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 GOLF IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand claims to have more golf courses per head of population than any other country in the world. It’s virtually impossible to travel more than 50 kilometres by road anywhere in New Zealand without coming across a course. From Scottish links-type courses along the coastline to courses next to mountains and lakes, from friendly local courses to international designer courses, New Zealand can cater for every golfer.
Most courses are planted in fine grasses and maintained to a good standard. Hazards, besides the normal bunkers and occasional water can include boiling mud pools, steam vents – and on some courses even sheep.
Just as everyone’s golfing abilities are different, so are your golfing vacation requirements. By customising golfing packages, we ensure that your New Zealand golfing experience is the best possible. You may prefer to hire a car, throw your clubs in the back and travel a route that takes in the best of New Zealand sights – and courses.
Others may prefer to have a car and driver and the services of a local golf pro who knows the courses and can provide invaluable hints whilst transferring you.
A sample package to whet your appetite follows. Contact us to tailor make your golfing holiday/vacation “…

Welcome to the City of Sails, Auckland. New Zealand’s largest region buzzes with commerce and industry but is also expert at unwinding visitors with scenic harbour cruises, bush walks and boutique shopping.
Built around an amazing 48 extinct volcanic craters Auckland’s skyline is fittingly dominated by Rangitoto Island, the region’s largest extinct volcano, standing sentinel just offshore in the Hauraki Gulf.  Just as dramatic, but man-made, is a more recent landmark, the Sky Tower, and standing at 328 metres tall (1076 ft) it’s the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Auckland is known for its large boating population hence its name the City of Sails, after-all it does have the most boats per head of population in the world.  Most weekends the harbour fills with colourful yacht spinnakers and pleasure craft plying the water out into the Hauraki Gulf and its playground of islands.
Upon arrival at the Auckland International Airport and having completed customs formalities guests are to proceed to the arrivals hall where they will be met by private driver and transferred to their accommodation.
Accommodation is pre-registered to allow for immediate occupancy on arrival.
Suggested accommodation:    HILTON HOTEL

Hotel Description
The Hotel Is located On Princes Wharf, right on Auckland’s waterfront overlooking the harbour and 100 metres north from the CBD, ferry terminal, central to the Americas Cup Marina. The access entrance to the hotel is located at the junction of Hobson and Quay streets, Auckland. Restaurants, cafes, boutiques surround the hotel and various retail outlets, duty free shopping and the entertainment precinct and theatre district of Auckland are within a stones throw.

After checking in to their accommodation the remainder of the morning is at guest’s own leisure.
This afternoon guests will be collected from their accommodation for an afternoon orientation tour of Auckland City.
Victoria Park, Westhaven Drive, University, Mount Eden, Auckland Domain, War Memorial Museum (admission included), Parnell Village, Tamaki Drive and Kelly Tarltons Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter (admission included).
This evening guests are on own arrangements and expense for dinner. 

Breakfast this morning is included at the hotel.
Following breakfast guests will be collected from their hotel for the following golfing experience. 

“Spectacular ocean-front holes will ensure that this Robert Trent Jones Jr designed 6,400 metre, par 72 golf course is destined to become a classic in the golfing world” .
Throughout the golfing world, the name Robert Trent Jones Jr is synonymous with classic golf courses. He is arguably the world’s finest designer.  His masterpieces are found in numerous countries and in every imaginable geographic and climatic setting from the Tropics of Thailand to the Rocky Mountains, from Washington DC to Moscow.
Commanding spectacular views over the Hauraki Gulf, this challenging 18 hole golf course will appeal to anyone demanding a higher standard of facilities.
Golf today will include, Green Fees and Electric Cart.
Upon conclusion of today’s round of golf guests will be returned to their accommodation.
This evening guests are on own arrangements and expense for dinner. 

Breakfast this morning is included at the hotel.
Following breakfast guests will be collected from their hotel for the following golfing experience.

The course here at Beachlands has been designed to attract international tournaments and with a view to being regarded as one of the top 100 courses in the world.
 Formosa Auckland Country Club is listed in “ The Finest Golf Clubs of the World” and covers an area of 440 acres which makes it New Zealand’s longest championship course at 6,650 metres off the Pro (Black) tees. The 18 hole course has been designed by New Zealand’s own Sir Bob Charles and has a par of 72 which is longer than any other existing course in New Zealand.  There are 4 tees per hole: forward, regular, championship and professional so that everyone can play and enjoy.
The course has panoramic views of Waiheke, Howick and Rangitoto from its cliff top and coastal fairways. Native trees have been added along with 79 bunkers and over 1,000 mature Phoenix and Washingtonian Palms dotting the course.  16 of the 18 holes have beautiful north facing views of the Hauraki Gulf and Pine Harbour Marina.
Golf includes:  Green Fees and Electric Carts.
Upon conclusion of Golf guests will be transferred back to their accommodation where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
This evening guests are on own arrangements and expense for dinner. 

