17 Great Days - 'Golfer's Ultimate Dream'
Self Drive New Zealand - Auckland to Queenstown

Day 4

• A short drive to the Bay of Islands – birthplace of New Zealand

Matauri Bay to Bay of Islands (Paihia)

Today return south through Kerikeri – known for its crafts studios, fruit orchards and artisan products. Home to two of the oldest buildings in the country – Mission House and the Stone Store (both which encompass materials and artifacts from early european settlers) Kerikeri is a delightful place to learn about New Zealand’s early history. Continue on to Paihia, your destination for the night – and a great base from which to explore the Bay of Islands.

 

Accommodation – Paihia Beach Resort & Spa:

Located in a superb beach position overlooking the Bay of Islands, Paihia Beach Resort & Spa offers stunning ocean views from every balcony and patio. The resort also features a 20 metre heated saltwater pool, large Jacuzzi, private steam and sauna rooms

Day 5

• Explore the Bay of Islands

Commonly known as the ‘winterless north’ New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is made up of over 140 subtropical atolls. Renowned for its untouched beaches, abundant marine life and idyllic climate, this tropical paradise ticks all the boxes. Spend some time on a remote stretch of beach, or cool off during a ‘swim with dolphins’ ocean safari. If diving is your thing, take the morning to descend the Rainbow Warrior – The Greenpeace flagship sunk by French saboteurs in 1985. Wander around Russell, a whaling port founded in 1843. Learn about our culture in historic Waitangi, the site where The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between the Maori and European settlers dictating the terms by which New Zealand would become a British colony. Take a travel day to Cape Reinga, the very top of the North Island.

Waitangi Golf Club

The Waitangi Course not only provides an exciting and ever changing challenge to the golfer but also the most tremendous panorama of sea and island views over the Bay of Islands and Russell, river and estuary views over Waitangi and Opua and rolling bush and forest views inland over Mount Bledisloe and Puketona. These views are complemented by well groomed greens and fairways surrounded by areas of flowering native trees which provide sanctuary for many varieties of native birds.

As many visiting golfers, particularly those from overseas, claim Waitangi is truly millionaires country for all to enjoy. In 1932 the then Governor General of New Zealand, Lord Bledisloe and his wife Lady Bledisloe purchased just over one thousand acres of land on the Waitangi Peninsular and donated it to the inhabitants of New Zealand as a place of historic interest and recreational enjoyment for their benefit and use in perpetuity.

This land is known as the Waitangi National Trust and is now administered and managed under the terms of the original gift by the Waitangi National Trust Board. The Waitangi Golf Club leases the land on which the course has been developed from the Trust.

Accommodation – Paihia Beach Resort & Spa

Day 6

• Travel back to Auckland taking the route via the Kauri Coast and its magnificent trees

Bay of Islands via Waipoua Forest to Auckland

Accommodation – Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour:

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour is located in the heart of Auckland on the unique and vibrant Viaduct Harbour and close to the new Wynyard Quarter.

Day 8

• Perhaps play a round today at Kinloch, a Jack Nicklaus signature course

Kinloch Golf Course

Ranked in 2013 in the Top 100 in the World by Golf Course Architecture Magazine, The Kinloch Club was also rated on opening in 2007 as the top new golf course outside North America by the prestigious US Travel and Leisure Golf Magazine.

The Golden Bear visited Kinloch to oversee construction of his signature Championship golf course and returned to The Kinloch Club in February of 2008 to play the course for the first time since completion. Jack was extremely happy with how his vision had come to fruition and was greatly impressed with the maturity of the golf course after it’s ‚grow in‘ stage.

 

The Kinloch Club (Nicklaus signature golf course) is the only Nicklaus designed golf course in New Zealand.

Day 9

• Cross to the east coast and Napier, the art deco city, before a short trip to Cape Kidnappers

Taupo to Napier

The road from Taupo climbs high onto the plateau crossing the Ahiminawa Range before arriving onto the Pacific Coast just north of the worlds finest art deco city of Napier. Napier, the city by the sea, is renowned for its 1930s Art Deco architecture, events such as the Art Deco Weekend in February, stately Norfolk pines, surrounding wineries and local fresh produce.

Supported by a Mediterranean climate and over 2,200 hours of sunshine a year this popular year-round destination boasts a vibrant cafe culture amongst the splendour of the Art Deco buildings. Around 30 cafes are within walking distance of the central city area, while Ahuriri, just over Bluff Hill, is home to a further cluster of up market establishments. Marine Parade overlooks the Pacific Ocean and out towards Cape Kidnappers, home to the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. A full day can be taken visiting Ocean Spa hot pools and swimming complex, the Hawke’s Bay Museum and the National Aquarium of New Zealand.

A landmark of Napier is Bluff Hill, which is home for many Napier residents and provides views of the town,  beaches of Perfume Point and Westshore and out towards Whirinaki. Bluff Hill also overlooks the Port of Napier, one of New Zealand’s busiest ports, transporting timber, local fruit and meat products to worldwide destinations.

