Championship Courses from Coastlines to Alpine Landscapes
This 17 day golfing journey showcases New Zealand’s world-class courses set against some of the most spectacular landscapes on earth, from coastal cliffs in the Bay of Islands to the alpine beauty of Queenstown. Along the way, you’ll play iconic courses such as Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers, Kinloch, and Millbrook, each offering unique challenges and unforgettable views.
Beyond the fairways, the experience includes scenic drives through native forests, geothermal regions, and vineyard landscapes, as well as cultural highlights and luxury stays. From subtropical Northland to the Southern Alps, this journey blends exceptional golf with the very best of New Zealand’s natural beauty.
Note: All self-drive packages are fully customisable and can be tailored or combined to match your travel plans. Just let us know your preferences in the enquiry form!
Inclusions
16 nights staying in superior 4-Star Hotels
Intermediate rental car with unlimited km (upgrades available)
Fully inclusive rental car insurance (excess may apply)
After-hours touring support
Electronic Travel Guide + In-Country Support App
The Visitor Promise cultural learning course
Afterhours emergency support while touring
Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Auckland Accommodation with Tourcorp
Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App
Rosewood Kauri Cliffs Golf Course
Kinloch Golf Course
Rosewood Cape Kidnappers Golf Course
Air New Zealand flight Napier to Christchurch
TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Queenstown Golf Course
Over The Top Golf Fly-Drive-Putt
Millbrook Golf Course
16 breakfasts, 1 special dinner
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Arrive in Auckland, a vibrant harbour city set between two oceans and known for its sailing culture and coastal lifestyle. Surrounded by islands, beaches, and volcanic landscapes, it offers a dynamic introduction to New Zealand.
Included: Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Accommodation with Tourcorp Enjoy a seamless arrival with a private transfer directly to your hotel. This comfortable service allows you to relax and take in your first views of the city and harbour.
Suggested Activity: Harbour Sailing Dinner Cruise with Explore Sail across the Waitematā Harbour as the city lights begin to glow in the evening. This relaxing experience combines scenic views with a memorable dining setting on the water.
Accommodation: Stay 2 nights at Grand Millennium Auckland
Stay in a centrally located hotel within easy reach of Auckland’s dining, shopping, and waterfront precincts. Its convenient position makes it an ideal base to explore the city.
Day 2: Golf or Free Day in Auckland
Spend the day exploring Auckland’s mix of urban culture and natural landscapes. From volcanic viewpoints to coastal experiences, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the region.
You might visit Mount Eden for panoramic views, explore the Viaduct Harbour, or head west to Muriwai Beach for rugged coastline and native wildlife. The surrounding regions offer a variety of scenic and cultural highlights.
Included: Collect Rental Car Collect your rental vehicle and begin your New Zealand self drive journey. Having your own car provides flexibility to explore beyond the city at your own pace.
Suggested Activity: Muriwai Golf Club Play a round at this stunning coastal links course set within a protected bird sanctuary. With ocean views from every hole and the sound of waves nearby, it offers a truly unique golfing experience.
Suggested Activity: Formosa Golf Resort Enjoy a round at this clifftop course overlooking the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding islands. Designed by Sir Bob Charles, it combines challenging play with spectacular scenery.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3: Auckland to Paihia, Bay of Islands
Travel north from Auckland through lush farmland and coastal landscapes towards the Bay of Islands. The journey offers a relaxed drive with opportunities to explore small towns and scenic stops.
Pause in Whangārei to visit the Town Basin or nearby waterfalls, then continue through Kawakawa, known for its colourful Hundertwasser Toilets. Arriving in Paihia, you’ll be welcomed by golden beaches and a tranquil coastal setting.
Travel Time: 3 hours
Distance: 226 kms
Accommodation: Stay 2 nights at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
Stay in a peaceful setting within the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, surrounded by native bush and waterfront views. The location provides easy access to local attractions and the bay.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4: Rosewood Kauri Cliffs Golf Course
Spend some time exploring the Bay of Islands, a subtropical region known for its clear waters, marine life, and rich history. With over 140 islands, the area offers a variety of ways to experience its natural beauty.
You might cruise to the Hole in the Rock, visit Russell’s historic streets, or explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. The region also offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and relaxing on secluded beaches.
Included: Rosewood Kauri Cliffs Golf Course Play one of the world’s top-ranked golf courses, where fairways run alongside dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The course offers a challenging layout combined with breathtaking views from nearly every hole.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Paihia to Auckland via Waipoua Forest
Depart the Bay of Islands and travel along the west coast through Hokianga and into Waipoua Forest. This route offers a more remote and scenic journey through ancient landscapes.
