SELF DRIVE
GOLF TOUR

 

 

 

21 DAY NORTH AND SOUTH ISLAND
TOTAL PANORAMA GOLF TOUR

Our most popular Golf Tour of New Zealand!

"We had a most delightful tour on the New Zealand Trip. We took the escorted Coach Tour on the South Island and had a great time. The combination of golf and touring was well balanced and James De Stigter did a wonderful job. We followed that tour with one that Golf New Zealand arranged on the North Island. They made all the tee times and hotel and car reservations and drove ourselves. It too went "slicker than a whistle". The accommodations, food, variety of golf courses and everything was an experience we really enjoyed and hope to repeat again sometime in the future."

Stephanie & Al Chamberlain, California , USA

DAY 1 ARRIVE AUCKLAND/ BAY OF ISLANDS
On arrival at Auckland International Airport you will pick up your reserved hire car from Thrifty Car rental. After rental formalities are complete you drive North over the Auckland Harbour Bridge en route to the beautiful Bay of Islands. The colourful holiday resort of Paihia is your base for the next 3 nights. Accommodation is at the primely located Waterfront Suites on the Paihia waterfront.

DAY 2 GOLF AT WAITANGI GOLF CLUB
This morning’s round of golf is at the scenic Waitangi Golf Club which has spectacular water views from many holes. The club is one of the friendliest in New Zealand and you will enjoy your day here. After golf the afternoon is free to maybe try some of the first class fishing that is available or just relax at the hotel. The ferry ride to historic Russell, which is a nice place for dinner, is relaxing and fun.

DAY 3 BAY OF ISLANDS
At 9.00am you take the famous Cape Brett “Hole in the Rock” cruise from which you can see these beautiful waterways with their many pristine, secluded islands. On this cruise you will normally see dolphins and an abundance or marine life before you visit the Hole in the Rock at the end of the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula. After the cruise the afternoon is free to do some sightseeing in the scenic and relaxing area.

DAY 4 BAY OF ISLANDS / GOLF AT GULF HARBOUR/ AUCKLAND
This morning you head back South towards Auckland via Whangerei and the beautiful Hibiscus Coast. It is here that you stop at the magnificent Gulf Harbour Resort for a round of golf this afternoon. This layout is so highly regarded that it was awarded the 1998 World Cup of Golf only 12 months after opening. The designer, Robert Trent Jones II likens this layout to the illustrious Pebble Beach in California. After golf you head South to downtown Auckland where you will be staying for the next 2 nights. Accommodation is at the well appointed Quest Suites in trendy Parnell.

DAY 5 GOLF AT MURIWAI LINKS
Today’s round of golf is at the excellent Muriwai Links Golf Club. A scenic 45 minute drive from Auckland takes you to the rugged West Coast and this great seaside links layout which has been totally remodelled the last few years. After your round visit the unique gannet colony perched high on the rocks on a headland overlooking the course.

DAY 6 AUCKLAND/ TAUPO
Today you head south to the beautiful Lake Taupo area. New Zealand's largest fresh water lake and two world class golf courses make this a must stop on any New Zealand Golf Tour. This afternoon there will be some time to sightsee, so make sure this includes the thundering Huka Falls. Accommodation for the next 3 nights is at the convenient and well appointed Beechtree Suites.

DAY 7 GOLF AT THE KINLOCH CLUB
The Kinloch Club is the only Jack Nicklaus designed golf course in New Zealand and after much anticipation is finally open for play. This stunning example of modern course architecture suits the rough undulating site that has views over Lake Taupo. Jack has visited the project many times and has a real personal love for the impressive links style layout. The test of the golfing skills is further enhanced by any wind coming off New Zealand’s largest fresh water lake. After golf you can relax in the trendy new clubhouse to discuss the challenges of this Jack Nicklaus signature course.

DAY 8 GOLF AT WAIRAKEI INTERNATIONAL
This morning’s round of golf is at the wonderful Wairakei International Golf course in a motorised cart. Rated in the top 20 Golf courses in the world outside the US by Golf Digest, Wairakei is a course of magnificent natural beauty and charm. Its testing layout which was redesigned by 5 times British Open winner Peter Thompson is also very special. After golf there will be time to relax back at the hotel or have a look around Lake Taupo.