In 1931, New Zealand’s greatest natural disaster struck Hawke’s Bay. At 10.47am on Tuesday February 3rd, an earthquake of magnitude Richter 7.8 struck. In a minute and a half, in two separate shocks, the centre of Napier was almost totally destroyed. Fires quickly broke out and reduced to ashes or gutted what the tremors had left standing. Damage in Hastings was also devastating, although the fires were contained. Wairoa and the smaller towns to the south as far as Dannevirke were affected. There were 258 deaths – 162 in Napier, 93 in Hastings and 3 in Wairoa along with many injuries. The reconstruction of Napier and Hastings were costly but the benefit was two modern cities and the Ahuriri Lagoon, or Inner Harbour as it was usually known, was raised over 2 metres, creating the land, which Napier desperately needed to expand.

Accommodation – The Farm at Cape Kidnappers:

Located in Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s most important wine districts, Cape Kidnappers has a rich history. The Farm is a five-star experience set on a 6,000-acre sheep and cattle farm which encompasses land reminiscent of Montana but plunges 800 feet straight into the sea. A championship golf course designed by Tom Doak is just one reason to experience The Farm.

Day 10

• Relax at your wonderful lodge today or take to the green on the spectacular Cape Kidnappers golf course designed by legendary golf architect Tom Doak

  

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

With spectacular panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, nestled among 6,000 acres of rugged  coastal farmland, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers offers a multitude of activities within a five-star luxury setting. Offering many comfortable spaces to relax and unwind, including an intimate snug, stylish lounges, outdoor conservatory areas – there is no better way to take in this picturesque landscape. Choose from a range of leisure facilities such as: a heated infinity pool and jacuzzi, spa treatments with beautiful forest and ocean views, a world class  golf course and clubhouse and a  fully equipped gym, offering yoga, pilates, golf specific fitness and personal training. The Farm is also home to some of the best trails in the north island, from independent forest walks to ocean stroll or guided farm tours – pack a picnic and set off on an afternoon of outdoor fun. Also on offer are mountain bikes, quad bikes and horse treks for the more adventurous traveller.

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course

Designed by legendary golf architect Tom Doak, the Cape Kidnappers par 71 golf course measures 7,119 yards (6,510 meters) and will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Completed in 2004, our spectacular New Zealand golf course has been hailed as one of the great modern marvels in golf. Built on a ridge-and-valley landscape and with stunning sea views, Cape Kidnappers Golf Course plays high above the ocean atop dramatic cliffs.

With cliff-edge fairways perched 140 metres above sea level and with a surface that remains firm and fast, this course offers holes unlike anything you find elsewhere in the world. While every hole has a spectacular view of the Bay, some play cautiously alongside deep ravines as others intimidate golfers with deep cliff top bunkers and sheer drops off the very edge of the earth. The golf complex includes a world-class practice range, putting and chipping greens, a well-stocked golf shop, clubhouse and ladies’ and mens’ locker rooms. Premium ladies’ and mens’ rental clubs are available.

Accommodation – The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

Day 11

• Today you fly south to Christchurch, gateway to the South Island
• Collect your rental car: This tour can be priced with any of the rental cars available in our fantastic range, from economy hatchbacks to prestige saloons and SUV’s.

 

Explore Christchurch City

Following the 2011 earthquake that razed its centre and much of the outlying suburbs, Christchurch is well into a billion-dollar makeover. In the middle of the Canterbury Plains, bordering the pacific ocean, New Zealand’s newest city is an ideal gateway to exploring the middle of the South. Go punting on the Avon River, take a historic tram ride, catch the gondola to the rim of an extinct volcano or do all three! See the world’s only Cardboard Cathedral and for nature enthusiasts – wander the renowned Christchurch Botanic Gardens. 

Drive an hour in any direction to ski, mountain bike, wine taste, whale-watch, bungy jump or play golf. Visit the International Antarctic Centre or take a day to go on safari at Orana Wildlife Park. Take the winding Port Hills road to the French settlement of Akaroa and tour the vines in Waipara for a authentic New Zealand wine-tasting experience.

Accommodation – Peppers Clearwater Resort: This waterfront resort is located within beautiful grounds and on the side of lakes and waterways. All accommodations offer either lake or views of the championship fairways.

Day 12

• Play a round today at the Clearwater course

  

Clearwater Golf Course

The par 72 championship course is home of 8 NZPGA 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.

Day 14

Continue your drive south into Central Otago, through the Gibbston Valley and onto Queenstown

Mt. Cook National Park to Queenstown

Leaving the alpine region of Mount Cook, you’ll travel through the lakeside town of Twizel, then a little further to Omarama – the gliding capital of New Zealand. Continue on over the Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand’s highest roads with a summit of 971 metres. Arrive in the quaint village of Tarras, then continue on a short way to the historic Bendigo Reserve, one of Otago’s original gold mining settlements.

Accommodation – Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown:

This 175 room boutique hotel is situated on 500 acres of golf course and grounds. Surrounded by mountains the resort offers everything you need but is also close enough to Arrowtown and Queenstown to enjoy the region to its fullest.

Day 15

A day to relax or try one of the many adventures on offer in Queenstown and Arrowton or maybe a round of golf at Millbrook

Millbrook Golf Course

Set in a natural, alpine amphitheatre, against the backdrop of the Remarkables Mountain Range, the golf course at Millbrook exploits the dramatic terrain fully, delivering world-class golf. Designed by Sir Bob Charles and recently upgraded by Greg Turner, this 18 hole, par-72 championship course features 4 different tee positions for complete enjoyment at all levels of playing expertise.

Accommodation – Millbrook Resort, Arrowtown