Known as 'The Land of the long white cloud', New Zealand is one of the truly wonderful places to visit in the world.
The magnificent scenery ranges from the glorious Bay of Islands in the north, to Milford Sound in the south.
The people are friendly, and the white wines are absolutely world class.
And the combination of world's best accommodation and spectacular golf courses is unbeatable.
Every golfer should visit New Zealand!
New Zealand comprises two main islands- the north and the south. It has a particularly dramatic terrain that includes the fjordland areas in the south islands, the geothermal hot springs of Taupo, and the beauty of the Bay of Islands up north.
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, and is located at the south of the north island. Further north is Auckland, the most populous city. Queenstown in the south island is an extremely popular tourist destination - it is known as the adventure capital of the world. White water rafting, trekking, skiing, golf- you name it- Queenstown has it!
Golf in New Zealand
Until the 21st century, New Zealand was not really known as a golfing country of any note. Dr Alister McKenzie's Titirangi GC in Auckland, Wairakei International in Taupo, and Paraparaumu Beach down near Wellington were rocognised as world class courses, but there the story ended.
However things changed quickly in 2000 when an American financial guru Julian Robertson built Kauri Cliffs in the Bay of Islands. It is fair to say that the course, the dramatic views, and the sheer quality of the service and accommodation captured the golfing public's imagination.
The course rocketed in to the top 100 courses on the planet, and the lodge set a standard rarely matched around the world.
Robertson followed up with the even more dramatic Cape Kidnappers near Napier, designed by American Tom Doak. And he again provided a 6 star lodge - The Farm at Cape Kidnappers.
Since then New Zealand golf has benefited from further top quality developments at Tara Iti and Te Arai, Kinloch (Taupo), Jack's Point (Queenstown) and Millbrook (Queenstown).
With sensational scenery, great wines, spectacular golf, and world standard accommodation - it is little wonder that New Zealand has become a golf tour mecca!
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Other Activities in New Zealand
Hiking
New Zealand is known to be a haven for hiking (trekking). The landscape is varied and spectacular. The tracks are well maintained, and if you prefer you can stay each night in some lovely quality lodges which provide 3 course meals and alcohol as well as comfortable rooms and ensuites. It is the only way to travel!The Milford Track, and The Routeburn Track- both south of Queenstown are in my opinion some of the best hiking in the world.
Hiking Routeburn
Wine in New Zealand
New Zealand is home to some of the best cool climate wines in the world, and since the 1970's has steadily produced outstanding quality wine.
Many critics argue that the Marlborough district Sauvignon Blanc is the best in the world.
Any trip to New Zealand should include some research into the merits of these wines.
Famous wine districts like Hawke's Bay, and Central Otago can easily be integrated into a golf tour.
Cheers!
Craggy Range Winery & mountains
Kiwis and more!
With virtually no predators in the country New Zealand has developed a unique biodiversity of animals, fungi and plants. Forest that were dominated by birds encouraged species like the Kiwi bird to evolve, which became flightless. Marine mammals are abundant with almost half of the world's whales, dolphins and porpoises found in New Zealand waters. More penguin species are found in New Zealand than any other country, and many seabirds breed in New Zealand- almost a third of which are unique to the country.
In recent years New Zealand has featured in movies like 'The Lord of The Rings' which feature the dramatic landscapes.
With so much to offer it is no wonder that 'The Land of the Long White Cloud' is a popular tourist destination.
Hobbiton Movie Set
Accommodation in New Zealand
Huka Lodge in Taupo is regarded as one of the pre eminent places to stay in the world. Similarly the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers have set a standard rarely matched. In Queenstown Matakauri Lodge is the sister to Kauri & The Cape and boasts a quality lodge, but sadly there is no golf course attached. Together these lodges provide a level of accommodation and service that is absolutely superb.
Kauri Cliffs Lodge
Course Reports for New Zealand
Escorted Golf Tours to New Zealand
Every year The Travelling Golfer offers an Escorted Tour to New Zealand North and/or New Zealand South. The next North Tour is scheduled for November 2027 and the next South Tour is scheduled for March 2028. Visit our Escorted Tour Schedule to find out more and book.
Unescorted Golf Tours to New Zealand
We know New Zealand really well and we can put together tours to any part of New Zealand that will be perfect for you.
Some suggested tours are:
Complete New Zealand - the best courses in the North and South
Luxury New Zealand with 6-star Lodge Accomodation - Kauri Cliffs, Matakauri, Cape Kidnappers, Huke Lodge
Queenstown - the Adventure Capital has 5 great courses
South Island - from Queen Charlotte, Christchurch to Queenstown
North Island - from Wellington to the Bay of Islands
Hidden Gems of new Zealand
Golf can be combined with any amount of sightseeing and fabulous 5-star or budget accommodation. Contact us for more information.
The Travelling Golfer specialises in small group escorted tours and customised self-led tours. We are based in Melbourne Australia and have over 35 years’ experience organising golf tours to places throughout the world. Contact us now for a free consultation.