DAY 9 TAUPO/ AUCKLAND
This morning is free to look around beautiful Lake Taupo. You can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront taking in the fresh air before driving back to Auckland. For the next 2 nights you stay back at the Quest Parnell Suites.

DAY 10 GOLF AT WINDROSS FARM
Windross Farm is a spectacular golf course located only 30 minutes south of the Auckland CBD. Designed by Brett Thomson of RBT Design, with course consultant Phil Tataurangi in 2011, the course is known for its challenging degrees of interest. The par 3’s are designed to play in all directions of the compass while the par 5’s have been designed with the prevailing wind in mind. Apart from the undulating greens, 38 bunkers and minimal tree presence, the major feature of the course is the water in its many forms with four large lakes interlaced with numerous burns (streams) threading their way in and out of impressive, yet imposing, wetland areas.

DAY 11 AUCKLAND / CHRISTCHURCH
This morning there may be time for some last minute shopping or sightseeing. Drop your rental car off to Thrifty full of petrol in preparation for your flight to Christchurch. After arriving in Christchurch you pick up your reserved vehicle from Thrifty Car rental. After rental formalities are complete you drive to the Terrace Downs Resort for your first nights accommodation.

DAY 12 GOLF AT THE TERRACE DOWNS RESORT / TWIZEL
Your southern journey takes you across the fertile Cantebury Plains to the excellent new Terrace Downs Golf Resort. This inspiring new Resort is nestled above the beautiful Rakaia river amongst spectacular scenery. The clubhouse which is quite magnificent is the perfect venue to discuss todays golf. After golf stop at the postcard setting of the Church of the Good Shepherd and take in the aqua coloured Lake Tekapo and the snow capped mountains surrounding it. Also stop at the lookout to Mt Cook to view New Zealand 's highest mountain. Tonight's Hotel is the comfortable MacKenzie Country Inn at Twizel.

DAY 13 TWIZEL/ QUEENSTOWN
Continuing south stop at the orchard town of Cromwell at one of the great Fruit stalls there. After winding through the scenic Kawarua Gorge also stop at Historic Arrowtown before heading on to excellent Queenstown to stay at the Millbrook Resort for the next 3 nights.

DAY 14 GOLF AT THE MILLBROOK RESORT
Today you play one of New Zealand's most stylish Resort courses Millbrook, a golf facility of quality and beauty. Surrounded by an amphitheatre of mountains this great layout has an English country feel about it. With four different tee difficulties to choose from, all golfers can enjoy this stunning course as well as its beautiful surroundings. The Spike Bar overlooks the water carry to the 18th green and provides some humourous moments. This afternoon there will be time to enjoy some of the attractions that have made Queenstown so famous.

DAY 15 GOLF AT JACKS POINT
Jacks Point is the latest outstanding course to be built in New Zealand and is simply one of the most stunning courses you could imagine. After the first couple of holes that lead up the Jack's Point ridge, you are met with the most amazing panorama as the course runs along this elevated ridge top overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains. The stunning scenery and tricky layout continue all the way through this marvellous golf course. This is up there with the very best in every way. After golf you can relax in the excellent clubhouse in this most picturesque location.

DAY 16 QUEENSTOWN/ MILFORD SOUND/ TE ANAU
Today you trace the shores of Lake Wakitipu, and travel through Te Anau, before following the Eglinton and Hollyfield Valleys to the Homer Tunnel. You will be spellbound by the scenic splendour as you approach Milford Sound.

BONUS* MILFORD SOUND LAUNCH CRUISE. 1.00PM
Cruise under sheer waterfalls and soak up the magnificent views of Mitre Peak in this pristine wilderness. Tonight you stay at the Quest Suites in Invercargill.

DAY 17 TE ANAU/ GOLF AT INVERCARGILL GOLF CLUB/ DUNEDIN
This morning you drive to Invercargill to play the highly rated Otatara Links [Invercargill Golf Club]. This lush parklike layout features fairways lined with huge old trees. It is in first class condition all year round. After golf you head for the lovely seaside city of Dunedin known for its Scottish influence particularly in architecture. Accommodation for the next 2 nights is at the excellent Dunedin City Hotel.

DAY 18 GOLF AT OTAGO GOLF CLUB
Although rating a healthy no. 23 in New Zealand, we rate Otago Golf Club's Balmacewen layout as one of the best in the South Island. Magnificent tree lined fairways in the hills above Dunedin make this interesting course quite unique. The 11th hole "The Glen" is a famous hole in New Zealand golf with its great panorama and testing tee shot. This afternoon you will be able to catch some of the city highlights.

