Golf Enthusiasts Self Drive Tour Itinerary

Welcome to Auckland, situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, next to a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. The Auckland isthmus straddles a slim piece of land with coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean, and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea. 

After checking into your hotel, relax, take a stroll around our beautiful city, explore the highly acclaimed Waterfront Restaurant Quarter  Boutique shopping, pulsing, Pacific-inspired markets and a passionate cafe culture make this city a charming place to visit. Enjoy an ice cream as you stroll the Mission Bay Beach board walk, choose to discover Auckland’s sparkling harbour and emerald islands on a boat cruise or ferry ride, or head to the Viaduct for delicious dining experiences and a pulsing nightlife or choose one of the many activities available to give a more in depth understanding of Auckland and the surrounding area.

Some activities and sightseeing options available are:

Accommodation Auckland - 2 nights

Just 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland, across the beautiful Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is a tranquil paradise. Since the late 1970's Waiheke's benign climate has seen the growth of a flourishing wine industry. A "small is beautiful" philosophy yields low quantities of extremely high quality fruit, which is made into international award-winning wines. Visit three of the Islands finest vineyards for tasting and enjoy a commentated scenic tour of the Island by one of our knowledgeable, local guides. Included is a two hour lunch stop (lunch is additional cost) at a a village or beachside cafe. Extend your stay at the completion of the tour as the ferry keeps running until 10pm.

A subtropical wonderland of secluded bays, islands and history, the Bay of Islands is a coastal paradise. Get out on the water with a boat cruise or sailing charter and spot dolphins and whales frolicking in the water before seeing the Hole in the Rock, just off Cape Brett, up close. Stroll the streets of Russell, New Zealand’s first capital, and soak up its whaling and pioneering past. Learn about the birth of New Zealand in Waitangi, where the treaty that made New Zealand a British colony was signed.

The compelling mix of early New Zealand heritage and coastal beauty makes the Bay of Islands an unforgettable destination to experience first-hand. For divers, the Rainbow Warrior Wreck – sunk just off beautiful Matauri Bay – is a riot of colour; jewel-hued anenomes in pink, purple and yellow stick to the rails and schools of fish call the wreck home. Also offering world-class fishing and the opportunity to Swim with Dolphins, the Bay of Islands is a must-do for lovers of perfect beaches and pristine coastline.  

Approximate Distance: 243 kms | 151 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 40 mins

Accommodation Paihia - 3 nights

Perched above Matauri Bay, is Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, this massive 6000-acre (2500 hectare) property offers breathtaking cliff top sea views with secluded beach coves. 15 holes view the Pacific Ocean, 6 of which are played alongside cliffs with sheers drops to the sea. Inland holes wind through marsh, forest, and farmland.

Course Details: 18 Holes Kauri Cliffs  The par 72 championship golf course measures 6,510 meters (7,119 yards)  and offers 5 sets of tees challenging every skill level. The Golf Digest U.S. has consistently ranked Kauri Cliffs inside its prestigious Top 100 courses.

Aboard this Classic Single Mast Sailing Boat and set sail from Russell and explore the enchanting islands and bays in this aptly named region. Swim or snorkel, kayak or just bask in the sun. The Pacifics' crystal-clear waters are home to dolphins, penguins and nearly always make them-selves known. Your skipper will share with you his knowledge of the Bay of Islands, the emerald jewel in the crown of fabulous Northland -  and if you wish this a great place to learn to sail, all you need do is ask...

Impressive is the word best used to describe Lake Taupo; after all, it is the biggest volcanic crater in the World! Lake Taupo is set amidst clean, green countryside, spectacular mountain scenery, beautiful native bush and some of the largest pine forests in the Southern Hemisphere. Thermal activity in this region includes natural hot pools and springs, steaming craters and boiling mud pools. Taupo is the North Island adventure equivalent of Queenstown.

Approximate Distance: 510 kms | 317 miles  Total Driving Time: 6 hours 40 mins

Accommodation Taupo - 2 nights

A short 20 minute drive from the stunning lakeside town of Taupo is the highly acclaimed Wairakei International Golf Course set in the heart of the scenic Wairakei Tourist Park.

