New Zealand Golf Tour

Day 2: Golf at Muriwai Golf Course

Enjoy a round at Muriwai Golf Course – a quality links course ("the greens run to the sea" - local knowledge). Muriwai Golf Club is a links course situated in a protected bird sanctuary. The only sounds you’ll hear are the native birds and the surf breaking on the beach. The course features naturally rolling fairways and breathtaking views of sea or forest from each hole. To play at Muriwai is to play golf as it was meant to be played. Suggested late Lunch at Bees On-Line – Award winning restaurant café, see the bee theatre and enjoy complimentary honey tasting. Non-golfers, spend the day at Waiheke Island, absorbing the abundant culture, gourmet food and wine.

Day 3: Golf at Gulf Harbour

Gulf Harbour is the home of the 2005 & 2006 New Zealand Golf Opens. Afterward, travel to the Bay of Islands and arrive at the Copthorne Hotel, Paihia.

Day 4: Golf at Kauri Cliffs

Kauri Cliffs is a magnificent golf course set high on the clifftops with 180 degree panoramic sea vistas. Reminiscent of Pebble Beach by the Pacific Ocean, six holes are played alongside cliffs which plunge to the sea. The beautiful inland holes wind through marsh, forest and farmland. Return to Paihia to sample the delights of the local seafood restaurants.

Day 5: A Full Day's Journey

Enjoy a full day's journey through the varied landscape of the upper North Island. Pass through rolling farming countryside, rural townships and native forest valleys (spot the beautiful Nikau Palms, New Zealand's only native palm, and elegant Black Mamakus). Stay in Taupo at The Terraces for a 3-night sojurn.

Day 6: Golf at Kinloch Golf Course

This is the only Jack Nicklaus course in New Zealand and is a top of the range of Nicklaus signature designs. High quality golf on free draining volcanic soil; the course is said to have a unique inland links feel to it. Magnificent bunkering and few water hazards – don't forget to look out over Kinloch and the views of Lake Taupo – very picturesque.

Day 7: Golf at Wairakei International Golf Course

One of the country's truly outstanding golf courses and facilities, Wairakei has undergone significant redevelopment over the last 10 years or so. The course is shaped among undulating terrain in the heart of the North Island and has no weak holes! Numerous bunkers and stunning water features make this a tough challenge but a must play on any itinerary to New Zealand. If you can forget the course for a moment, the peace and tranquility as you walk up this valley is breathtaking.

Day 8: Golf at Cape Kidnappers

The Cape Kidnappers golf course has been rated the worlds best by England's Daily Telegraph newspaper. It heads a top 10 that includes, in order, Royal County Down, Pebble Beach, Leopard Creek, Green Monkey, Domaine de Sperone, Turnberry, Canouan, The Grenadines, Doonbeg, and Royal Melbourne.

Telegraph travel news editor Charles Starmer-Smith says: "This course, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, comes top of our list for its dramatic location. Built on what was a sheep station, its fairways play out along a series of jagged ridges that jut out like fingers into the Pacific before plunging down to the rocks below. Players must contend with fearsome ravines, contoured fairways and fast, tilted greens."

Day 9: Millbrook Resort

Depart Napier on flight bound for Christchurch and connecting flight to Queenstown. After a short bus ride to Arrowtown, relax at the beautiful Millbrook Resort. Deluxe accommodation in a 2 bedroom cottage or Lounge Villa depending on availability, enjoy a 4-night stop at this prestigious resort. Millbrook Resort is situated within 5 minutes drive of Arrowtown and 25 minutes from the centre of Queenstown. A well established resort, which has been built around original Millhouse buildings and landscapes, views from the resort include the Remarkables Mountain Ranges and Coronet Peak. The top Millbrook Golf Course complements the property, designed by Sir Bob Charles.

Day 10: Golf at Millbrook Golf Course

New Zealand’s first international golf resort, Millbrook opened in 1992. Millbrook is surrounded by magnificent mountains. Sir Bob Charles made sure that the many trees would not interrupt the view of them. The course is therefore relatively free of aerial hazards but there are some really nice water features, especially the 18th hole water hazard which finishes in front of the beautiful stonehouse clubhouse. Another nine holes is in development with four of the new holes already open.

Day 11: Explore Queenstown

Take a break from the golf and spend the day enjoying some of New Zealand’s best scenery. Some suggested activities: Explore Queenstown – many sights and activities to choose from: Cruise and excursions on Lake Wakatipu, Bungy Jumping, Skyline Gondola rides above the township Shotover, Jet Rides, and Trip to historic Walter Peak farmstead. Must see is historic and fascinating Skippers Canyon – upstream on the Shotover River and one of the main gold rush areas of the 1800’s – sheer drops 120 metres below make this a tour highly recommended to be done, (but not self-drive!).

Day 12: Golf at Jack’s Point

Jacks Point is bounded by the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. It traverses through wetlands to the lake edge encountering steep bluffs, indigenous vegetation and wildlife. It is designed to work with nature, not against it. Fairways are designed with minimal excavation and careful plantings to complement the natural environment, but also to give the golfer a fighting chance.

Day 13: Cromwell, Omarama, and the Southern Canterbury

Take a drive to Terrace Downs High Country Resort. Enjoy the sights of Cromwell, Omarama, and the Southern Canterbury Plains on route. Stay 1-night in 2 bedroom Villas overlooking the golf course.

Day 14: Golf at Terrace Downs

Jacks Point is bounded by the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. It traverses through wetlands to the lake edge encountering steep bluffs, indigenous vegetation and wildlife. It is designed to work with nature, not against it. Fairways are designed with minimal excavation and careful plantings to complement the natural environment, but also to give the golfer a fighting chance.

Day 15: Golf at Clearwater Golf Course

Another Sir Bob Charles, John Darby design collaboration, Clearwater is the home of the PGA Championship. The course takes its name from the many water hazards that adorn it, all of which were created by digging into the underground river beneath. The water is so pristine in quality that tri-athletes use the lake around the ninth hole for training. Ten holes feature water in play, seven of them on the back nine. Charles design philosophy of minimal trees allows great views of the Canterbury hills, mountains and surrounding countryside.

Day 16: Depart New Zealand

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight, homeward bound. Bon Voyage!