17 Day Essential Golf New Zealand

You will be met at the Auckland airport by the driver and transferred to your Auckland accommodation.

Kia ora and welcome to Auckland, or Tāmaki Makaurau in te reo Māori. As New Zealand’s largest city and a popular starting point for many itineraries, Auckland offers a vibrant mix of culture, natural beauty, and urban charm. Surrounded by lush native bush, black-sand beaches, and volcanic cones, it’s a city where nature meets modern living.

Often called the City of Sails, Auckland boasts two harbours and a stunning waterfront. Stroll through the Auckland Domain or enjoy the floral displays at the Auckland Botanic Gardens. In the city centre, explore world-class galleries and museums, including the Auckland Art Gallery and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (if extending travel to Wellington). For sweeping views across the city and Hauraki Gulf, head up the SkyTower, one of the most iconic landmarks in the country.

Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy along the Viaduct Harbour, known for its fresh seafood, international restaurants, and lively atmosphere.

Stay overnight at Fable, Auckland

Collect your rental car this morning and depart to Kauri Cliffs your luxury lodge in Northland.

This scenic drive from Auckland to the Bay of Islands takes around 3.5 hours without stops, but it’s worth allowing extra time to enjoy the journey. As you travel north, make your first stop in Puhoi, a small historic village with a creative, laid-back charm.

Further along, stretch your legs in Whangārei, a coastal city known for its art galleries, waterfront walks and nearby waterfalls. Don’t miss a quirky stop in Kawakawa, home to the world-famous Hundertwasser toilets – a must-see roadside attraction.

As you continue into the Bay of Islands region, you’ll be surrounded by subtropical bush, rolling hills and golden beaches. From here, it’s a short and scenic drive further north to Whangaroa Harbour and Matauri Bay, where you’ll stay overnight. This tranquil spot offers sweeping coastal views and is a perfect base for a relaxed evening in nature.

Set on 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay in Northland, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs is a luxury lodge offering panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean, Cape Brett, and the Cavalli Islands. Guests stay in private cottage suites with open fireplaces and ocean-facing porches. Alongside its world-class golf course, the lodge features a day spa nestled in native forest, three private beaches, and a range of activities including horse riding, guided farm tours, sailing, and swimming. Fine dining, a fully equipped gym, and a serene infinity pool complete the five-star experience.

The Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, designed by David Harman and recently renovated by Rees Jones, is a championship par-72 course ranked among the world’s top 40 by Golf Digest. With 15 holes offering Pacific Ocean views and several set along dramatic cliff edges, it offers a spectacular challenge for all skill levels. Facilities include a practice range, putting and chipping greens, modern locker rooms, and premium rental clubs.

Today, return south through Kerikeri known for its crafts studios, fruit orchards and artisan products. Home to two of the oldest buildings in the country Mission House and the Stone Store (both of which encompass materials and artifacts from early European settlers) Kerikeri is a delightful place to learn about New Zealand's early history. Continue on to Paihia, your destination for the night and great a base from which to explore the Bay of Islands.

Commonly known as the ‘winterless north’ New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is made up of over 140 subtropical atolls. Renowned for its untouched beaches, abundant marine life and idyllic climate, this tropical paradise ticks all the boxes. Spend some time on a remote stretch of beach, or see the dolphins on an ocean safari. If diving is your thing, take the morning to descend the Rainbow Warrior - The Greenpeace flagship sunk by French saboteurs in 1985. Wander around Russell, a whaling port founded in 1843. Learn about our culture in historic Waitangi, the site where The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the Maori and European settlers dictating the terms by which New Zealand would become a British colony. Alternatively you may like to take a day tour to Cape Reinga, the very top of the North Island.

Waitangi Golf Club (Suggested Activity)

The Waitangi Course not only provides an exciting and ever changing challenge to the golfer but also the most tremendous panorama of sea and island views over the Bay of Islands and Russell, river and estuary views over Waitangi and Opua and rolling bush and forest views inland over Mount Bledisloe and Puketona.

These views are complemented by well groomed greens and fairways surrounded by areas of flowering native trees which provide sanctuary for many varieties of native birds. As many visiting golfers, particularly those from overseas, claim Waitangi is truly millionaires country for all to enjoy.

