Golfers Dream Self Drive Tour Itinerary

Situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, next to a large harbour, New Zealand's biggest city 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 collecting your rental car and settling into your hotel, why not relax and take a stroll around our beautiful city. Explore the highly acclaimed Waterfront Restaurant Quarter or try one of our activity suggestions to get a feel for Auckland and the surrounding area.

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Accommodation: Auckland - 2 Nights

Situated in rolling parkland just twenty minutes from Central Auckalnd, with browntop fairways and greens set on sand, Titrangi is as enjoyable to walk as it is to play.

The only course in New Zealand designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie boasts outstanding design and variation of holes, making the most of the natural contours of the land. Players of every level will find much to enjoy.

This evening, why not venture out for dinner in one of Auckland's charming suburbs? The quaint wooden villas of Ponsonby and Parnell house some of the city's finest eateries, while up-and-coming Karangahape Road is a riot of local colour and world fusion cuisine.

Begin your day with an early departure from Auckland and drive north to the Bay of Islands - a marine wonderland brimming with unique sights and wildlife. This sub-tropical region is a stunning Maritime Park with 144 islands, secluded bays, and an abundance of marine life including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species.

On your way north, stop at the Matakohe Kauri and Pioneer Museum and drive through the ancient Waipoua Kauri forest, whose giant trees are up to 1000 years old! Your home for the next two nights is the town of Paihia, small and friendly and right by the Bay. With beach walks, island boat trips, oceanside trails and lush forests within easy reach, it's a wonderful place to relax after your drive.

Approximate Distance: 228 km | 142 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 5 mins

Accommodation: Bay of islands - 2 Nights

Today's round of golf is a feast for the eyes.

The approach to Kauri Cliffs takes you through several kilometres of farmland before you arrive at the cliffs above Matauri Bay. Perched high above the ocean, the views are breathtaking, and the course has been designed to make the most of them. Designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, running through dramatic forest and ocean landscapes, Kauri Cliffs is a must-do on any New Zealand golf tour.

If you haven't tried New Zealand's classic "Fish n Chips", head to the Paihia waterfront this evening and try some from a local takeaway. Find your perfect picnic spot overlooking the bay and enjoy!
 

Today, get a taste of the landscapes of rural New Zealand as you travel south, passing back through Auckland en route to Waitomo. Derived from Maori words ‘wai’ (water) and ‘tomo’ (hole), Waitomo is a striking maze of caves, cenotes, limestone structures and underground rivers.

If you feel like stretching your legs take a short walk to Marokopa Falls, often described as the most beautiful waterfall in the country. Enjoy its view from a lookout on the road or from the platform area nearby.

Another charming Waitomo spot is the Mangapohue Natural Bridge: a seventeen-metre natural limestone arch towers over you as you stroll through the gorge below. On a clear night, you can enjoy some of the best stargazing in the North Island in this tiny, peaceful town.

Approximate Distance: 420 kms | 260 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Waitomo - 1 Night

Before travelling on to Taupo today, exploring the Waitomo Caves is a must. This subterranean wonderland boasts hundreds of miles of labyrinthine caves, underground lakes, stalactites and stalagmites - a lost world waiting to be discovered. A local guide will take you on a tour of the caves with your passage gently lit by the twinkling glow worms above.

Orakei Korako Thermal Park

You will also visit Orakei Korako - 'The Hidden Valley'. With boiling pools, 23 bursting geysers and astonishing multi-coloured natural terraces, this thermal park feels like an alien planet. There are acres of lush forests, wonderful birdlife and the one-of-a-kind Ruatapu Cave, housing a sacred thermal pool named Waiwhakaata - 'Pool of Mirrors'.

Arriving in Taupo is a relaxing end to you day. Lake Taupo is a flooded volcanic crater of immense proportions. In fact, it's approximately the size of Singapore! Soak up the views and enjoy the tranquility here: tomorrow a fantastic golfing experience awaits.

Approximate Distance: 148kms | 92 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 

Accommodation: Taupo - 2 Nights

Designed by the great Jack Niklaus, Kinloch is one of New Zealand's most beautiful golf courses. Its volcanic terrain, craggy hills and incredible views over Lake Taupo must be seen to be believed - every inch of this course was painstakingly man-made, designed to blend in with the natural environment while offering an unforgettable game of golf. If ever there was a serious candidate in the central North Island to host a New Zealand Open or similar professional event, Kinloch is it!

