11 Day New Zealand Southern Alps Golf Vacation

Welcome to Queenstown, the alpine adventure capital of New Zealand and the starting point for your Southern Alps golf journey. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and the sparkling waters of Lake Wakatipu, it is the perfect place to begin your exploration of the South Island.

Private Transfer Queenstown Airport to your Accommodation

On arrival in Queenstown, a private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation. This relaxed transfer allows you to settle in and enjoy the spectacular alpine scenery without any stress.

Queenstown is famous for its adventure activities, scenic lakefront, and world-class food and wine. Spend time exploring the vibrant town centre, enjoying a lakeside walk, or visiting nearby wineries in the Gibbston Valley.

Today your self-drive adventure begins and your first championship round awaits. Jack’s Point Golf Course provides a spectacular introduction to golf in the Southern Alps.

Collect your rental vehicle and complete the simple documentation before setting off. Having your own vehicle gives you the flexibility to explore Queenstown and the surrounding alpine region at your own pace.

Jack’s Point Golf Course

Play a memorable round at Jack’s Point Golf Course, widely regarded as one of the most scenic courses in the world. The championship layout winds through tussock grasslands and dramatic rock formations with breathtaking views across Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.

Leave Queenstown behind as you travel through spectacular alpine landscapes toward the rugged West Coast. Today’s drive showcases some of the South Island’s most dramatic scenery.

Cross the Crown Range, New Zealand’s highest sealed road, before passing through the lakeside town of Wānaka. Continue along the Haast Pass through rainforest and glacier-fed rivers before reaching the glacier region of Franz Josef.

Today you journey north along the rugged West Coast before crossing the Southern Alps into Arthur’s Pass National Park. Waterfalls, rainforest, and dramatic mountain passes make this one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives.

Travel through historic gold mining towns such as Ross and Hokitika before turning inland toward the mountains. As the road climbs through Arthur’s Pass, enjoy incredible views of alpine valleys, waterfalls, and the famous Otira Gorge viaduct.

Explore Wilderness Lodge, Arthur’s Pass

Spend time exploring the surrounding alpine wilderness with guided walks and nature experiences offered by the lodge. Knowledgeable guides introduce you to native wildlife, mountain landscapes, and life on a working high-country sheep farm.

Descending from the Southern Alps through the Canterbury High Country, pass by Lake Pearson. A beautiful tranquil lake and a good spot for fishing or bird watching. Further on you’ll find Castle Hill, often referred to by climbers as one of the best rock climbing and bouldering locations in New Zealand.

The limestone rock makes the area a year-round climbing destination. Descending onto the Canterbury Plains the rich farmland that attracted and helped settlers prosper becomes apparent as you head into the city of Christchurch.

Spend today exploring Christchurch, a city known for its gardens, river settings, and heritage charm. With its relaxed atmosphere and scenic surroundings, it offers a wonderful break between rounds of golf.

Christchurch Gondola

Ride the Christchurch Gondola from the Heathcote Valley to the rim of an ancient volcano for sweeping views across Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula, and the distant Southern Alps. At the summit, explore scenic walking tracks, relax at the café, or visit the Discovery Ride to learn about the region’s history.

Suggested Activity – Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Just minutes from the city centre, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens showcase an impressive collection of native and exotic plants across beautifully landscaped grounds. Wander through seasonal displays, peaceful pathways, and the New Zealand Garden for a relaxing escape in the heart of the Garden City.

Suggested Activity – Punting on the Christchurch Avon River

Enjoy a relaxing punt ride along the Avon River as a skilled punter guides your traditional flat-bottomed boat through the Botanic Gardens. It’s a peaceful way to admire Christchurch’s lush scenery and iconic gardens from the water.

Today you play at one of New Zealand’s premier golf destinations in the Canterbury region. Clearwater Golf Course offers an enjoyable challenge set among scenic lakes and mountain views.

Suggested activity: Clearwater Golf 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. To book, please organise with Clearwater Golf. https://www.clearwatergolf.co.nz/

Today you travel through the heart of the South Island toward New Zealand’s highest mountain. Alpine lakes and vast plains make the journey just as memorable as the destination.

Drive across the Canterbury Plains before passing through Geraldine and Fairlie. Continue past the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki before arriving in the dramatic alpine setting of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.

Glacier Highlights – Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing

Experience the Southern Alps from the air on a scenic flight over Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier. Land on the glacier itself and enjoy the silence and scale of this spectacular alpine environment.

Suggested Inclusion – The Alpine Restaurant Buffet Dinner

Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner while taking in panoramic views of Aoraki / Mount Cook. The extensive menu includes fresh local ingredients, seafood, meats, salads, and desserts.

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.

Leave the mountains behind as you travel south through Central Otago. This scenic drive passes high-country landscapes, historic settlements, and vineyards.

Travel via Twizel and Omarama before crossing the Lindis Pass with its sweeping alpine views. Continue through Cromwell and the Kawarau Gorge before arriving back in Queenstown.

Suggested Activity – Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride

Take the Skyline Gondola high above Queenstown for breathtaking views across Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. From the summit you can relax at the café, walk scenic trails, or simply enjoy the spectacular panorama.

The Hills was designed by Darby Partners and opened in 2007 to host the New Zealand Open. Set 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 layout provides a serious challenge for accomplished players while thoughtful and considerate design means that the golf course 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.

Your Southern Alps golf adventure comes to an end today. Before leaving, you may wish to enjoy a final stroll along the lakefront or browse the shops in Queenstown.

Return Your Vehicle to Queenstown Airport

Drive to Queenstown Airport and return your rental vehicle before your onward flight. The short journey offers one last glimpse of the beautiful alpine scenery.

Depart with unforgettable memories of championship golf courses, towering mountains, and spectacular alpine landscapes. In Māori it is said mā te wā – which means until we meet again.