Golf lovers' 15-day tour of New Zealand

Auckland

Day 1: Welcome to Auckland

With a private transfer to your hotel from the airport, there's plenty of time for you to unpack and unwind after the flight.

In the evening, a delicious, authentic, four-course dinner awaits. Exploring and celebrating New Zealand cuisine, the menu at Ahi honours all those who help bring the food from farm to fork. The passion behind the food, from growers to suppliers, is evident in this exceptional food story of Aotearoa, the Maori name for New Zealand, meaning 'land of the long white cloud'. The constantly evolving seasonal menu can be complemented with a perfect New Zealand wine match to toast the start of your trip.

Auckland - Te Arai

Day 2: Discover the South Pacific

Pick up your rental car after breakfast, then head north to discover the area around Mangawha. With its magnificent beach and the swell of the South Pacific, it's a great place to give surfing a try.

Prefer to stay on dry land? There are some wonderful walks to explore. The Dune is a three to four hour route passing through areas with protected birds. The Clifftop walk combines the beach with the cliffs and ends with an incredible viewpoint overlooking the Pacific.

Afterwards, find that perfect spot on the beach to enjoy the views with an ice cream or pop into Bennets chocolate shop and factory.

Te Arai beach is quieter and more private, just off the route to Te Arai Links, your home for the next two nights. It has with stunning views of the ocean, with two fabulous golf courses right on the doorstep.

Te Arai

Day 3: Hit the links

After breakfast, it's time to hit the two pure links golf courses nestled in the undulating coastal landscape. Each offers different perspectives of the ocean and islands beyond.

The South Course uses the natural dunes to showcase the area’s extraordinary beauty. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, and opened October 2022, it recently debuted at #85 on the latest 23/24 Golf Magazine 'Top 100 Courses in the World' list. The North Course, designed by Tom Doak, opened in October 2023. Playing very differently to the South Course, it features more inland golf and unique green shapes. Te Arai is also home to the world's largest putting green, The Playground, conveniently located next to Ric's Restaurant.

There is plenty for non-golfers here, too, with hiking, horseriding, paddle-boarding, surfing and more or simply relaxing in the onsite day spa.

Te Arai - Taupo

Day 4: Head south for adventure

After breakfast, head south to Taupo, the North Island's capital for adventurous outdoor activities. Check in to your new hotel after the drive, then head out for adrenaline-pumping experiences including parachuting, bungee jumping and more.

For a calmer experience, visit Huka Falls. This highly photogenic spot with its turquoise waters formed where the Waikato River narrows and tumbles down a volcanic gorge. Continue exploring with a stroll around the Crater of The Moon, a 45-minute loop; a 20-minute detour passes through the middle of the sulphuric fumaroles.

Take the perfect lunch break at Huka Prawn Farm, then enjoy a cruise across Lake Taupo and discover the Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings.

In the evening, head out into the town for dinner or a drink and an evening of relaxation at your hotel. 

Taupo - Orakei Korako - Kinloch

Day 5: Into the hidden valley

Green fees are included for The Kinloch Club so, after breakfast, spend the morning on this glorious 18-hole course. The back 9 was opened by Jack Nicklaus in 2008 and is legendary for its challenging greens. Seek advice from friendly staff to make the most of the round.

Later, head for Orakei Korako, the 'Hidden Valley'. Reached via a short boat trip, the silica terraces forming the base of geyserland and the thermal park are thought to be the largest surviving example of their kind, with up to 23 active natural geysers playing freely across the area. Roam around boiling hot springs and mud pools, admire the many colours and shapes, then explore the wider area on one of the bush walks, showcase the native flora and fauna. 

Relax and ease the strains of this morning's golf by taking time to relax at one of the local spas, before heading back to your hotel. 

Taupo - Hawkes Bay - Napier

Day 6: Sunshine & wine country

Journey further south after breakfast, to your hotel in the heart of the famous Hawkes Bay wine region.

Join a half-day wine tour through gorgeous countryside, accompanied by a local guide. The tour includes four internationally recognised wineries and reaches Te Mata Peak for a 360° degree view of Hawkes Bay. Continue your gourmet experience with a visit to Strawberry Patch for sumptuous ice cream, and find out all about honey making at Arataki Honey's visitor centre, with a chance to sample the honey. At Te Mate Figs try the delicious organic salame.

A myriad of vineyards is available: Napier and Taradale's Esk, Mission, Park Estates, Brookfields or Moana Park. Havelock North's Black Barn Vineyards, Craggy Range and Askerne, and Hastings' Crossroads and Kemblefield. In the evening, relax at your hotel with a bottle picked up from one of the wineries.

Napier - Cape Kidnappers

Day 7: Links with a view

Located just 20km from the seaside Art Deco gem of Napier, Cape Kidnappers is set atop rolling hills and rugged cliffs, which give way to vast sea views and an ever-present horizon. It is also home to the 18-hole golf course crafted by Tom Doak.

The par 71 course will challenge golfers of all skill levels. With a cliff-edge fairway perched 140m above sea level and a surface that remains firm and fast, this course offers holes unlike anywhere else in the world.