Breakfast this morning is included at the hotel.
Following breakfast a private driver will collect guests from their accommodation for their forward journey to Rotorua.
For more than 100 years the Glow-worm Cave of Waitomo has attracted millions of people from all over the world. A small glowing insect no bigger than an average mosquito has fascinated and intrigued people from all walks of life. In an average year, 400,000 people travel to Waitomo to experience the trip of a lifetime. Well laid out scenic tracks through beautiful native bush surround the Caves, offer pleasant walks of varying distances.
A guided tour of the limestone cave and a boat ride through the darkness of the Glow-worm Grotto where numerous insects glow reflecting off the water deep under the ground is a trip not to be missed.
Discover the ancient underground labyrinth of limestone caves and grottos that are the Waitomo Glow-worm Caves. Experience natural history in the making! Immediately, when one enters this mysterious underground world,  one will marvel at the amazing 'decorations' created by Mother Nature. These natural 'decorations', stalactites, stalagmites and sculptures have formed as a result of water dripping from the roof of the cave or flowing over the exposed limestone walls. As the water flows down through the earth towards the cave roof and walls, it dissolves limestone in its path. This limestone is then left as a crystalline deposit within the cave.
These spectacular formations have developed over thousands of years and must be treated with respect. They are very delicate and can be severely damaged simply by the touch of a human hand.
After the guided walk through these beautiful caves guests will enjoy a BBQ style lunch (Included). Following lunch the journey continues to Rotorua.

The heartland of New Zealand, spiritual home to the Maori and host to some of the world’s most incredible earth forces – Rotorua captures and celebrates all that is precious and unique about this remarkable country. 
Far more than stunning vistas Rotorua is a succession of incredible adventures and experiences.  Stand in the lip of a seething volcano.  Soothe your soul in healing mineral pools or simply stand in awe of the majestic forests and geothermal parks.
No visit is complete without experiencing a traditional Maori hangi (feast), food steam-cooked underground, and of course a concert featuring traditional dances, including the chilling haka.
Upon arrival in Rotorua guest’s will be transferred to their accommodation where there Auckland based driver guide will leave them.
Suggested accommodation:    ROYAL LAKESIDE NOVOTEL

Royal Lakeside Novotel offers guests a magnitude of services and facilities expected from an international standard hotel.
Relax and be pampered in the geothermal spas and massage rooms after a day of sightseeing, golf or the activities to be found in the thermal wonderland. Whatever your requirements, Royal Lakeside Novotel Rotorua has it all – a hotel where just one day is never enough.

Having checked into the hotel the remainder of the day guests are at leisure.
This evening guests will be collected from their hotel and transferred to a local purpose built Maori Pa (village) where they will step back in time as they walk the pathway of the early Maori learning as they go how the early Maori lived. After an enlightening guided walk through this authentic village, guests will enjoy a traditional Hangi (feast) and be favoured by melodic voices who perform time honoured traditional action songs and dances, culminating with a spine chilling haka performed by men.
Upon conclusion guests will transferred back to their accommodation.
This evening guests are on own arrangements and expense for dinner. 

Breakfast this morning is included at the hotel.
Following breakfast guests will be collected from their accommodation and transferred to today’s golfing experience. 

This par 72, 6,414 metres course was designed by English architect Commander John Harris.
Situated in the countryside just outside Taupo, Wairakei is completely surrounded by rugged terrain, with magnificent tree-lined fairways and an abundance of hazards, both natural and man-made.
Wairakei has no poorly-designed holes; every one presents a different challenge of some sort.
Golf includes:  Green Fees and Electric Carts.
Upon conclusion of Golf , before returning to Rotorua guests will enjoy a short drive into the township of Taupo for lunch (own expense).
Early afternoon guests will return to Rotorua.(Taupo is approximately an hour's drive from Rotorua.)
This evening guests are on own arrangements and expense for dinner. 

Breakfast this morning is included at the hotel.
Following breakfast guests will be collected from their accommodation by private driver guide for a morning orientation Rotorua highlights tour which include visits to the following:-

New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve.
Here guests will learn about the history and culture of the early Maori. During this visit guests will also see first hand how the Culture, Arts and Crafts of the Maori people are being kept alive by being taught to younger Maori of today.
In the Thermal Reserve guests will see many of the natural wonders of this region such as natural geysers and boiling mud pools before proceeding to a marae (meeting place).  A guide will explain the purpose of the various building structures and the significance of the many carvings and traditional Maori designs found throughout.

Rainbow Springs
Guests will enjoy a natural New Zealand Bush walk along an easy paved walkway.  During the walk visitors will see sparkling clear streams teaming with Rainbow Trout, uncover New Zealand’s own dinosaur the Tuatara and view our national symbol the Kiwi as well as numerous other rare native New Zealand birds.

