Golfer's Dream - 18 Days / 17 Nights

Day 1:   Arrive Auckland and on to The Bay of Islands
On arrival at Auckland airport you will be met by our representative to collect your rental vehicle before departing Auckland.  At the beginning of your journey today, you’ll drive over the Harbour Bridge towards the bays and beaches of Auckland’s North Shore.  The motorway will quickly sweep you northward, until the suburban scenery gives way to peaceful farmland.  You then enjoy spectacular scenery of native forests and sub-tropical bush as you make your way to Paihia in the Bay of Islands, a seaside town nestled on the foreshore of the National Maritime Park.  
 

Stay:	Superior	Copthorne Bay of Islands in a Waterview Room for 2 nights including breakfast
	Deluxe	The Waterfront Suites in a One Bedroom Suite for 3 nights including breakfast

Day 2:   Golf at Kauri Cliffs
Today enjoy a round of golf at Kauri Cliffs.  This par 72 championship course was designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, Orlando, Florida and measures 6510 metres/7119 yards off the championship tees.  Set on 4500 acres of rolling coastal

Golf at Gulf Harbour Country Club

farmland, the course at Kauri Cliffs was designed to harmonise with the natural features of the land.  Fifteen holes view the Pacific  Ocean, six of which are played alongside cliffs which plunge into the sea.  The beautiful inland holes wind through marsh, forest and farmland.  Offering five sets of tees, this course offers a challenge to players of every skill level.  Electric cart hire is included.

Day 3:   Northland to Whangaparaoa & Golf at Gulf Harbour
This morning travel south to the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and enjoy a round of golf at the fabulous Gulf Harbour Country Club (venue for the 1998 World Cup of Golf).  This 6,400 metre, par 72 golf course meanders through native grasses and vegetation and has a natural look and feel from start to finish and five sets of tees assure playability for every calibre of golfer, from beginners to professionals. Like all great courses, Gulf Harbour tantalises players with a variety of exciting holes.  Several feature risk and reward opportunities, and none are tricked-up or artificial.  This course also offers spectacular views of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.  Electric cart hire is included.
 

Stay:	Superior	Gulf Harbour Lodge in a Superior Room for 1 night including breakfast
	Deluxe	Gulf Harbour Lodge in a Executive Suite for 1 night including breakfast

Day 4:   Whangaparaoa to Taupo
Travel south past Auckland as you make your way along the southern motorway.  Suburban scenery gradually gives way to the farmland of South Auckland, an area favoured by bloodstock breeders.  The Waikato River will then accompany you for much of your journey through the green countryside to reach Hamilton, a city carved in two by the mighty Waikato River.  Your journey then continues through the fertile Waikato region before arriving at the popular lakeside resort of Taupo, home to New Zealand’s largest lake and the spectacular Huka Falls.

Stay:	Superior	Wairakei Resort in an Executive Room for 2 nights including breakfast
	Deluxe	Millennium Hotel Manuels in a Superior Lakeview for 2 nights including breakfast

Wairakei International Golf Club

Day 5:   Golf at Wairakei International
This morning enjoy a round of golf on the magnificent parkland course at Wairakei International. Set in the heart of Wairakei Tourist Park with its rising steam and thermal attractions, this magnificent par 72 parkland course measures 6444 metres/7047 yards and lies on 450 acres of natural rolling countryside, offering magnificent tree-lined fairways and large greens.  Add this to the natural contours of the land, three water hazards and 108 well placed bunkers and you get a course that plays long and demands accuracy.  Wairakei is also It is home to New Zealand’s most famous par five, the 14th, known as The Rogue, named after a geyser which used to erupt in a nearby field.  The course is also ranked by the prestigious US Golf Digest Magazine to be in the top 20 courses in the world outside the USA.  Electric cart hire is included.

