Golf Vacation in New Zealand - 12 Day Best of the North Island Tour

Day 1- Auckland
Arrive Auckland. A driver will meet you at the airport on your arrival and transfer you to your first nights accommodation in Auckland. Your vehicle will be delivered to your accommodation once you are settled in. Later on you could relax at one of the bars, café's or restaurants on the waterfront in the America's Cup Village.

Day 2- Titirangi, Auckland
This afternoon you will head west of Auckland to the Titirangi Golf Club for your next round of golf. It is often said that Augusta National and Titirangi have a lot in common, including their architect, the late Dr Alistair McKenzie. Both are attractive yet challenging natural layouts, designed to make use of terrain and the environment. They are also proof that extreme length is not a necessary factor in the development of a golf course. Many national and international tournaments have been staged here, giving the course its deservedly high reputation.

This morning you head north to the beautiful Bay of Islands. The natural beauty of the Bay of Islands has to be seen to be believed. It's aquatic playground lavishly furnished with 144 islands and a myriad of secluded beaches. The beach, wharf and township are only minute away. Local activities include fishing, watersports, horse riding, bushwalks, swimming with dolphins and scenic boat cruises.

Day 4 - Bay of Islands

This morning's golfing session will be at the scenic Waitangi Golf Club which has spectacular water views from many holes. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to discover the natural beauty of the Bay of Islands with its 144 islands and myriad of secluded beaches. This afternoon is free time, some options are:

Day 5 - Kauri Cliffs, Bay of Islands

A one-hour trip north brings you to the new and beautiful Kauri Cliffs Resort. Golf Digest voted Kauri Cliffs the Best New International Golf Course of 2001 and has recently been named the 49th best golf course in the world by Golf Magazine. Bear in mind that there are only five other courses in the world built after 1936 that made the top 50. This magnificent championship golf course provides a total of 15 holes with views of the Pacific Ocean and the spectacular Bay of Islands. Six of these holes are played alongside cliffs that plunge into the sea. After golf you may like to stay in the Kauri Cliffs area. Matauri Bay with its golden sandy beach looking out to the Cavalli Islands is the final resting place of the ill-fated Greenpeace flagship, the Rainbow Warrior, which has become home for reef fishes, and is known worldwide as a spectacular diving spot. Horse trails, safe swimming, heritage trails, jet ski hire and tours to the Cavalli islands are available. Another seaside delight near Kauri Cliffs is Tauranga Bay with its beautiful sandy beach, famous for superb diving and fishing. Boat charters are available.

Day 6 - Gulf Harbour Resort, Auckland
This morning you will head to the Gulf Harbour Resort (3 hour drive), home of the 1998 World Cup of Golf. This afternoon's round will probably be one of the most challenging you will play. The designer, Robert Trent Jones II likens this layout to the illustrious Pebble Beach in California.

Day 7 - Taupo
Today you will drive from Gulf Harbour to Taupo (approximately 4.5 hours) This afternoon is free time.

Day 8 - Wairakei International Golf Course, Taupo

The Wairakei International Golf Course is today's golfing destination. Rated in the top 20 Golf courses in the world outside the US by Golf Digest, Wairakei is a favourite on every tour. This afternoon you could visit Wairakei Park and the spectacular Huka Falls. The Waikato River funnels into a narrow chasm then plunges over an eleven metre shelf into a seething maelstrom of eddies and whirlpools; the sheer power of some five hundred tonnes of water per second make it a awesome sight.

Day 9- Hawkes Bay
Taupo/Hastings. This morning you will drive from Taupo to Hawkes Bay (Approximately 2.5 hours) This afternoon is free time for sightseeing.

Day 10- Cape Kidnappers

The challenging new Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is one of the most exciting courses in the Southern Hemisphere. Breath taking views are seen from many of the fairways and greens, with the Pacific Ocean and Hawke Bay in the background. It is not true links terrain, the land tilts toward the sea as a series of ridges jutting out toward the edge of the cliffs. American course designed Tom Doak describes 'If Cape Kidnappers were a book, it would be described as an epic,' The par-71 course, 6,492 meters from the back tees, with five sets of tees for players of all levels, is set high on the cliffs with views of the bay on every hole. A feature of the course is its woolshed, barn-like clubhouse nestled in the lush Hawke's Bay countryside. Cape Kidnappers provides an overwhelming experience to stand up on the cliffs, 140 metres above sea level and look out across the waves far below in Hawke's Bay Today you will head south to Paraparaumu (Approximately 3.5 hours) En-route you will drive along the spectacular Manawatu Gorge. If you are feeling adventurous you may like to take a jet boat tour on the Gorge.

Day 11- Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
Paraparaumu Beach Links is rated as the best course in the country, and because if its qualities as a traditional links, ranks 79th in the world. Former Australian Open Champion, Alex Russell, completed the course design by 1949 which remains essentially unchanged to this day. Paraparaumu has been the venue for 13 New Zealand Golf Opens and it hosted world Number One, Tiger Woods, in January 2002. Paraparaumu Beach offers length, tight fairways, and shots that are challenged by winds off the Tasman Sea. Its 17th hole is rated one of the best in the world. Later on you will continue your travels in to Wellington (one hour drive approx.) Afternoon is free time in Wellington

Day 12- Wellington
Wellington Depending on your departure time you may be able to do some last minute sightseeing or shopping before heading to Wellington Airport for your flight home or to your next destination.

You will be provided with an extensive Tour Information Pack which will include:

- Travel routes and schedules
- Information on activities each destination has to offer
- Full details on your accommodation