Today you will leave the Bay of Islands for a scenic return trip to Auckland. Head west, leaving the Pacific Ocean for the wilder seas of the Tasman and Hokianga. Go through the small townships of Omapere and Opononi, each with a great seaside feel.

Your route now goes south through Waipoua Forest, home to the largest and oldest Kauri trees in the country. Make sure you allow time for several of the signposted short walks as you pass - not to be missed is the five minute loop to view the largest of all the trees -Tane Mahuta.

As you make your way back down the country you’ll pass the Matakohe Kauri Museum with extensive displays on the region’s logging, farming and social history. Continuing on, go through Warkworth and the bohemian settlement of Puhoi before crossing the harbour bridge to arrive in Auckland city.

Travel south from Auckland through the rolling green landscapes of the Waikato region, known as New Zealand’s dairy heartland. You can bypass Hamilton, or take a worthwhile detour to visit the award-winning Hamilton Gardens. Follow the Waikato River past the charming town of Cambridge before arriving in Taupō, a lakeside town set on the shores of Lake Taupō—a massive volcanic caldera and one of the country’s most striking natural features.

Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride

For an adrenaline-filled activity, the Huka Falls Jet is a must-do in Taupō. This 30-minute thrill ride speeds past riverbanks and through narrow canyons, finishing with a powerful view from the base of Huka Falls, where over 220,000 litres of water surge every second. It's one of the most exciting ways to experience New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction.

Ranked in 2013 in the Top 100 in the World by Golf Course Architecture Magazine, The Kinloch Club was also rated on opening in 2007 as the top new golf course outside North America by the prestigious US Travel and Leisure Golf Magazine. The Golden Bear visited Kinloch to oversee construction of his signature Championship golf course and returned to The Kinloch Club in February of 2008 to play the course for the first time since completion. Jack was extremely happy with how his vision had come to fruition and was greatly impressed with the maturity of the golf course after it's 'grow in' stage. The Kinloch Club (Nicklaus signature golf course) is the only Nicklaus designed golf course in New Zealand.

The road from Taupo climbs high onto the plateau crossing the Ahiminawa Range before arriving onto the Pacific Coast just north of the worlds finest art deco city of Napier.

Napier, the city by the sea, is renowned for its 1930s Art Deco architecture, events such as the Art Deco Weekend in February, stately Norfolk pines, surrounding wineries and local fresh produce. Supported by a Mediterranean climate and over 2,200 hours of sunshine a year this popular year-round destination boasts a vibrant cafe culture amongst the splendour of the Art Deco buildings. Around 30 cafes are within walking distance of the central city area, while Ahuriri, just over Bluff Hill, is home to a further cluster of up market establishments. Marine Parade overlooks the Pacific Ocean and out towards Cape Kidnappers, home to the world's largest mainland gannet colony. A full day can be taken visiting Ocean Spa hot pools and swimming complex, the Hawke's Bay Museum and the National Aquarium of New Zealand.

A landmark of Napier is Bluff Hill, which is home for many Napier residents and provides views of the town, beaches of Perfume Point and Westshore and out towards Whirinaki. Bluff Hill also overlooks the Port of Napier, one of New Zealand's busiest ports, transporting timber, local fruit and meat products to worldwide destinations.

Relax at your wonderful lodge today or take to the green on the spectacular Cape Kidnappers golf course.

Designed by legendary golf architect Tom Doak, the Cape Kidnappers par 71 golf course measures 7,119 yards (6,510 meters) and will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Completed in 2004, our spectacular New Zealand golf course has been hailed as one of the great modern marvels in golf. Built on a ridge-and-valley landscape and with stunning sea views, Cape Kidnappers Golf Course plays high above the ocean atop dramatic cliffs.

With cliff-edge fairways perched 140 metres above sea level and with a surface that remains firm and fast, this course offers holes unlike anything you find elsewhere in the world. While every hole has a spectacular view of the Bay, some play cautiously alongside deep ravines as others intimidate golfers with deep cliff top bunkers and sheer drops off the very edge of the earth. The golf complex includes a world-class practice range, putting and chipping greens, a well-stocked golf shop, clubhouse and ladies’ and mens’ locker rooms. Premium ladies’ and mens’ rental clubs are available.

