning Clearwater Golf Club. Situated in the picturesque outskirts of Christchurch, Clearwater Golf Club offers a truly world-class golfing experience. The course is famously set among a series of interconnected lakes and pristine wetlands, which not only provide a stunning backdrop but also serve as strategic challenges on every hole. The par-72 course is designed as a hybrid between a links and parkland style, with wide, fast-draining fairways and challenging greens that demand precision. Its reputation for excellence has made it a regular host for major professional events, including the New Zealand Open. Beyond the golf, the club provides a serene and beautiful environment, with native birdlife and views of the snow-capped Southern Alps.

This journey offers a spectacular transition from the urban east coast to the pristine alpine landscapes of the South Island. Departing from Christchurch, you’ll travel across the vast and fertile Canterbury Plains, where patchwork fields stretch to the horizon. As you head inland, the foothills of the Southern Alps begin to rise, and the landscape becomes more dramatic. The final part of the drive is truly breathtaking as you arrive at Lake Tekapo, known for its brilliant turquoise-blue water, a result of fine rock flour suspended in the glacial meltwater.

LAKE TEKAPO/TAKAPŌ – located in the Mackenzie country, with fantastic views of the surrounding Alps. The Lake’s unusual turquoise colour is given by fine rock-flour, which is dust ground by glacial movement and held in suspension by the Lake’s waters. The Lake is also well known for its brown and rainbow trout.

This evening you will join Alpha Crux for their Private Stargazing Tour ex Lake Tekapo. This is an intimate and exclusive way to experience the night sky. Your private guide will take you to a secluded viewing spot where you’ll have unobstructed views of the stars. You’ll get to look through a professional telescope and have a personalized conversation about the cosmos, learning about constellations and celestial objects in one of the best dark sky locations in the world.

Depart Lake Tekapo early today and travel south, passing through Twizel and the Mackenzie Basin. The route then climbs the iconic Lindis Pass, with its vast and sweeping tussock landscapes. Descend into Central Otago, a region of world-class vineyards and dramatic mountain valleys. Your trip ends on the shores of Lake Wakatipu as you arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital.

QUEENSTOWN/TAHUNA – is the South Island’s most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables Ranges. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local story has it, that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as “fit for any Queen”, and so she was called Queenstown.

Today you will play Millbrook Resort on the Remarkables 18. Millbrook Resort is a world-class golf course that offers a challenging and picturesque round of golf. The course is set against the backdrop of the spectacular Remarkables mountain range, providing a stunning setting for your game. The green fees provide access to the entire 18-hole course, ensuring a memorable golfing experience.

The Coronet 18 is a world-class course that sets a new standard for golf in New Zealand. Designed by Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson, it seamlessly integrates into the surrounding landscape, with fairways winding through schist rock outcrops, wetlands, and large undulations. With a backdrop of the majestic Remarkables and Coronet Peak, every hole offers breathtaking views. The course provides a unique variety of terrain, from the serene Mill Stream to the drama of sheer rock faces, creating a distinct and challenging test of golf. As one of two championship layouts at Millbrook Resort, the Coronet 18 provides an unforgettable experience that combines exceptional course quality with a stunning natural amphitheater.

A break from golf today to join Altitude Tours Queenstown on their renowned Milford Sound – Coach / Cruise / Fly, Including Lunch Tour. This full-day, all-inclusive tour is a “bucket list” experience that showcases the stunning beauty of Fiordland from every angle. Your adventure begins with a comfortable coach trip from Queenstown in a premium Mercedes van, where your knowledgeable local guide will provide entertaining commentary and make multiple stops for incredible photo opportunities at iconic spots like Mirror Lakes and the Chasm. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, you’ll board a small-boat nature cruise to explore the length of the fiord, getting up close to its towering waterfalls and spotting unique wildlife. The grand finale is a breathtaking scenic flight, where you’ll soar over the razor-sharp mountain peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes you just traveled through, arriving back in Queenstown in a fraction of the time. This seamless tour is designed for comfort and convenience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural wonder of the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

Designed by New Zealand golf course architect John Darby, Jack’s Point is one of New Zealand’s most exhilarating golf courses. The striking natural setting allows for a course created through minimal earth movement to harmonise with nature. Just 15 minute drive from downtown Queenstown, and located beneath the Remarkables mountain range on the edge of beautiful Lake Wakatipu, the course winds its way through a variety of schist outcrops, native wetland and bush areas along with local wildlife which make Jack’s Point their home. Fescue fairways, brown top greens, and four teeing options ensure that golfers of all skill levels can enjoy Jack’s Point.

Today you’ll pack up your clubs, dust off your shoes, return your rental car and hop on a private airport transfer to sadly leave New Zealand ready to share your extraordinary golfing memories and plan your next trip down to tee it up with us.