Ultimate New Zealand Self Drive Golf Touring Itinerary

Welcome to Auckland, situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, next to a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. The Auckland isthmus straddles a slim piece of land with coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean, and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea. On your arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation. After checking into your hotel, you can relax, take a stroll around our beautiful city, explore the Waterfront Restaurant Quarter or choose one of the many activities available to get a more in depth understanding of Auckland and the surrounding area.

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

A subtropical wonderland of secluded bays, islands and history, the Bay of Islands is a coastal paradise. Get out on the water with a boat cruise or sailing charter and spot dolphins and whales frolicking in the water before seeing the Hole in the Rock, just off Cape Brett, up close. Stroll the streets of Russell, New Zealand’s first capital, and soak up its whaling and pioneering past. Learn about the birth of New Zealand in Waitangi, where the treaty that made New Zealand a British colony was signed. The compelling mix of early New Zealand heritage and coastal beauty makes the Bay of Islands an unforgettable destination to experience first-hand.

Approximate Distance: 245 kms | 143 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Paihia - 3 Nights

Kauri Cliffs was designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, Orlando, Florida. The par 72 championship golf course measures 7,119 yards / 6,510 metres and offers five sets of tees to challenge every skill level. Kauri Cliffs is currently ranked #39 in the world by Golf Digest Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses in the World and considered a must on a New Zealand golf tour.

Non golfer -  This morning make your way to the wharf to link up with your sailing trip departing from the Russell Wharf. Board the Classic Sailing 42' Yacht to explore the natural wonders of the Bay. Snorkling, kayaking, walking the white sandy beaches, and a delicious lunch are all part of the day.

Grab your clubs for a great days golfing at the Waitangi Course.  Again sea views and native trees abound, providing sacntuary for many varieties of native birds, and a welcome sea breeze for golfers.

Non-golfers: there is plenty to enjoy in the Historic Town of Russell and the historical landmark at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds adjacent to the golf course - where New Zealand's founding document was signed.

Before you make your way back to Auckland visit New Zealand's most important historic site and enjoy the panoramic views of the beautiful Bay of Islands. A two day all-inclusive Day Pass allows you to experience all that Waitangi Treaty Grounds has to offer by day. Walk over the historic site, discover the world's largest ceremonial war canoe, learn about Maori history and listen to their stories. A guided tour over the grounds will introduce you to the rich history of this place before you enjoy a cultural performance in the majestic carved meeting house.

Approximate Distance: 230 km | 143 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Rotorua is nestled among vibrant geothermal landscapes, featuring steaming lakes, bubbling mud pools, and impressive geysers that showcase some of the planet's most extraordinary natural phenomena. This region is a cultural cornerstone for the Maori, whose deep connection to the land is evident in their traditions. Rotorua is also renowned for its unique geology, with a rich volcanic history contributing to breathtaking scenery. The area boasts stunning forests, serene lakes, and diverse flora and fauna, making it a true gem.

Approximate Distance: 330 kms | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

This tour visits Rotorua’s most popular attraction, Te Puia cultural centre and then take a scenic drive around lake Rotorua to points of interest . You will spend an afternoon gaining an appreciation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Māori culture and nature. You will learn about Māori customs, traditions, history and protocols, with a guided visit to Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural centre. This includes a visit to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, which features schools dedicated to teaching traditional Māori arts such as wood, jade, and bone carving, as well as weaving. The institute also houses an arts and crafts gallery. Te Puia is home to the stunning Rotowhio Marae, boiling mud pools, and New Zealand’s largest geyser, Pohutu.
 

At the midway point between Rotorua and Lake Taupō is New Zealand's most colourful volcanic area at Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Reserve . Enjoy unique volcanic features while walking well defined trails at your own pace, the earths crust is at its most exciting and accessible, the smell of sulphur and sight of steaming vents invade the senses.  

Approximate Distance: 80 kms | 50 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Accommodation: Taupō - 1 Night

Also considered a must on a New Zealand golf tour Wairakei International is located in the heart of the North Island and set amongst the spectacular scenery of the Lake Taupō region is the Wairakei Golf Course & Sanctuary. The course sprawls over 450 acres of natural countryside. This coupled with 6460 metres from the championship tees and 108 well placed bunkers has led to worldwide acclaim.  

Non-golfers: sit back and enjoy the view aboard the Cruise Cat on Lake Taupo. On a clear day you will have views of the majestic volcanoes of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.

The drive east to Hawkes Bay, renowned for its beautiful coastline, bountiful produce and stellar wine industry.

Approximate Distance: 145 kms | 88 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Napier - 2 Nights

Atop towering cliffs above New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay lies a wild and thrilling golf adventure created by the hottest course architect of the decade – Tom Doak. Cape Kidnappers opened on January 2, 2004. Every hole has a view of the ocean, and Doak was able to route his course to incorporate several stunning fairways along the very edge of the cliff tops, siting greens where any ball that misses will plunge inevitably down 500 feet of sheer drop. 

Non golfers - enjoy the Art Deco City with a 1 hour walking tour of a city reconstructed in the style of the times, following the devasting earthquake which struck in 1931. 

Approximate Distance: 30 km | 19 miles  Total Driving Time: 45 mins (each way to Cape Kidnappers)

The capital of New Zealand, Wellington, is our destination for this afternoon. This colourful city is a stronghold for culture and the arts, not to mention stunningly located on the edge of a picturesque harbour and at the foot of rolling green hills.

