This trip is for the golf purist and lover of the outdoors. We’ve handpicked the most unique accommodations across NZ, from glamping to the classic bed and breakfast. Couple that with a wide variety of courses this is as pure of New Zealand golfing experience as you’ll get.
When to go: November - April
Price: From NZD$11,500 pp
Ideal length: 10 days
GOLF COURSES
Designed by the late David Harman, Kauri Cliffs is a par 72 championship course that was rated by Golf Digest (2014) as the 39th best course in the world. The first of two stunning golf courses from American native Julian H. Robertson, Kauri Cliffs holds a magnificent position, perched on a tabletop. Fifteen of the holes overlook the Pacific Ocean and having stunning views of the Cavalli Islands and the rugged yet gorgeous coastline of the Far North.
Location: Matauri Bay, NZ
Website HERE
Titirangi is ranked 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. The par 70 course features elevated tees and greens, challenging bunkers and slick greens with pronounced undulations. Its par 3s face the four points of the compass so no matter what the weather conditions, you experience a different test on each hole.
Location: Titirangi, Auckland, NZ
Website HERE
Kinloch is the first course in New Zealand to have the great Jack Nicklaus as its course architect. Located amongst a mix of farmland and volcanic terrain, and overlooking the magnificent Lake Taupo, the course resembles something you would envisage out of the great Irish and Scottish links courses. In Kinloch, Nicklaus has crafted something very special, and we are thankful he graced us with his presence.
Location: Kinloch, Taupo
Website HERE
Imagine the experience of playing golf on a world-class championship course, immersed in the natural beauty of a wildlife sanctuary. This ambitious project is the brainchild of owner Gary Lane and has seen a dedicated fence installed around the entire course perimeter, to keep out predators, like rats, stoats and weasels. Around 25,000 native trees and five thousand exotics have been planted to encourage bird life, and further improve the park like surroundings.
Location: Wairakei, Taupo
Website HERE
Hailed as one of the great modern marvels in golf, Cape Kidnappers features eighteen spectacular holes of golf. Designed by world-renowned golf architect Tom Doak, the course is built on a ridge-and-valley landscape and has stunning sea views, playing high above the ocean, atop dramatic cliffs. The course has received numerous accolades and awards including its current ranking among the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World.
Location: Te Awanga, Hawes Bay
Website HERE
ACCOMMODATIONS
Nestled on a hill overlooking Shipwreck Bay, in the small settlement of Ahipara, at the base of 90 Mile Beach. Situated in the Far North of New Zealand, is a slice of paradise time forgot.The huts are inspired by the joys of simple lives led by the tides. Generally used for utilatarian purposes, the exteriors are influenced by the rustic Seaweed Picker huts, found further round Tauroa Point, and the rich history of the tramping hut, found dotted over New Zealand. The interiors have been reimagined to provide a balance between that which is essential and that little something extra. Leaving space for you to create your own version of paradise.
Location: Ahipara Beach, Northland
Website HERE
Castaways Resort is a spectacular North Island coastal property in the South Western corner of Auckland, just 50 minutes drive from the CBD. The Coastal Tents are located 10 minutes by golf cart from the main resort, giving couples a chance to instantly unwind in a truly restful and romantic spot. With your gourmet self-cook dinner and breakfast included in the package, all you need to think about is getting yourself there - the rest is taken care of. These specially designed tents are the ultimate in 5 star glamping. Although completely off-grid, solar power produces electricity for lighting, stereo, even an espresso machine and refrigerator - which you'll find stocked full with all the food you'll need to create delicious, gourmet meals on the BBQ.
Location: Karioitahi Beach, Auckland
Website HERE
Nestled in the secluded Taharua Valley, Poronui boasts some of the world’s best wilderness experiences, breathtaking scenery, and genuinly warm hospitality. It is the attention to the little things that makes it truly memorable. To discriminating anglers, Poronui is an historic fly fishing lodge, where they fish for resident, wild, brown and rainbow trout in pristine waters.
Location: Taharua, Taupo
Website HERE
Clifton Glamping is located in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Perfect for that leave it all behind feeling, this luxury glamping site overlooks the picturesque Maraetotara river and feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of modern living. The campsite consists of a beautifully decorated luxury tent, semi-outdoor kitchen and a large deck offering elevated views of the surrounding environment. A luxurious outdoor shower and bath overlooking a forest of Poplar trees, complete what is a truly unique outdoor experience.
Located just 10 minutes from Cape Kidnappers and 20 minutes from Havelock North, the site is perfect for couples seeking that luxurious escape.
ACTIVITIES
When residing in the Bay of Islands you are on the doorstep of fishing heaven. This experience can be tailored to all fishing types. Whether you are in search of big game such as Blue Marlin, Kingfish or Tuna; or willing just to shelter yourself into islands and go after kiwis favourite a New Zealand Snapper. We have one of New Zealand's best fishing guides, Bevan Beauchamp to help you catch a number of target species.
Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way.
A helicopter flight deep into the mountains will uncover some of the most legendary and challenging fly fishing in the world. Your fishing guide will pick you up in a private twin-engine helicopter and provide you with top-quality rods, reels, waders and flys. These are trophy waters where huge trout cautiously cruise in deep clear pools. We recommend the heli fishing as it provides easy access to many of New Zealand's most famous mountain rivers and more remote streams only a short flight away. The flight itself is the ultimate exhilarating experience.
One of the most popular one day walks in New Zealand. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing track crosses stark and spectacular volcanic terrain. Among its highlights are steaming vents and hot springs, old lava flows, beautiful water-filled explosion craters and stunning views. On clear days you can see Mount Taranaki in the west, Mount Ngauruhoe, the Kaimanawa Ranges, Lake Taupo and beyond. This private guided tour is measured at 19.4km and is a steep challenging climb, but very rewarding.
OTHER EXPERIENCES YOU MAY LIKE
When you think golf travel destinations, so often Scotland and Ireland are at the forefront of the conversation. But there’s a new kid on the block. Prepare to be enthralled by the share epic pieces of property that the top courses in NZ are located. Mix in world-class accommodation and a bucket load of unique localised experiences and you have yourself the golf trip of a lifetime.
Trek your way across this great country, playing some of the best courses in the world. Seven remarkable golf courses across three different states which all have their own unique flavour. From ocean wonders such as NSW GC to links heaven in Barnbougle, Tasmania and the widely heralded sandbelt courses in Melbourne. This is something special! This 14 day experience also includes fantastic local cuisine, and experiences across vastly different landscapes.
This is it! Our team of experts have painstakingly sat down and put together the very best golf courses both Australia and New Zealand has to offer. Not only that, but they have mapped out the perfect itinerary that gives the perfect blend of world class golf, unique accommodation, breathtaking experiences and the opportunities to meet the great characters that call these countries home. Enjoy this 15-night trip and make those postcard dreams a reality.
Windross Farm is a spectacular golf course located only 30 minutes south of the Auckland CBD. Designed by Brett Thomson, of RBT Design, with course consultant, Phil Tataurangi, in 2011 the course is known for its challenging degrees of interest. The layout is a traditional par 72, with returning 9’s of par 36. It is a course that can be challenging or challenged by any level of player on every hole and every shot.
Location: Ardmore, Auckland
Website HERE