Rainbow Farm Show
Time for some light entertainment during a lively show which takes place in a specially designed show barn that provides comfortable seating and a view over the fields where dogs muster sheep and take part in dog trials. The show highlights New Zealand sheep, beef and dairy industries.

Upon conclusion of this morning’s sightseeing tour guests will be transferred to the Rotorua Airport for their flight to Queenstown.  (Flight not included).

Queenstown has captured hearts since the first Maori came in search of pounamu (greenstone or jade) and to hunt the giant Moa bird and that same magic remains today.
Now an established international four season resort it is surpassed for the diverse number of experiences on offer, its exceptional quality, and its friendly, accommodating people.
Queenstown is pure escapism, where the limits stop and people take over. Adventurers, golfers, walkers, film-makers, leisure lovers, fishing anglers, artists, wine enthusiasts, even Hollywood stars and US Presidents – they are all drawn to, and fall in love with the resort and the intense alpine energy.
Upon arrival at the Queenstown Airport guests will be met by private driver and transferred to their accommodation.
Suggested accommodation:    MILLBROOK RESORT

Nestled in a spectacular setting of snow-capped mountains and breathtaking views, designed to embody a relaxed New Zealand country lifestyle in unrivalled beauty and luxury. The resort is a year round retreat.  Each season providing its own colour, beauty and leisure opportunities.  Relax in a tranquil environment where the indulgence of a more modern age sits in harmony with its historic pioneer past. Millbrook offers a world class resort where you will enjoy the ultimate of leisure pursuits, luxury accommodation, fine dining experiences and a lifestyle which is uniquely Millbrook.

Having checked into Millbrook Resort guests are on there own arrangements for the remainder of the afternoon / evening.
Note:  The resort has a number of choices for dining or alternatively offers a complimentary shuttle service in and out of Queenstown if guests should like to dine at one of the many restaurants in town.
This evening guests are on own arrangements and expense for dinner. 

Breakfast this morning is included at the hotel.
The morning is at leisure to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the resort.
Lunch today is own arrangements and expense.
Following lunch guests will be collected from their accommodation for an afternoon round of golf as follows:- 

The spectacular surroundings of this 18 hole, par 71, 5,733 metres course make it the first choice of many for a round of golf  when visiting the Southern Lakes area.
A short 20 minute drive from central Queenstown the course located at Kelvin Heights is almost surrounded by the crystal clear waters of Lake Wakitipu, and features the Remarkables Mountains as the most perfect backdrop.
Golf includes:  Green Fees and Electric Carts.
Upon conclusion of golf guests will be transferred back to their accommodation.
Diner tonight is guests own arrangements and expense. 

Breakfast this morning is included at the hotel.
Following breakfast guests will be collected from their accommodation by private driver/guide for the following full day excursion.

Enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau.  After a break in Te Anau, the journey continues along the spectacular Milford Road.  There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way.  On reaching Milford Sound, guests board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise of Milford Sound.  The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. An on board nature guide provides commentary, via a hand held microphone.
An international buffet lunch on board the cruise is included.
Upon conclusion of the cruise guests will return to Queenstown by plane (weather permitting).  During the sightseeing flight from Milford Sound, visitors are provided with panoramic views of the spectacular alpine scenery and rainforest.  On arrival in Queenstown, guests will be met and transferred back to their accommodation.  The flight returns to Queenstown at approximately 4:10pm.
Note:  If due to weather conditions guests are unable to return by plane they will need to return with their driver guide arriving back into Queenstown approximately 7:00 – 7:30 pm.
Dinner this evening is guests own arrangements and expense.

Breakfast this morning is included at the hotel.
Following breakfast the order of the day is to commence with a round of Golf. 

“18 Holes of magic”  - there is no better way to describe this golf course.  A par 72 championship course, it was designed by New Zealand’s world-renowned master golfer Bob Charles.
With the Remarkable Mountains as your spectator gallery, the course will entice you and tease you with long, lush fairways, demanding hazards, meandering water courses and superbly groomed greens.  It challenges higher and lower handicap golfers and is recognised as the most scenic course in New Zealand.
Golf includes:  Green Fees and Electric Carts.
Lunch today is guest’s own arrangements and expense.
This evening guests will be collected from their accommodation for a final night dining experience as follows:- 

For intimate tables for two, Gantley’s is Queenstown’s most romantic restaurant. A unique historic stone building, set in 2 acres of landscaped country gardens, provides a nostalgic and romantic ambience for fine dining by candlelight.  As New Zealand’s only “Award of Excellence” winner 1996, 1997, 1998 & 1999 Wine Spectator, New York, Gantley’s has earned an enviable reputation for superb food and wines.
Upon conclusion of dinner guests will be transferred back to their accommodation. 

Breakfast this morning is included at the hotel.
The remainder of the morning is at leisure until a designated time when a private driver will collect guests from Millbrook Resort for transfer to the Queenstown airport for their departure flight.