Walk among towering kauri trees, including Tāne Mahuta, before continuing south through small settlements and coastal views. The journey concludes as you return to Auckland across the Harbour Bridge.
Travel Time: 4.4 hours
Distance: 343 kms
Accommodation: Grand Millennium Auckland
Return to your centrally located hotel for another evening in the city. Its location offers easy access to dining and entertainment.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6: Auckland to Taupō
Travel south through the Waikato region, known for its fertile farmland and rural landscapes. The journey gradually transitions towards volcanic terrain as you approach Lake Taupō.
Consider a stop at Hamilton Gardens or continue through Cambridge before reaching Taupō. The town sits on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake, formed by a massive volcanic eruption.
Suggested Activity: Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride Experience an exhilarating jet boat ride along the Waikato River, including thrilling spins and close passes to cliffs. The ride culminates at the powerful Huka Falls, where water surges dramatically through a narrow channel.
Suggested Activity: Māori Rock Carvings Cruise Cruise across Lake Taupō to view the impressive Māori rock carvings, only accessible by water. This peaceful experience combines cultural storytelling with scenic lake views.
Travel Time: 3.1 hours
Distance: 267 kms
Accommodation: Stay 2 nights at Millennium Hotel & Resort Manuels Taupō
Stay in a lakeside property with stunning views across Lake Taupō. Its location provides easy access to the town’s attractions and natural highlights.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7: Kinloch Golf Course
Spend the day at one of New Zealand’s premier inland golf courses, set against a dramatic natural landscape. The course offers a challenging design and a memorable playing experience.
Surrounded by tussock terrain and lake views, the setting provides a stark contrast to coastal courses earlier in the journey. The peaceful environment enhances the overall experience.
Included: Kinloch Golf Course Play New Zealand’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, designed to challenge golfers of all levels. The layout combines strategic bunkering with sweeping views of Lake Taupō and surrounding hills.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8: Taupō to Napier
Depart Taupō and travel over the Ahimanawa Range towards the Hawke’s Bay region. The landscape changes from volcanic terrain to coastal plains and vineyard-covered hills.
Arriving in Napier, you’ll notice its distinctive Art Deco architecture and sunny coastal atmosphere. The city is known for its wine, food, and relaxed seaside setting.
Travel Time: 1.7 hours
Distance: 137 kms
Accommodation: Stay 2 nights at Art Deco Masonic Hotel
Stay in a historic waterfront hotel reflecting Napier’s iconic Art Deco style. Its central location places you close to cafés, shops, and the promenade.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9: Rosewood Cape Kidnappers Golf Course
Spend the day at one of the world’s most spectacular golf courses, set high above the Pacific Ocean. The dramatic cliffs and sweeping views create a truly unforgettable setting.
The course layout challenges players with strategic design and exposed coastal conditions. Each hole offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
Included: Rosewood Cape Kidnappers Golf Course Play a world-renowned course designed by Tom Doak, featuring cliff-edge fairways and breathtaking ocean views. The combination of design and scenery makes it one of New Zealand’s premier golfing experiences.
Suggested Activity: Hawke’s Bay Twilight Odyssey Tour with Dinner Enjoy an evening exploring the region’s vineyards with wine tastings and a gourmet dining experience. The tour combines local flavours with scenic vineyard settings.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10: Fly Napier to Christchurch
Depart Napier and begin your journey south with a flight to Christchurch, transitioning from the North Island’s coastal landscapes to the South Island’s expansive plains. On arrival, you’ll step into a city that blends heritage charm with a modern, revitalised energy.
Christchurch offers a mix of historic landmarks and contemporary attractions, from the Avon River to the Botanic Gardens and vibrant dining precincts. Its central location also makes it a gateway to surrounding regions such as Banks Peninsula and Waipara wine country.
Included: Flight Napier to Christchurch Enjoy a comfortable domestic flight offering aerial views of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes. This efficient connection allows you to maximise your time in the South Island.
Included: Collect Rental Car Collect your rental vehicle upon arrival and begin exploring Christchurch and its surrounds. Having your own car provides flexibility for regional day trips.
Accommodation: Stay 2 nights at Peppers Clearwater Resort
Stay in a peaceful lakeside setting overlooking Lake Kaikainui and the resort’s golf course. The tranquil surroundings offer a relaxing introduction to the South Island.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11: Golf or Free Day in Christchurch
Spend the day exploring Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury region at your own pace. The city’s mix of green spaces, cultural attractions, and nearby scenic areas offers plenty of variety.
