New Zealand Golf Packages | New Zealand Golf Trips

WHY CHOOSE A GOLF TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND?

New Zealand GOLF VACATIONS

Spectacular natural scenery. Courses are set against jaw-dropping landscapes: alpine peaks, lakes, coastlines, and rugged hills.

Examples:
Jack’s Point (Queenstown): dramatic mountain and lake views.
Cape Kidnappers (Hawke’s Bay): perched on cliffs 140m above the Pacific Ocean.
Kauri Cliffs (Bay of Islands): ocean panoramas and native forest surrounds.

World-class courses designed by top architects.
Courses by Tom Doak, David Harman, and others are consistently ranked in the world’s top 50.
Tara Iti (near Auckland) is often ranked among the world’s top 5 courses for its links-style design and exclusive experience.

Ideal golfing climate. Mild temperatures year-round, with long summer daylight hours (Dec–March) allowing extended tee times and twilight golf.

Compact, easy travel. Short internal flights and drives between major golfing regions (Northland, Auckland, Taupo, Hawke’s Bay, Queenstown) enable multi-course itineraries without long transits.

Combine with adventure and cultural experiences

Golf trips can integrate:
Adventure activities: heli-golf, bungy jumping, jetboating, skiing (winter).
Wine tasting: Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, Central Otago.
Maori cultural experiences and geothermal wonders (Rotorua, Taupo).

Friendly, laid-back golf culture
Welcoming clubs with minimal pretension; a relaxed approach compared to stricter traditions in the UK or some private US clubs.

Good value compared to other premium golf destinations
Green fees are often more affordable than top-tier courses in the US or Europe, for similar or superior natural settings.

Ideal add-on to Australia golf trips
Many operators combine New Zealand and Australia for a 2–3 week luxury golf and touring itinerary, maximising long-haul flight value.

Unique courses only found in NZ
The Hills (Queenstown): exclusive private course with outdoor sculpture installations.
Kinloch Club (Taupo): New Zealand’s only Nicklaus Signature Course with a rugged inland links feel.

Bucket-list experience for golfers. Playing in remote, pure, untouched landscapes creates a sense of seclusion and exclusivity – a true “once-in-a-lifetime golf journey.”

Key Golf Destinations and Courses

North Island

Auckland region. Tara Iti Golf Club (near Mangawhai) – ultra-exclusive, ranked top 5 globally (limited access via tour operators or membership).
Gulf Harbour Country Club – coastal layout with Hauraki Gulf views, 45 mins from Auckland CBD.

Bay of Islands / Northland. Kauri Cliffs – clifftop fairways overlooking the Pacific, luxury lodge onsite.

Taupo. Kinloch Club – Jack Nicklaus Signature inland links course.
Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary – set in native bushland with wildlife sanctuary integration.

Hawke’s Bay. Cape Kidnappers – Tom Doak-designed cliff-top course with dramatic ocean views and luxury lodge.

South Island

Queenstown. Jack’s Point – spectacular backdrop of The Remarkables mountains and Lake Wakatipu.
Millbrook Resort – 27-hole championship layout with luxury accommodation and spa.
The Hills – exclusive private course featuring large outdoor sculptures (access via tours or invitation).

Christchurch. Clearwater Golf Club – parkland course hosting NZ PGA events.

Travel and Access

Main international gateways: Auckland (AKL), Christchurch (CHC), and Queenstown (ZQN).
Domestic flights are efficient, e.g. Auckland to Queenstown (1hr 50m).
Driving: Left-hand side. Roads are well-maintained with scenic drives between regions.

Best Time to Play Golf

Region	Optimal Months	Notes
North Island	Oct–April	Warm, mild weather; spring and autumn best
South Island.	Nov–March	Warmer in summer; cooler in spring/autumn
Queenstown.	Dec–March	Ideal summer golf; winter is ski season (June–Sept)

What to Pack

Light, breathable golf attire with layers for cooler mornings/evenings.
Smart casual for clubhouses (collared shirts and tailored shorts/pants standard).
Rain jacket or windbreaker, especially for coastal or South Island courses.
Travel insurance covering sporting equipment.

Booking and Tee Times

Advance booking is essential for top-ranked courses (Tara Iti, Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs, Jack’s Point).
Some courses are private or semi-private requiring tee time arrangements via recognised tour operators.
Packages often include green fees, transfers, caddie or cart hire, and accommodation.

Experiences to Combine with Golf

Adventure: Bungy jumping, jetboating, heli-golf, skiing (winter in Queenstown).
Wine tasting: Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, Central Otago.
Culture: Maori heritage experiences (Rotorua, Northland).
Scenic tours: Milford Sound cruises, Fiordland helicopter tours, geothermal parks in Rotorua/Taupo.

Value and Currency

Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
Green fees range from NZD $150 to $650+ depending on course prestige and exclusivity.
Generally better value than premium US courses for similar world-class standards.

Golf Culture

Relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Visitors welcomed, with etiquette standards similar to Australia and the UK.
Dress codes require collared shirts, tailored shorts/pants, golf shoes.