North Island Golf Highlights Itinerary

Heading north, set off on your road trip from Auckland to the Bay of Islands. Base yourself in the popular town of Paihia to explore the 144 islands that make up the stunning Bay of Islands. If you're lucky, you might even spot dolphins frolicking in the sea.

Continue to Matauri Bay where you will find the world famous Kauri Cliffs golf course, complete with spectacular ocean views.

No visit to Paihia is complete without a trip to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand's founding document was signed. Entrance includes a tour of the picturesque grounds and a Maori cultural show.

Set off for a day at Kauri Cliffs, where you will experience sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

Ranked in the world top 100, Brandt Snedeker once described it as "Pebble Beach on steroids". Having played host to the 'Shell Wonderful World of Golf' match between Fred Couples and Michael Campbell, and the PGA Tour's Kiwi Challenge, you'll be in good company here.

Return to Paihia or spend the night at The Lodge, a luxury chateaux with three private beaches.

On the way back to Auckland, take the scenic route to Gulf Habour Country Club, the home of Lydia Ko. Laid out across the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, play the rolling terrain while admiring the ocean views.

Alternatively, drive straight back to the city and wander around the shops on Queen Street. There are many restaurants with incredible food – try Federal Street, the Wynyard Quarter or Britomart areas for a bite to eat. You’ll love the New Zealand wines too. 

To stretch the legs, drive to Mt Eden volcanic cone or head a little further, to the black sand beaches of Auckland's west coast.

Today, spend the day at Windross Farm Golf Course, just 30 minutes from the city centre. Home of the LGPA Women's Open, the course traverses 60 hectares of pristine farmland. With a mix of flat and undulated ground, the unique link-style course is playable year-round.

If you choose to stay in the city for the day, discover art and culture at Auckland Museum or take a ferry to Waiheke Island to indulge in some wine-tasting.

Travel from Auckland to Taupō, near the centre of the North Island. Pass through the rolling dairy country of the Waikato, and past Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, the southern-most limit of the giant kauri tree. Taupō is easy to spot as it’s positioned right beside Lake Taupō, an expansive glassy lake.

If you’re golf ready, visit Wairakei Golf Course. Positioned in a natural setting of native bush, it’s a great place to unwind and relax. 

Alternatively, if you're looking for some high-octane fun, visit the thundering Huka Falls where a jet boat will take you to the base the mighty falls.

Drive a short distance from Taupō to Kinloch to play the Kinloch Club, New Zealand’s only Jack Nicklaus signature design. The links-style course spans across volcanic terrain and has views of expansive Lake Taupō.

Kinloch is a picturesque settlement, a popular holiday destination for boat lovers, fishermen and golfers. Add a night or two here to charter a fishing boat and relax on the crystal-clear waters.

Begin the short road trip from Taupō to Napier, our Art Deco city positioned on the east coast. The Hawke’s Bay region is charming with its award-winning wines, temperate climate, and orchard-lined roads.

Importantly it's home to the impressive Cape Kidnappers Golf Course. The first course to be designed outside of the US by Tom Doak, the ridge-and-valley landscape has been hailed as one of the great modern marvels in golf. With its cliffside location and sweeping views, Cape Kidnappers is a must-play.

Next stop is Wellington, our cool little capital with amazing food and wine experiences. Travelling south from the Hawke’s Bay, you will weave through classic farmland. To get in some golf, continue on to the Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club. One of the most respected links styled courses in the southern hemisphere, and host of 12 NZ Opens, it’s a dynamic course with all the characteristics of its older Scottish cousins.

You can spend the night at Paraparaumu Beach or continue to Wellington Central with its endless list of activities and wide choice of accommodation. 

While in Wellington, the Royal Wellington Golf Club is not to be missed. Rich with history, a members course for many of New Zealand’s leading politicians, it was the first club to be royally endorsed in New Zealand and underwent a tremendous redesign. 

If you want to take it easy on the final day of this epic North Island golfing adventure, visit the centrally-located Te Papa Museum.  Or jump on one of the old cable cars and escape the busy centre for tranquil botanical gardens. End your stay with a walk up Mt Victoria at sunset to look out over the city.