DAY 19 DUNEDIN / CHRISTCHURCH
This morning you follow the coastline north towards Christchurch. Leaving Dunedin we will stop at a lookout which has panoramic views over the Otago Peninsula, a great place for a photo. Further on you can stop at the seaside town of Oamaru reknowned for its fantastic stone buildings. For the next two nights you stay at the Peppers Clearwatwer Resort Christchurch.

DAY 20 GOLF AT THE CLEARWATER RESORT
This morning's round of golf is at the excellent new Clearwater Resort in a motorised cart. This Resort hosted the co sanctioned New Zealand PGA Tournament last year to huge international exposure. The layout, designed by Sir Bob Charles is a massive 6491 metres from the championship tees and winds through a series of pure lakes and streams teeming with trout. This afternoon is free to catch some of the highlights of the "Garden City." A visit to the Arts Centre, Museum and Botannic gardens highly recommended.

DAY 21 DEPART CHRISTCHURCH
After a memorable golf tour of New Zealand's South Island it's time to head home. Drop your hire car off to Thrifty Car rental in preparation for your departure.

Included in the Tour are,

  • 20 nights accommodation at the level of your choice, twin share.
  • 12 rounds of Golf on New Zealand 's best courses.
  • Superior Class car hire with Thrifty Car Rental with insurance and unlimited km's Quad Share Toyota Tarago [Previa].
  • Twin share Toyota Corolla + $AUS 180 per person
  • Motorised carts included [twin share] at Gulf Harbour, Wairakei, Windross Farm, Terrace Downs, Jacks Point and Clearwater. Carts are available at all other courses
  • Great sightseeing including Cape Brett "Hole in the Rock Cruise" and Milford Sound Cruise and lots of great en route sightseeing.
  • Non golfing partner reduction - $AUS1420

QUALITY ACCOMMODATION [ 3 to 4 star]
Quest Suites Parnell, Auckland Studio Room
Seaspray Suites Paihia One Bedroom Deluxe
Quest Taupo Studio Room
Quest Suites Christchurch Studio Room
Mackenzie Inn Twizel Standard Room
Heartland Hotel Queenstown Standard Room
Quest Invercargill Studio Room
Quest Dunedin Studio Room
This tour is $AUD 5950.00 per person twin share

DELUXE ACCOMMODATION [ 4 to 5 star]
Quest Suites Parnell, Auckland One Bedroom Suite
The Waterfront Suites Paihia One Bedroom Suite
Beechtree Suites Taupo Deluxe Studio
Quest Suites Christchurch One Bedroom Suite
Mackenzie Inn Twizel Deluxe Room
Peppers Queenstown Hotel Room
Quest Invercargill One Bedroom Suite
Dunedin City Hotel Superior Room
This tour is $AUD 6680.00 per person twin share

GOLF RESORT ACCOMMODATION
Quest Suites Parnell, Auckland One Bedroom Suite
The Waterfront Suites Paihia One Bedroom Suite
Beechtree Suites Taupo Deluxe Studio
Terrace Downs and Clearwater Resort Christchurch One Bedroom Suite
Mackenzie Inn Twizel Deluxe Room
Millbrook Resort Queenstown Deluxe Studio
Quest Invercargill One Bedroom Suite
Dunedin City Hotel Superior Room
This tour is $AUD 6880.00 per person twin share

 

 

GOLF COURSES
Carrington Club | Kauri Cliffs | Gulf Harbour Country Club | Lakes Resort | Wairakei International | Kinloch Club | Cape Kidnappers | Clearwater Resort | Terrace Downs Resort | Jacks Point | Millbrook Resort |

SELF DRIVE GOLF TOURS
4 Day Auckland | 4 Day Christchurch | 4 Day Kauri Cliffs | 4 Day Queenstown | 6 Day North Island Special | 6 Day South Island Special | 8 Day North Island Discovery | 8 Day South Island Discovery | 11 Day North Island | 11 Day South Island | 15 Day North Island Premier | 15 Day North and South Island Discovery | 21 Day North and South Island Panorama

ESCORTED GOLF TOURS
15 Day Premier Panorama Golf Tour