Golf Vacations

Here is a place where the glorious pleasure of a round of golf is intensified by some of the most magnificent scenery in the world. It doesn’t matter whether you’re playing on a private, public or resort golf course in the North or South Island, east or west - the views might change but the drama of it will not.

Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers:

The only level of difficulty you need consider as a beginner or a pro is in choosing where to play, and perhaps stay a while. Want cliffs that shatter into the ocean combined with a championship course? Seek out Kauri Cliffs designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, Florida. Stay at Kauri Cliff’s resort-style “The Lodge” and you’ll enjoy the spectacular 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands. Kauri Cliffs is currently ranked 48th ranking golf course out of Top 100 courses in the world

Or consider brand-new Cape Kidnappers, designed by Tom Doak, (designer of Pacific Dunes, Oregon, USA). Describing playing here Brian Hewitt said in Golfweek, February 2004, “At times you feel like you are inside the womb of golf … other times you’ll feel like a missed shot will send your ball off the end of the world.”

You’ll find this stunning seaside course in the far east of the North Island, in the region made famous by its Hawkes Bay wineries. “Can golf’s eager, affluent and growing wave of travel adventurers be far behind now that there is a new jewel in the Kiwi tiara that already includes Kauri Cliffs, Wairakei, Paraparaumu, Terrace Downs, Clearwater and Gulf Harbour?” said Brian.

Gulf Harbour, Millbrook and Terrace Downs:

True, close to Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, Gulf Harbour Golf Course sits on a peninsula jutting into the Hauraki Gulf. The 1998 World Cup Golf event was held here - the only course set within a new seaside community, complete with a 1000-berth Marina.

Contrast this with the Millbrook Resort course in the South Island, near to Queenstown. Nestled within a spectacular alpine amphitheatre and challenging for both higher and lower handicap golfers, it is one of the most impressive international golf arenas in the world. Impeccably groomed fairways and greens flow with demanding hazards and meandering water courses, all enveloped by the alpine beauty of The Remarkables mountain range.

Again mountains make their mark at Terrace Downs High Country Resort. Breathe the clear air as you play at 450m altitude on the edge of the Rakaia Gorge. Terrace Downs is near Christchurch with views of the snow-dusted Alps and golden-tussocked foothills. Wide fairways, 4-position tees, seventy bunkers and 8 lakes contribute to the magic of playing ‘The Taniwha’ (Maori for a supernatural being).

Clearwater Resort:

If you want to play where many champions have putted, nearby Clearwater will more than meet your brief. Awarded the highest rating in the country by the New Zealand Golf Association, it ranks as the toughest in New Zealand. But its five different tee positions suit players of all abilities.

Designed by John Darby in consultation with New Zealand golfing legend, Sir Bob Charles, the course meanders around a succession of spring fed lakes and trout-filled streams, with uninterrupted view of the Southern Alps.

Natural contours at Wairakei golf course:

The Clearwater Classic is New Zealand’s second professional tournament and a USPGA Nationwide Tour and Australasian PGA tour event. New Zealand’s premier golf event is the New Zealand Open, played in January this year at The Grange Golf Club, Auckland.

Wairakei:

Officially opened in 1970, Wairakei International Golf Course graces natural rolling countryside near Taupo in the central North Island. With 6,429 metres from the championship tees and 108 large well-placed bunkers, Wairakei was rated 17th best golf course in the world outside the US by US Golf Digest magazine, 1996.

New Zealand’s golf courses are of an international standard set in scenery that is nothing short of out of this world. Whether you’re thinking of a New Zealand golfing holiday or just a quick round of golf during your vacation, you’ll find this is a golfer’s paradise and or simply paradise for a round of golf.