Day 6:    Taupo to the Hawke's Bay
Depart this morning for the Hawke’s Bay town of Napier.  The major entertainment on the road from Taupo to Napier is the fantastic scenery.  There’s a bit of everything - rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas.  The town of Eskdale heralds your arrival in Napier.  In 1931 a devastating earthquake nearly levelled this city.  It was rebuilt in the style of the times, and is now considered the Art Deco Capital of the world.  It is also a region where local produce reigns supreme, from its award-winning wines to the freshest range of quality primary produce you will find anywhere. 

Stay:	Superior	Scenic Circle Te Pania Hotel in a Superior Room for 2 nights including breakfast
	Deluxe	The County Hotel in a Luxury Room for 2 nights including breakfast

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course

Day 7:  Golf at Cape Kidnappers 
Today enjoy a round of golf at New Zealand’s newest course, Cape Kidnappers.  Designed by acclaimed golf architect Tom Doak, the par 72 course is built on a 5000 acre sheep farm.  The course feels like an old-style Scottish course and was designed to blend in with the rolling coastal farmland.  It is not true links terrain; instead, the land tilts toward the sea as a series of ridges which jut out toward the edge of the cliffs.  The play is seaside golf at its finest.  You’ll hit heroic shots over the top of tea trees and play cautiously along the edges of deep ravines.  Every hole has a view of the Hawke’s Bay, and at the sixth and fifteenth it is possible to pull your approach off the very end of the earth, though it will take nearly 10 seconds of hang time for your ball to reach the ocean, 500 feet below.  Electric cart hire is included.

Day 8:  Hawke's Bay to Wellington
Drive south today to the Wairarapa, a rural retreat in the very heart of New Zealand.  Perhaps stop in at Martinborough, a unique wine village before continuing onto Wellington, the nation’s capital.  Wellington is a picture perfect city set between a magnificent harbour and rolling green hills.  It is also a compact city where funky shops, exciting galleries and great restaurants are within easy walking distance.

Stay:	Superior	James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor in a Standard Room for 2 nights including breakfast
	Deluxe	Duxton Hotel Wellington in a Deluxe Room for 2 nights including breakfast

Golf at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club

Day 9:  Golf at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club 
This morning travel north along the scenic Kapiti Coast to the Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, located on the reputable internationally known Paraparaumu Golf Links which was home of the 2002 New Zealand Open in which Tiger Woods played.  Paraparaumu Beach Links is rated as one of the best courses in the country and, because of its qualities as a traditional links, ranks 99th in the world.  Links golf is unlike that played on inland courses. The well drained undulating fairways, fierce rough, fast greens and intimidating bunkers combine with the naturally windy coastal weather to create a truly challenging golfing experience.  Electric cart hire is included.

Day 10:   Wellington to Queenstown
Time at leisure this morning before joining your scheduled flight to Queenstown.  On arrival you collect your new rental vehicle and make your way to your accommodation.  Perhaps the most famous of all South Island cities, Queenstown’s pulse thumps to the beat of action, adrenalin and visual wonder.  Alive with activity all year round, there is enough activity to keep you entertained all day and all night.

Stay:	Superior	Mercure Grand St Moritz in a Deluxe Lakeview Room for 4 nights including breakfast
	Deluxe	Millbrook Resort in a Villa Suite for 4 nights including breakfast

Golf at Millbrook Resort

Day 11:   Golf at Millbrook Resort 
This morning enjoy a round of golf on the Course at Millbrook.  Measuring 6412 metres/7013 yards, this spectacular par 72 course was designed by renowned golfing professional, Sir Bob Charles.  Set amidst a spectacular alpine amphitheatre, strategic use of water and sand traps ensure exciting and demanding golf and the design of the course emphasises the natural features of the site, with each hole having its own particular identity in terms of both strategy and landscape setting.  Featuring four different tee positions, impeccably groomed fairways and greens, demanding hazards and meandering water courses, all surrounded by the alpine backdrop of the Remarkables Mountain Range, golf at Millbrook Resort is an exhilarating experience.  Electric cart hire is included.

