Courses carved out of ancient valleys and surrounded by scenery straight out of a Tolkein novel. This is golf in the South of New Zealand!! This experience is hard to beat. Whether you desire the crazy exciting atmosphere of Queenstown, or just want to tuck away in a luxury cabin amongst the mountains. This trip ticks all the boxes. We’ve also thrown in a golf hole nestled 4500ft above the ground.
When to go: December - April
Price: From NZD$8,200 pp
Ideal length: 4 - 6 days
GOLF COURSES
Set amid a backdrop that could be straight out of the Lord of the Rings movie, Jacks Point is a truly remarkable course. Designed by New Zealand’s own John Darby, this course was carved from a former high country sheep station, and is a credit to the designer how it blends in with it’s natural surrounds. Rated as one of our country’s finest courses, Jacks Point is a must for any golfing enthusiast visiting New Zealand.
Location: Jacks Point, Queenstown
Website HERE
The Hills was designed by Darby Partners, and opened in 2007 to host the NZ Open. Set in over 500 acres of land, across a glacial valley, the layout highlights the dramatic elevation changes and rocky schist outcrops that are a feature of the area. This championship course provides a serious challenge for accomplished players, while thoughtful and considerate design means it is equally enjoyable for golfers of all abilities. The beauty of the courses lakes, waterways and wetland areas are complimented by a stunning array of sculptures made by local and international artists.
Location: Arrowtown, Otago
Website HERE
Set in a natural alpine amphitheatre against the backdrop of the Remarkables Mountain Range, the 27 hole golf course at Millbrook exploits the dramatic terrain fully, delivering world-class golf. Millbrook's course is best described as a mix between the world-class immaculately manicured "Parklands" courses and "Links" courses, offering a variety of natural hazards including tussocks, streams, schist stone, trees and buildings. Whether you are an experienced golfer or a beginner, Millbrook will delight all players.
Location: Arrowtown, Otago
Website HERE
Arrowtown is one of the most popular club courses in the country. The front nine is very tight, weaving through the canyons and schist rock, making it a lot of fun for golfers of all abilities. Game management is a key and there can be some extremely challenging shots if you stray off line. The back nine is more open and built over rolling terrain where you can really take in the beautiful surrounding mountains. Playing the course in March or April is highly recommended as the autumn foliage is simply breathtaking.
Location: Arrowtown, Otago
Website HERE
ACCOMMODATIONS
This chic, compact hotel is located in the heart of Queenstown, just a short stroll to the lakeside promenade and all the cafes, bars and restaurants. Featuring stone fireplaces and designer furnishings, its ten stylish suites are very well appointed. Other amenities include its signature restaurant and bar, No5 Church Lane, plus a warm, colorful library. The Spire is elegant and beautiful, and defines what luxury in Queenstown is all about.
Location: Queenstown, Otago
Website HERE
Surrounding golf courses: The Hills, Jacks Point, Millbrook and Arrowtown
Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa is located in the heart of Kawarau Village complete with panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Queenstown Airport, a 20-minute drive or a 15-minute water taxi ride to the centre of Queenstown. Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa offers 178 guest rooms all with fireplaces, meeting facilities, an elegant wine bar and loung. Their is also a spa at the Hilton with a 25m indoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, steam rooms and fitness centre. Residences are elegant, open-plan one and two bedroom residences with apartment style facilities.
Location: Queenstown, Otago
Website HERE
Surrounding golf courses: The Hills, Jacks Point, Millbrook and Arrowtown
Since opening its doors in late 2010, Matakauri Lodge has received rave reviews, including Conde Nast Traveler rating it in the top 124 hotels in the world. Matakauri is a small, boutique hotel, with lodge-style accommodation, that provides the perfect private hideaway just a 30-minute drive from Queenstown along the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu. With views of the Remarkables and the lake, this luxury lodge has it all. Matakauri is a sister property of Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers Lodge.
Location: Queenstown, Otago
Website HERE
Surrounding golf courses: The Hills, Jacks Point, Millbrook and Arrowtown
In the late 1800’s Eichardt’s Private Hotel was born as a result of a rich vein of gold, that drew many prospectors and opportunists from around the globe to the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Over 120 years on, and this iconic hotel still commands a majestic position, right on the shores of the lake, in the center of Queenstown. Eichardt’s is split into three separate types of rooms: suites, apartments, and the residence. All apartments have stunning views over the lake and mountain ranges.
Location: Queenstown, Otago
Website HERE
Surrounding golf courses: The Hills, Jacks Point, Millbrook and Arrowtown
ACTIVITIES
Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, this experience is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. View glaciers, alpine lakes, rivers, forests, glacial valleys and ice-capped mountains. Fly over the fjords, and land on a remote West Coast beach, then stop off at an alpine glacier. On your return you will play a Par 3 hole like no other, that sits 4500ft above Lake Wakatipu. Simply breathtaking.
Location: Milford Sound, Otago
Accommodations nearby: Matakauri Lodge, Eichardt’s Private Hotel and the Hilton Hotel
A lunch you will remember. Situated below the glacially sculptured Pisa Range and over-looking Lake Hayes, Amisfield's world-class winery bistro offers a seasonal á la carte menu, or their renowned 'Trust the Chef' shared dining menu. There is no better place than in their stunning schist, and copper roofed building, beautifully reflecting its dramatic location, to taste Amisfield's wines of elegance and harmony. Begin with a zesty 100% Pinot Noir Methodé
Traditionalle or pure Dry Riesling before savouring Amisfield's signature Pinot Noir wines.
Location: Lake Hayes, Arrowtown
Accommodations nearby: Matakauri Lodge, Eichardt’s Private Hotel and the Hilton Hotel
We offer two transport options for our Farm 4WD Experience – a Luxury 4WD Land Rover, or the 'Thrill Ride' option in Polaris Buggies, for those who are up for a bit of adventure. You will have exclusive use of this authentic NZ high-country station for the whole day. Try your hand at some lake fishing or gold mining, or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. This tour includes a gourmet lunch at Moonlight Lodge.
Location: Lake Moke, Otago
Accommodations nearby: Matakauri Lodge, Eichardt’s Private Hotel and the Hilton Hotel
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.