You might visit Akaroa on Banks Peninsula, explore Waipara’s wineries, or stay within the city to enjoy the Botanic Gardens and riverside precincts. The region provides options ranging from relaxation to adventure.
Suggested Activity: Clearwater Golf Course Play a round at this championship course set within the grounds of your resort. With views of the Southern Alps and water features throughout, it offers a balanced and scenic golfing experience.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12: Christchurch to Aoraki Mt Cook
ravel inland across the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps, where the landscape shifts from farmland to alpine terrain. The journey gradually builds as mountains rise in the distance.
Pass through Geraldine and Fairlie before reaching Lake Tekapo, then continue along the striking turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. The drive concludes in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, surrounded by towering peaks.
Included: Glacier Explorers Experience Cruise across the Tasman Glacier terminal lake to view floating icebergs and towering glacier faces. This rare experience provides a unique perspective of New Zealand’s largest glacier.
Stay in a premium alpine setting surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. The hotel’s location places you right in the heart of the national park.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13: Aoraki Mt Cook to Queenstown
Depart Aoraki Mt Cook and travel through the Mackenzie Basin and Central Otago. The journey offers a mix of alpine scenery, high-country landscapes, and historic towns.
Pass through Twizel, Omarama, and over the Lindis Pass before reaching Cromwell and the Kawarau Gorge. Approaching Queenstown, the Remarkables mountain range creates a dramatic backdrop..
Included: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard a historic steamship before enjoying a gourmet BBQ dinner at Walter Peak. The experience combines scenic views, dining, and a farm demonstration.
Travel Time: 3 hours
Distance: 257 kms
Accommodation: Stay 4 nights at Kamana Lakehouse
Stay in an elevated property offering sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Its setting provides a peaceful yet scenic base near Queenstown.
Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner
Day 14: Queenstown Golf Course
Spend the day enjoying one of New Zealand’s most picturesque golf courses, set on a peninsula surrounded by Lake Wakatipu. The combination of water and mountain views creates a memorable playing experience.
Later, take in panoramic views of Queenstown from above, gaining a new perspective of the region’s dramatic alpine landscape. The contrast between ground-level and elevated views adds depth to the day.
Included: Queenstown Golf Course Play an 18-hole course set on a peninsula with water on three sides. The layout combines scenic beauty with a relaxed and enjoyable golfing experience.
Included: Skyline Gondola Ride Ride the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere to Bob’s Peak. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, and surrounding peaks.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 15: Over The Top Golf Fly-Drive-Putt
Spend the day exploring Queenstown, a destination known for its alpine scenery and wide range of experiences. From adventure to relaxation, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the region.
Take a walk along the lakefront, visit Arrowtown, or explore nearby vineyards in Gibbston Valley. The town’s vibrant dining scene and scenic setting make it easy to unwind.
Included: Over The Top Golf Fly-Drive-Putt Experience Take a scenic helicopter flight into the Southern Alps for a unique high-altitude golf experience. Tee off at 4,500 feet with panoramic views, adding a truly unforgettable highlight to your journey.
Suggested Activity: Shotover Jet Boat Ride Experience high-speed thrills through narrow river canyons with sharp turns and spins. This iconic activity combines adrenaline with spectacular scenery.
Suggested Activity: Onsen Hot Pools Experience Relax in private hot pools overlooking the Shotover River canyon. The experience offers a peaceful way to unwind while enjoying alpine views.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 16: Milbrook Golf Course
Spend the day at Millbrook Resort, one of New Zealand’s premier golfing destinations. Set within a stunning alpine valley, the course offers a world-class playing experience.
With two championship courses and beautifully maintained fairways, the setting combines natural beauty with exceptional design. The surrounding mountains enhance the atmosphere throughout your round.
Included: Millbrook Golf Course Play across the Remarkables and Coronet courses, known for their fast greens and scenic layout. The experience blends challenging play with spectacular alpine surroundings.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 17: Depart Queenstown
Your New Zealand golfing journey concludes in Queenstown, surrounded by alpine scenery and unforgettable experiences. Take time to reflect on the incredible courses and landscapes experienced along the way.
Return Rental Car at Queenstown Airport Return your vehicle at the airport depot before continuing your onward journey. This simple process ensures a smooth and stress-free departure.