Days 12 & 13:   At Leisure
These days are at leisure to relax or explore Queenstown.  Whether it's bungy jumping, white-water rafting, heli-skiing, fly-fishing, hang gliding, horse riding or scenic flights, you will find thrills and excitement in every way imaginable. Meanwhile, other activities such as exploring historic Arrowtown, scenic walks, eco-tours, shopping, galleries, cafes and an exciting nightlife provide something for everyone all year round.  Alternatively you may like to enjoy an additional round of golf at Queenstown Golf Club, also known as Kelvin Heights (additional cost).

Day 14:   Queenstown to the Rakaia Gorge
Depart Queenstown today and travel through the rugged and beautiful landscape of Otago.  Cross the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country and onwards to reach your destination of Terrace Downs High Country Retreat. 

Stay:

Superior & Deluxe

Terrace Downs in a One Bedroom Villa for 1 night including breakfast

Terrace Downs High Country Resort

Day 15:   Rakaia Gorge to Christchurch
This morning enjoy a round of golf at Terrace Downs.  This par 72 course is set on the edge of the Rakaia Gorge against a backdrop of the snow-dusted Southern Alps and golden tussocked foothills.  Measuring 6406 metres/7005 yards, Terrace Downs has achieved praise from golfers of all abilities and all around the world.  The four position tees, wide fairways, 70 bunkers and eight lakes are just part of the magic that can only be experienced by playing 'The Taniwha’ as it is known (a Maori word for a supernatural being).  The course provides a challenge to the best golfers, yet is still enjoyable for high handicappers.  It is a fair course that rewards a good shot and penalises a bad one, a course that inspires delights and creates a sense of exhilaration on every tee and a course that harmonises with and enhances the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.  Electric cart hire is included.  After your round travel on to Christchurch where on arrival the day is at your leisure.

Stay:	Superior	Heritage Christchurch in a Deluxe Room for 3 nights including breakfast
	Deluxe	Outrigger at Clearwater Resort in a Lakefront Suite for 3 nights including breakfast

Day 16:  Christchurch - At Leisure
Today is at leisure for optional sightseeing and to explore what Christchurch has to offer.  Perhaps visit the Anglican Cathedral, Town Hall, the Arts Centre or perhaps take a tram ride around Christchurch City or enjoy punting on the Avon River.  Alternatively you may like to play a round of golf at Russley Golf Club (additional cost).

Clearwater Resort Golf Course

Day 17:   Golf at Clearwater
Today enjoy a round of golf at Clearwater.  This 18 hole, par 72 championship course layout is already turning heads in the golfing world.  Designed by John Darby in consultation with New Zealand golfing legend, Sir Bob Charles, the course combines elements of links golf inspired by the great Scottish courses with parkland golf, more reminiscent of Florida.  Playable year-round and measuring 6526 metres/7137 yards off the black tees, the course at Clearwater is aptly named.  Its fifteen hectares of lakes are fed by an abundance of natural springs and crystal clear streams, teeming with trout.  Water comes into play on fourteen holes and if the lakes don’t catch errant balls, then the acres of tussocks and marram grasses will.  And with five sets of tees, this course offers a game to suit players of all abilities.  Electric cart hire is included.

Day 18:   Depart Christchurch
Sadly your time in New Zealand comes to an end as you return your rental car to the airport for your onward flight.  Here, we bid you a fond farewell to your homeland and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Inclusions - this package is inclusive of the following:

departures daily on request transportation by self drive rental vehicle including unlimited kilometres & daily insurance airfare from Wellington to Queenstown (subject to fare availability) 17 nights accommodation on a choice of superior or deluxe breakfast daily 18 holes of golf at Kauri Cliffs including cart hire 18 holes of golf at Gulf Harbour Country Club including cart hire 18 holes of golf at Wairakei International including cart hire 18 holes of golf at Cape Kidnappers including cart hire 18 holes of golf at Paraparaumu including cart hire 18 holes of golf at Millbrook Resort including cart hire 18 holes of golf at Terrace Downs including cart hire 18 holes of golf at Clearwater including cart hire comprehensive day by day travel itinerary driving directions maps for the regions you are visiting and driving 24 hour on call assistance from a Luxury Vacations for the duration of your vacation