New Zealand is simply the perfect golfing destination with just over 400 Golf Courses, the second highest number of courses per capita in the world. With very diverse scenery and course conditions, you can choose from a classical seaside links or a traditional parkland course further inland. The New Zealand Golfing landscape has been greatly enhanced by the recent work of world-class architects, giving the opportunity to play the internationally acclaimed courses of The Kinloch Club, Cape Kidnappers, Jack's Point and The Hills amongst others.
With this nine day itinerary we include a round at each of these four acclaimed courses, with beautiful locations providing stunning natural backdrops for playing golf. Conveniently located luxury accommodation has been included, along with a signature helicopter flight to Milford Sound, with plenty of leisure time for more rounds of golf, sightseeing or simply relaxing in these special locations.
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Day 1
Taupo
Arrive in Taupo and transfer to your luxurious and convenient base for the next three nights, The Lodge at Kinloch, located on a hillside overlooking the acclaimed links golf course and Lake Taupo. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the lodge and its surrounds, venture onto the fairways if you have time, or simply relax in your contemporary villa with breathtaking views.
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Day 2
Play at World Class The Kinloch Club
Play a round at The Kinloch Club. Designed by 18 time Major winner Jack Nicklaus, The Kinloch Club offers unique design features, with every hole requiring strategic thought and patience. The course is a fantastic test for all golfing abilities, and has been recognised worldwide with numerous accolades including a Top 100 in the World ranking from Golf Course Architecture magazine.
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Day 3
The Kinloch Club or Wairakei Course
Take the opportunity to play another round at The Kinloch Club or alternatively play the nearby Wairakei course, a unique golf course in a nature sanctuary. If you prefer regional sightseeing either a half-day or full-day trip to the geothermal wonders and Maori Culture of Rotorua can be arranged, or a scenic afternoon cruising on Lake Taupo.
Alternatively a gourmet lunch with an idyllic riverside setting may be arranged at the renowned Relais & Chateaux listed Huka Lodge (also an alternative lodge to base yourself if desired).
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Day 4
Hawke's Bay
Transfer to the famous Hawke's Bay region, approximately a two hour drive to the east. If desired enjoy a gourmet lunch and wine tasting at one of the Bay's acclaimed winery restaurants before arriving at Cape Kidnappers, an iconic promontory of rugged cliffs and farmland overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers will be your luxurious and convenient stay for the next two nights.
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Day 5
Play at Cape Kidnappers
Play a round at Cape Kidnappers. Designed by respected US architect Tom Doak, this superbly challenging course offers the combination of clever design and respect for the natural landscape. The rest of the day is at leisure with the option of visiting some of the region's famous wineries or the nearby Art Deco town of Napier.
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Day 6
Queenstown
Transfer to Hawke's Bay airport after Breakfast. Fly via Wellington to the lakeside resort town of Queenstown, which offers three championship courses. On arrival transfer to the spectacularly situated Matakauri Lodge, your luxurious base for the next three nights. Relais & Chateaux listed, Matakauri Lodge also offers superb food & wines with exemplary service in a breathtaking lakeside setting. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the setting and facilities of the lodge, or the attractions and restaurants of Queenstown are just a few minutes drive away.
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Day 7
Milford Sound
In the morning take a helicopter excursion to Milford Sound featuring a Glacier Landing. This spectacular scenic flight sweeps over the Southern Alps and the secluded alpine lakes and lush forest of Fjordland National Park before returning directly to the acclaimed Jack's Point course.
In the afternoon play a round at Jack's Point, considered by many to be the number one course in the South Island, renowned for its outstanding landscape and presentation. Designed by New Zealand golf course architect John Darby, the course is located beneath the Remarkables mountain range on the edge of Lake Wakatipu. The course winds its way through a varierty of schist outcrops, native wetland and bush areas and is suitable for golfers of all skill levels. Transfer back to Matakauri Lodge and relax or enjoy an evening out in Queenstown.
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Day 8
Play at The Hills
Transfer to enjoy a round at The Hills, New Zealand's most exclusive golf club. A visually stunning and challenging course has been created out of a unique natural combination of farmland, wetlands, tussocks and schist rocks. It also serves as an outdoor art gallery of artworks and sculptures by local and international artists.
Transfer back to the lodge where the rest of your day is at leisure, or take the opportunity to experience one of the many adventurous and scenic activities on offer in this spectacular area.
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Day 9
Transfer to Queenstown airport for your onward flight.