Today you fly south to Christchurch, gateway to the South Island. (Air New Zealand flight Napier to Christchurch)

Following the 2011 earthquake that razed its centre and much of the outlying suburbs, Christchurch is well into a billion-dollar makeover. In the middle of the Canterbury Plains, bordering the pacific ocean, New Zealand’s newest city is an ideal gateway to exploring the middle of the South.

Go punting on the Avon River, take a historic tram ride, catch the gondola to the rim of an extinct volcano or do all three! See the world's only Cardboard Cathedral and for nature enthusiasts - wander the renowned Christchurch Botanic Gardens, or head to Oxford Terrace in the city to find a great spot to eat or drink.

Drive an hour in any direction to ski, mountain bike, wine taste, whale-watch, bungy jump or play golf. Take the winding Port Hills road to the French settlement of Akaroa and tour the vines in Waipara for an authentic New Zealand wine-tasting experience.

Play a round today at the Clearwater course. The par 72 championship course is home to the HSBC NZ PGA Championship. Designed by John Darby in consultation with New Zealand golfing legend, Sir Bob Charles, the course combines elements of links golf inspired by the great Scottish courses with parkland golf, more reminiscent of Florida. Playable year-round, the course meanders around a succession of spring-fed lakes and trout-filled streams, with uninterrupted views of the spectacular Southern Alps. There are five tee positions to suit players of all abilities.

Travel from Christchurch through the wide Canterbury Plains, stopping in Geraldine or Fairlie for a quick break. As you climb Burkes Pass, you’ll reach the stunning Lake Tekapo, then continue along the glacier-fed Lake Pukaki with incredible views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Follow the lakeside road to arrive at Aoraki/Mt Cook Village, set deep in alpine scenery.

Mountain High Scenic Flight – The Helicopter Line

This unforgettable helicopter flight takes you over towering peaks, glaciers, and snowfields with panoramic views of Aoraki/Mt Cook. Land high in the mountains to stand in the snow, then fly across the Southern Alps for views of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, as they flow towards the wild West Coast.

Please note: There are no food shops at Mt Cook, and dinner options are limited to one restaurant. If you wish to self-cater, you must stock up before arriving in Mt Cook, or make dinner reservations in advance.

Leaving the alpine region of Aoraki Mt Cook, you'll travel through the lakeside town of Twizel, then a little further to Omarama the gliding capital of New Zealand. Continue on over the Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand's highest roads with a summit of 971 metres. Arrive in the quaint village of Tarras, then continue on a short way to the historic Bendigo Reserve, one of Otago's original gold mining settlements.

Follow the road to Cromwell, and keep going through the sheer cliffs of the Kawarau Gorge towards Gibbston, one of New Zealand's premier wine growing regions. See the historic Kawarau Bridge where you can bungy jump or relax and watch others take the plunge. Approaching Queenstown, the Remarkables mountain range comes into view as you arrive into the adventure capital of New Zealand.

A day to relax or try one of the many adventures on offer in Queenstown and Arrowtown or maybe a round of golf at Millbrook.

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. Designed by Sir Bob Charles and recently upgraded by Greg Turner, this 18 hole, par-72 championship course features 4 different tee positions for complete enjoyment at all levels of playing expertise.

Today you venture by private helicopter to Milford Sound.

Breathtaking, magnificent and truly spectacular, a Milford Sound Heli Tour is a must do when visiting New Zealand. Descend through carved glacial valleys to Milford Sound where you'll join an informative cruise on the fiord itself. The unique character of Milford Sound is due to the huge volume of rainfall this region receives - resulting in a surreal world of moss, rainforest, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. You'll cruise the waterways carved by glaciers all the way to the wild west coast. On your return flight to Queenstown experience an alpine landing where you can step foot on pristine wilderness rarely seen by people.

Depending on when your flight departs you might have time for one last Queenstown adventure before dropping your car off at the airport and catching your flight.