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The Best of New Zealand
21 Day North and South Island Tour

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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.

Day 2 - Titirangi Golf Club, Auckland
This afternoon you will head west of Auckland to the Titirangi Golf Club for your first round of golf (one hour drive). 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.

Day 3 - Gulf Harbour Resort, Auckland

The Gulf Harbour Resort is today's golfing destination (1 hour drive), home of the 1998 World Cup of Golf and the 2005 New Zealand Open. This 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 4
- Auckland/Bay of Islands
This morning you head north to the beautiful Bay of Islands (3.5 hour drive). 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.

Day 5 - Waitangi Golf Club
This morning's golfing session will be at the scenic Waitangi Golf Club. Established in 1947 this course has developed over the years and is now one of Northland's 'must play' courses. The course features a panoramic sea view from many holes. The course is gently undulating and easy walking.

This afternoon is free time:
  • If you enjoy walking you may like to take a walk to Haruru Falls. The waterfalls in a horse shoe shape - very rare and quite spectacular - and Maori legend states that a taniwha (water monster) lives in the lagoon below. You can walk to Haruru Falls along the Waitangi walking track, or drive to Haruru Falls township - which is only 3 kilometers from Paihia.
  • Take a short ferry ride across the water from Paihia to the charming, elegant township of Russell. Here you can visit historic buildings or enjoy the colonial architecture, cafes, restaurants and craft galleries
  • Join a cruise around the islands
  • Sailing
  • Fishing
  • Jet boating
  • Boat trip to swim with the dolphins. The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand's premier destinations for swimming with the dolphins.

Day 6 - Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay
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. 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 7 - Bay of Islands/Taupo
Today you will fly from the Bay of Islands to Taupo (Central North Island).

Day 8 - Wairakei International Golf Course, Taupo
The Wairakei International Golf Course is today's golfing destination. Rated in the top 20 Golf coursesin 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 - Taupo
Day free for sightseeing

  • You could take a 10-minute drive to see Lake Taupo - New Zealand's largest lake, itself a remnant of a massive volcanic explosion.
    Jet boating
  • Fishing - For a fishing adventure of a lifetime, fish for the mighty Tongariro River's wild rainbow trout. The Taupo area offers excellent year round fishing.
  • Walking - There are numerous walking and hiking trips in the Taupo area.
  • The Hidden Valley - Situated 25 minutes north of Taupo. A truly unspoilt geothermal wonderland, one of natures true gifts. Cross the Waikato River by boat, then explore another world of gushing geysers, boiling mudpools and some of the largest silica terraces in the world. Travel down to earth and sit a while in the bottom of the amazing Ruatapu caves and feel the spirits of the ancient Maori that protect the sacred pool.

  • Alternatively relax in one of the regions natural hot spring pools

Day 10 - Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay
Drive from Taupo to Hawkes Bay (Approximately 2.5 hours) This afternoon's round is at the challenging new Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, 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

Day 11 - Hawkes Bay/Paraparaumu
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 12 - Paraparaumu/Wellington
Paraparaumu Beach Links is rated as one of the best courses 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.)


Day 13 - Wellington/Queenstown

Today you will fly from Wellington to Queenstown on the South Island.

Day 14 - Millbrook Resort, Queenstown
This morning you will play golf at the Millbrook Resort Golf Course. The best way to describe the course is "18 holes of magic". Designed by internationally renowned professional golfer and former British Open winner Sir Bob Charles, Millbrook Resort's 18-hole par 72 championship course is an exceptional experience.

Day 15 - Queenstown
Free time today Some options for things to do in Queenstown:

  • You could catch the Skyline Gondola to the summit of the hill overlooking the town for incredible views over the lake. An incomparable 360° panoramic view awaits as you enjoy the delights of the restaurant.
  • Take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu
  • Explore the fiery hills and enjoy some of the world's best views
  • Discover ghost towns, hand built stone huts and relics of a gold mining heritage
  • Try your luck with a little gold panning in the rich Arrow River
  • Set foot on any one of the world famous walking tracks near Glenorchy. Walk an hour or a week depending on how you feel.
  • You could take a drive for an hour and visit the beautiful Lake Wanaka. Or:
  • You could travel by luxury coach transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with a Milford Sound Scenic Cruise along the full length of the spectacular fiord.

Day 16 - Queenstown Golf ClubQueenstown
Queenstown Golf Club Don't forget your camera as well as your clubs today, for your visit to the scenically spectacular Kelvin Heights golf course. From every hole there is a majestic backdrop of snow-capped mountains and crystal clear lake. The fifth hole "Shoreline" is one of the most photographed holes in world golf. This is a must play golfing attraction.

Day 17 - Queenstown/Mount Cook

This morning you will travel north to the Mackenzie Country. Stop at the lookout to Mt Cook to view New Zealand's highest mountain, then visit the Mount Cook National Park. You have the option to take a scenic flight over Mount Cook and its glaciers, a 4 wheel drive tour, trecking or walks. Mount Cook National Park has been incorporated in to a World Heritage area and has 27 mountains including Mount Cook - at 3755m is the highest peak in Australasia.

Day 18 - Terrace Downs Resort
An early start today to your next golfing destination, the new Terrace Downs Country Resort and Golf Club (approx. 3-3.5 hour drive). This afternoon you will discover an awesome backdrop to a truly challenging international-class golf course at Terrace Downs. Designed specifically to be one of New Zealand's best courses, Terrace Downs has already received accolades from around the country and the globe.

Day 19 - Clearwater Resort, Christchurch
Drive in to Christchurch (one hour) The Clearwater Resort is the city's first master planned golf resort and integrated residential estate. Located less than fifteen minutes drive from the central city, Clearwater is an oasis of lush, green parkland, rippling streams and crystal clear lakes. Central to the resort is a magnificent eighteen-hole golf course designed in consultation with New Zealand golfing legend Sir Bob Charles. This afternoon you could take a trip around the Christchurch area and see some of its lovely sights.

Day 20 - Christchurch
Day free for sighseeing in the Christchurch area Options include:

  • Day trip to Akaroa Harbour on the Banks Peninsula (1.5 hours from Christchurch)
  • Travel up to Kaikoura (two hour drive). Kaikoura is set nestled between Christchurch and Picton and is overlooked by mountains. It has a unique combination of ocean and alpine scenery. Most famous for its resident sperm whales, seen off the coat 12 months of the year.
  • Visit the little fishing village of Lyttleton. Lyttleton is a small attractive port, with historic buildings and café-bars, popular with Christchurch day-trippers on weekends.
  • Relax and be punted along the River Avon, if you are feeling more energetic maybe you would like to hire a canoe, paddle or rowboat;
  • Visit the Canterbury Museum and Botanical Gardens or
    Take a trip on the Christchurch Tramway which travels a 2.5km inner city loop around many of the city's best features and shopping areas;
    Take in the City's panoramic views from the gondola

Day 21 - Christchurch
This morning if you have time before leaving Christchurch you could visit the International Antarctic Centre which is en route to the airport. Experience the real feeling of the Antarctic. The Visitor Centre has been designed and developed to give visitors a fun and entertaining experience of the frozen continent. The centre has achieved the position as one of Australasia's premier tourist attractions. Transfer to Christchurch International Airport for your flight home or to your next destination.

 

Tour Inclusions:

  • 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
  • Vehicle rental and full no excess vehicle insurance
  • 20 nights accommodation and breakfast
  • 11 rounds of golf at some of the best courses the New Zealand has to offer
  • Pre-arranged tee times
  • Electric carts
  • Local taxes

- Access to our Tour Support Centre throughout your stay in New Zealand

 

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