Course Details:  This acclaimed 18 hole course is a Par 72 and 6429 meters (7030 Yards) in length. Set in 450 acres (182 Hectares) of beautiful tree covered and rolling countryside. The US Golf Digest rated it among the top 20 courses in the world. Wairakei suits casual and the serious golfers. The championship tees and 108 well placed bunkers has lead to worldwide acclaim.  

Today visit  Orakei Korako - 'The Hidden Valley' is famous for its stunning scenery - This Self Drive Tour of New Zealand gets you into places away from the maddening crowds. A gorgeous lake is complemented by boiling pools, 23 bursting geysers and astonishing multi-coloured. silica terraces that are regarded as one of the finest examples in the world. There are also acres of lush forests, wonderful birdlife and the one-of-a-kind Ruatapu Cave - a deep cave, where, at the bottom, there is a sacred thermal pool named Waiwhakaata or 'pool of mirrors'. The area is spiritually sacred to local Maori and one of New Zealand's most precious natural assets. Take an afternoon flight to Christchurch.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night

Methven is home to Terrace Downs Golf Resort and is a short drive from Christchurch. Situated at the base of Mt Hutt overlooking the magnificent Rakaia Gorge, Terrace Downs High Country Resort offers a magnificent, stunning 18 hole golf course rated among the top 3 in New Zealand. The views are awesome, challenging players to keep their eyes on the ball. It’s set on the edge of the Rakaia Gorge, just south of Christchurch at 450m altitude, against a backdrop of snow-dusted Alps and golden tussock foothills. You can play the course comfortably in four hours, however give yourself a little longer as often golfers will take time out to soak up the views and ambience of the surroundings.

Approximate Distance: 97 kms | 60 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 20 mins

Accommodation Methven - 1 night

Mount Cook National Park - A Fantasy Land of Ice and Rock. Mt Cook National Park, known for its exquisite alpine beauty and is home to the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook. Its Maori name, ‘Aoraki’ means ‘cloud piercer’ and at 12,016ft (3,755m) it towers above the surrounding snow-covered peaks in the park.  this afternoon take part in a unique guided experience to get along side an iceberg!. Transfer by bus to the beautiful Tasman Valley for a short walk before boarding a MAC boat to explore the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. 

Approximate Distance: 261 kms | 162 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation Mt Cook - 1 night

Travel via the Lindis Pass and Gibbston Valley to Queenstown. We've all heard the endless hype about it being the adventure capital of the world, and there are certainly enough crazy activities here to challenge the strongest, but Queenstown offers much more besides. The beauty of a Self Drive Tour of New Zealand is the flexibility it gives you to get out and explore the places you really want to see.

Recommended excursions:

Approximate Distance: 265 kms | 165 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 10 mins

Accommodation Queenstown - 3 nights

Today, board a twin engine aircraft for your scenic 35 minute flight to Milford Sound. During your flight there are panoramic views of the spectacular alpine scenery of Fiordland National Park, including glaciers, rivers, lakes and rainforest.  On reaching Milford Sound, enjoy a full length cruise of the fiord in modern, purpose built vessels. The vessels offer excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife with large windows, spacious decks and comfortable lounges. At the completion of your cruise, return to Queenstown by plane.  Transfers are provided to and from your accommodation to Queenstown airport.

Set in a beautiful natural alpine amphitheater up against the imposing backdrop of the Remarkables Mountain Range is Millbrook Golf Resort. This course was designed by Sir Bob Charles and the course exploits the dramatic terrain fully delivering world-class golf. This championship course features five different tee positions for complete enjoyment at all levels of playing expertise.

Course Details: This 18 hole championship golf course, won the Luxury Travel Magazine’s 2011 Gold List Award for the best overall golf resort in the world. It has been designed to suit all players and there are 5 tee options to choose from. Club tees for both ladies and men measure 4450 meters (4866 yards) and 5410 meters (5916 yards) and professional tee for the longer hitters.

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We know you will enjoy this Self Drive Tour of New Zealand and our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Ready to find out more? Talk to us here in New Zealand about the 'Golf Enthusiasts Self Drive Tour of New Zealand' - We Guarantee it will be the Experience of a Lifetime!