Non-golfers are well-provide for in the clubhouse. There is also plenty to see and do in Napier, including admiring the the architecture while exploring the shops and art galleries of this unique town.

Christchurch - Methven

Day 8: Fly to the South Island

After breakfast on the North Island, enjoy the short flight to Christchurch and collect your rental car from the airport, ready to discover the South Island.

Journey south for around an hour through the Canterbury region to reach Methven. Located near the foothills of the Southern Alps, Methven is a major winter sports destination, with plenty to offer in summer too. Enjoy hiking, cycling or horse riding, go 4WD trekking or take a breathtaking balloon ride.

Check into your resort overlooking the Mt Hutt range, settle in and indulge in the amenities, including spa, gym, tennis and an elegant restaurant. Still ready for more golf? Take the optional extra opportunity of playing on the spectacular high country par 72 championship course.

Lake Coleridge

Day 9: Lakes & links

After a lazy breakfast, there's another optional chance to play the resort's 18 hole, par 72 championship course. It features four different tee positions for the enjoyment of players of all abilities. At a length of 6,406m off the back tees, it includes 10 lakes and over 60 bunkers, and has been rated by NZ Golf Magazine as one of the top five courses in the country.

Other activites here include archery, tennis, horseriding and quad biking or you could simply enjoy a scenic walk to Washpen Falls. The trail passes an ancient volcano with caves, waterfalls, fascinating geology and botany, all steeped in Maori history. Beautiful Lake Coleridge is less than half an hour away. Explore its trails, enjoy a boat ride or take a scenic drive through the high country, before heading back to the resort for the night.

Lake Tekapo

Day 10: Glorious views & hot pools

After breakfast today, you'll be heading west, as the trip takes you to scenic Lake Tekapo. There are spectaular daylight experiences to be had here: you could take a flight around the Mt Cook (Aoraki) and Westland National Parks and enjoy a refreshing swim in a glacier lake at Willow Bay beach. ALternatively, trek (or drive) up Mt John for glorious views and take a peek inside the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Once you've settled into your hotel, unwind in the hot pools at the Alpine Springs Spa, to be refreshed and ready for nighttime in Tekapo. Since June 2012, Tekapo has been one of the rare StarLight Reserves, offering unparalleled views of the southern night skies. To complete your visit, take an optional visit to the Mt John Observatory for an unforgettable stargazing experience.

cass valley

Day 11: 4WD backcountry tour

After breakfast today, you'll be taking part 4WD tour through the wilderness of the Mackenzie Country. You'll see stunning scenery and pass through Glenmore Station, one of New Zealand's finest merino wool suppliers, with incredible high country stations.

You'll get private access to some of the the best of the Cass Valley. Travelling through the legendary natural landscapes around Lake Tekapo, see towering mountains, glaciers and river crossings, while learning all about the unique geology, ecology and history that has shaped this part of the South Island. 

Later in the day, return to the hotel and enjoy some free time.

Queenstown

Day 12: Adrenaline sports capital

After breakfast, you'll be heading to  Queenstown for the next three nights. It's known as the capital of adrenaline sports but, if bungee jumping, skydiving and rafting aren't your thing, slower-paced activities also abound. Take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the Steamship TSS Earnslaw and ride the Gondola up to the Skyline complex for some magnificent views. Drive out to some of Central Otago's 75 vineyards, known for especially for their Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. 

The region is also home to some iconic filming locations, including Glenorchy village, seen in Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings. From there, it's possible to pick up the Routeburn Track, a well-known hiking trail and one of the Great Walks.

In the evening, relax at your hotel or head into town to explore the vibrant nightlife and food scene. 

Milford Sound

Day 13: Fly around the sound

Enjoy a hearty breakfast today, before you set off to explore world-famous Milford Sound and see Mitre Peak a unique perspective by boat and from a stunning scenic flight. Sail past cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs, and keep your eyes peeled for seals, dolphins and penguins along the way. The flight takes in the extraordinary variety of the sound, including alpine lakes, lush rainforest, rugged snow-capped mountains and glacially carved valleys of Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park. 

After, head back to Queenstown to relax and reflect on today's sights in your hotel or explore the town at your own pace. 

Jacks Point

Day 14: Time to tee off

You can opt for some more post-breakfast golfing today at two courses. Jack's Point offers an 18 hole par 72 championship course on Lake Wakatipu, beneath The Remarkables mountain range. Ranked number 1 on South Island, it was designed by John Darby to be in harmony with the natural environment, weaving through native grasslands, rocky outcrops and steep bluffs to the edge of the lake. Millbrook, meanwhile, is home of the New Zealand Open, with two 18-hole courses designed by Sir Bob Charles, Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson, and is great for players at all levels.

To cap off the experience, the Original Onsen experience brings your trip to a close. The hot pools here are adapted to the weather conditions and can be adjusted to your preference, so lie back and relax as you enjoy a drink and a snack. 

Once you've fully relaxed, head out for a farewell dinner and enjoy a blissful night's sleep.

Queenstown Airport

Day 15: Goodbye, New Zealand!

After breakfast this morning, it's time to return your rental car at the airport, ready to catch the connecting flight for your onward journey home.