The Bay of Islands
New Zealand is a very popular destination for golf tours!
Located in the middle of the 'water hemisphere' New Zealand forms part of the Australasia group with Australia. It 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 Auckland is the most populous city. But Queenstown in the south island is the most popular- it is known as the adventure capital of the world. White water rafting, trekking, skiing, golf- you name it- Queenstown has it!
Trekking in New Zealand
The Milford Track
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.
Click here for a map of The Nine Great Walks of New Zealand
Wine in New Zealand
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!
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.
Golf in New Zealand
Until the 21st century, New Zealand was not really known as a golfing country of 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 once 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.
Kauri Cliffs Golf Club in the Bay of Islands
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.
Kauri Cliffs in the Bay of Islands
Since then New Zealand golf has benefited from further top quality developments at Kinloch (Taupo), Jack's Point (Queenstown), The Hills (Queenstown), and in late 2015 Doak's latest masterpiece Tara Iti opened.
With sensational scenery, great wines, spectacular golf, and world standard accommodation- it is little wonder that New Zealand has become a golf tour mecca!
Accommodation in New Zealand
Huka LodgeHuka 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.
Golf Tours
New Zealand can provide golf tours for a short break or an extended stay.
Short trips include:
Cape Kidnappers, Kinloch & Wairakie International
The Bay Of Islands & Northland
Wellington & Paraparaumu Beach
Longer trips typically combine some of the shorter trips:
Our flagship trips covers the best of the best- golf, accommodation & sightseeing. They can cater for small groups, or couples and can be self drive or hosted trips:
And if you have the time and inclination to play all of the top line courses, and sights of New Zealand why not consider:
The Complete New Zealand Golf Tour
Enquiries
The Travelling Golfer can tailor a golf trip to New Zealand to suit you!