Known as a very cerebral course, each hazard challenges you to think strategically, and after all the action you'll sleep well tonight in your luxury lodge.

Set amongst the spectacular scenery of the Taupo region is the Wairakei Golf Course & Sanctuary. Surrounded 5km of predator-proof fences, it's a haven for some of New Zealand's rarest birdlife, such as Takahe and Kiwi. There are even two Kararea (New Zealand Falcons) who nest off the ninth tee. It's a unique course, sprawling over 450 acres of natural countryside. This coupled with 6460 metres from the championship tees and 108 well placed bunkers has led to worldwide acclaim.

After your game, drive east to beautiful Hawkes Bay, an area loved for its sheltered beaches, Mediterranean climate and award-winning wines that are begging to be sampled. You will stay in the coastal city of Napier, whose exquisitely preserved 1930s Art Deco architecture gives a unique feel and atmosphere - it's like stepping back in time.

Approximate Distance: 142 kms | 88 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 50 mins

Accommodation Napier - 2 Nights

A day at Cape Kidnappers Golf Course begins with a twenty minute journey from the gate to the clubhouse, through farmland and bushland, feeling ever more secluded as you go. You are rewarded with a course where every hole has a view of the ocean, with several fairways along the very edge of the cliffs.

Created by iconic architect Tom Doak, this dramatic and original course deserves its place among the top golf courses in the world. With its warm atmosphere, outstanding routing, and panoramic views across Hawkes Bay, Cape Kidnappers is an absolute winner.

Bid farewell to the North Island today, and get ready for the alpine glory of the South. Take a morning flight to Queenstown, where you will pick up a new rental car and spend the day exploring at your leisure.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by towering mountains, Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s ultimate holiday destinations. It is renowned as the adventure capital of the country but with excellent food and wine, great shopping, and hiking trails galore, there are endless ways to relax here too.

Fishing, golfing, gold panning and luxury thermal spas are on offer as well as the more adventurous bungy jumping, skydiving and rafting. Famed for its international winter skiing profile and outdoor beauty, Queenstown is a brilliant destination to visit year-round.

Flight Time: Between 3 to 4 hours - Connecting through either Auckland or Wellington

Accommodation: Queenstown - 5 nights

Get ready for some of the most unforgettable scenery the golfing world has to offer!

It's hard to imagine a more beautiful setting than Jacks Point. Situated in a valley between the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu, the course weaves through native tussock grasslands where dramatic rock outcrops sit beside steep bluffs and native bush runs right to the edge of the Lake. It's like playing golf in Middle Earth.

The course has been designed to work with its stunning surroundings, with minimum excavation, and plantings carefully considered to complement the natural environment.

Returning to Queenstown this evening, why not dine at one of the wonderful eateries overlooking the lake and mountains, knowing you spent the day there doing what you love best.

No visit to Queenstown is complete without a pilgrimage to the "Eighth Natural Wonder Of the World": Milford Sound. You will fly to Milford in style on a scenic flight over the lakes, mountains, rivers and forests of this breathtaking region.

After landing you will board your purpose built cruise vessel and sail the length of the Sound. Marvel at the gigantic waterfalls cascading into the sea, and the towering glacier-scarred rock walls around you. Dolphins, penguins and seals are regularly visit Milford Sound, so keep your eyes peeled. It's a day trip to remember forever.

With its beautiful alpine setting against the imposing backdrop of the Remarkables, Millbrook Golf Resort is destined to impress. Designed by Sir Bob Charles, this 27 hole championship course delivers world-class golf and features five different tee positions for complete enjoyment at all levels of playing expertise.

The resort itself won the Luxury Travel Magazine’s 2011 Gold List Award for the best overall golf resort in the world, so you can expect a high level of care and attention as you play the day away in this very special and serene environment.

Located in the exclusive suburb of Kelvin Heights, Queenstown Golf Club's fabulous course was recently voted New Zealand's most scenic - that's incredibly high praise in such a beautiful country! The Kelvin Heights peninsula features in many an iconic Queenstown postcard, jutting out proudly from the mainland into deep blue Lake Wakatipu.

The club is just a 15 minute drive from the centre of town, or you can take to the lake and hire a water taxi. The par 72 course (74 for ladies) is rather hilly, so cart hire is strongly recommended.

This evening why not take a Gondola (cable car) ride up to the top of Bob's Peak, for fantastic birds-eye views of where you enjoyed your day. You can even dine at the top, with panoramic views of the lake and mountain splendour below.

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! Today we say farewell. We take care of your transfer to Queenstown Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.