The Great New Zealand Golf Tour

Heading north from Auckland, travel through rolling hills past sea landscapes to semi-tropical Northland. On the east coast of Northland in Matauri Bay, you will find Kauri Cliffs luxury lodge and golf course. Perched on a clifftop with incredible views, it has been called "Pebble Beach on steroids".

Nearby, laidback Paihia and Kerikeri are also worth exploring. The charming towns offer a wide choice of accommodation, delicious dining options and plenty to do.

Take a boat ride to explore the 144 islands that make up the Bay of Islands, or hop on a scenic flight to marvel at the spectacular scenery from above.

Start your day by travelling south back to Auckland. Take the west coast route and stretch your legs in Waipoua Forest to see Tane Mahuta, New Zealand's largest kauri tree. Along with towering trees, Waipoua is also home to spellbinding Maori legends and rare birds.

Once back in Auckland, play a round of golf in Titirangi Golf Club, New Zealand’s only Alister MacKenzie-designed golf course, founded in 1909. MacKenzie is known for his sensitivity to the nature of the original site.

Auckland has a massive food culture and good restaurants can be found in Ponsonby, Federal Street, Britomart and Wynyard Quarter.

After travelling through the rolling dairy country of the Waikato, spend the day playing the Wairakei Golf Course, known for its natural surroundings of native birds and bush. 

Next, travel a short distance from Taupō to the picturesque Kinloch. Play a round at the Jack Nicklaus designed The Kinloch Club. The links-style course spans across volcanic terrain and includes challenging green complexes.

In your downtime, take a boat ride to see the Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, or soak in the geothermal waters of Wairakei Terraces. 

When you're ready, take a road trip to Napier, our Art Deco city. The Hawke's Bay region is a gem of the North Island thanks to its award-winning wines, warm weather and charming, orchard-lined roads.

Visit the stunning Cape Kidnappers, ranked no. 16 in the world. The sea views will astound, particularly on the 15th hole, where you will play 243 metres above the ocean with perilous drops on both sides.

To experience the glamour and style of the jazz era, take an Art Deco Vintage Car Tour around the city before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants. Be sure to try a drop of the local pinot gris or syrah.

Next stop is Wellington, the world's "coolest little capital", according to Lonely Planet.  Where nature meets culture, and creativity meets cuisine, there's plenty to see and do, including the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa. 

To get some golf in, head to Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, considered by many to be the spiritual home of New Zealand golf. For somewhere closer to the city, try the Royal Wellington Golf Club(opens in new window), the first golf club in the country to receive royal status.

Jump on a flight from Wellington to Queenstown where the flight alone promises dramatic views of the Southern Alps. Known for its vibrant town, you won't struggle to find exquisite food and wine in Queenstown. If you want to venture further than the centre, visit a vineyard or push your limits with an adventure activity. There's no shortage of things to do here.

Jack's Point, an area with a ski resort feel, boasts a golf course set against a stunning backdrop of The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. Or travel the short distance to Arrowtown and play The Hills course, a standout with challenging holes and impressive sculptures.