Approximate Distance: 275 kms | 171 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

No other golf club in the country has hosted the New Zealand Open more often than the world famous Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course, which is ranked amongst the top five of New Zealand's best golf courses. This delightful course is frequently described as the best links course in the Southern Hemisphere. The course was designed by Alex Russell who was conservative in terms of his desire to excessively modify the landscape at Paraparaumu Beach.

Non-golfers: take a little time to enjoy the sites of Wellington. For fans of the Lord of the Rings, an optional location tour takes you to the breath taking backdrops of the movies, or you can stroll the waterfront and indulge in the local eclectic cafe and restaurant scene. 

Approximate Distance: 55 km | 34 miles  Total Driving Time: 45 mins (each way)

This morning, make your way to the Wellington Ferry Terminal in time for your morning crossing of the Cook Strait on the InterIsland Ferry. This challenging stretch of water connects the Tasman Sea to the Southern Pacific Ocean, you will enter the South Island island through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds. Blenheim is the winemaking engine room of the New Zealand wine industry. In the 1970's the plains would have been filled by sheep - now it  is vines as far as the eye can see, producing world class wines.

Accommodation: Picton - 2 Nights

Relax and enjoy the stunning Marlborough Sounds at the top of New Zealand's South Island with the exclusive Seafood Odyssea Cruise. As you cruise through the Sounds, sample fresh local seafood including Regal Salmon and Greenshell mussels paired with Marlborough wine for the definitive wine and food match while taking in the natural views of the Queen Charlotte Sounds/Totaranui.

The vines will keep you company as you reach the headlands of the East Coast. Once down on the flats, this road - (worthy of any big budget car commercial) hugs the coastline - make sure you stop to enjoy the marine life as Fur Seals bask and play along the rocky shoreline, before arriving in gorgeous Kaikōura. 

Few places in the world can match the natural wonders found in Kaikōura, known as Nature's Marine Sanctuary. Positioned between Christchurch and Picton on the rugged east coast of New Zealand's South Island, Kaikōura is framed by majestic mountains that remain snow-capped for much of the year. This unique blend of ocean and mountains creates breathtaking coastal alpine scenery. The area is renowned for its diverse marine life, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Approximate Distance: 157 kms | 98 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 

Accommodation: Kaikōura - 1 Night

Let us introduce you to the magnificent Sperm Whale, but also to migratory Humpback Whales (June & July), Orca (summer months), New Zealand's own tiny Hectors dolphin, the high spirited displays of the Dusky dolphins, New Zealand Fur seals and the Royal Albatross. There are over 79 species of whale and dolphin in the world today, with 34 of these species sighted in New Zealand waters, over half of these off Kaikoura.

This afternoon you will drive to Christchurch `The Garden City'. So say 'Hello Britannia!' as Christchurch is known to be more English than the English and  to host more Tea Parties than Alice could handle. The city’s founding forefathers came out from England with the first ship ‘The Charlotte Jane’ arriving in 1850. The spectacular Botanic Gardens, 161-hectare (397 Acres) Hagley Park and gardens such as the Mona Vale on the banks of the Avon River bear testiment to this legacy.

Approximate Distance: 181 kms | 112 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 20 mins

Accommodation: Christchurch - 2 Nights

Clearwater Resort is home to the NZPGA Championship and is a design by John Darby with input from New Zealand golfing legend, Sir Bob Charles. The par 72 championship course unfolds around small lakes fed by underground springs and its sweeping fairways enjoy amazing views of the mighty Southern Alps.

This evening, sit back in luxury on a 36-seater air-conditioned, colonial style dining tram and be treated to the finest service, cuisine and beverages New Zealand has to offer. See Cathedral Square, Botanical Gardens and the River Avon glide past your windows. Christchurch is famous for its fabulous dining, entertainment, breathtaking scenery and cultural heritage. Combine all of the above onboard the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant where dining is not only a culinary delight but also a trip back into history.

Leaving the city via the Canterbury plains, you will reach Lake Tekapo which is approximately halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown Continue on to Mount Cook National Park - A Fantasy Land of Ice and Rock. Mt Cook National Park, known for its exquisite alpine beauty and is home to the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook. Its Maori name, ‘Aoraki’ means ‘cloud piercer’ and at 12,016ft (3,755m) it towers above the surrounding snow-covered peaks in the park.

Approximate Distance: 330 kms | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Mt Cook - 1 Night

A unique guided experience to get along side an iceberg!. Transfer by bus to the beautiful Tasman Valley for a short walk before boarding a MAC boat to enjoy a Tasman Glacier Adventure to the Terminal Lake. This tour is 4 hours duration with plenty of time left to travel via the Lindis Pass and Gibbston Valley to Queenstown. We've all heard the endless hype about it being the adventure capital of the world, and there are certainly enough crazy activities here to challenge the strongest, but Queenstown offers much more besides. 

Approximate Distance: 265 kms | 165 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Queenstown - 4 Nights

The course works with nature, not against it. Designed with minimal excavation, the 6538 metre (7150 yard) course is built on the most spectacular of Jack's Point terrain, weaving through tussock grasslands, dramatic rock outcrops, steep bluffs and swathes of native bush to the edge of Lake Wakatipu. 

Non-golfers: See Queenstown’s 6 best sights and activities in one very affordable fun packed morning. Group sizes are small, vehicles are luxurious, friendly local driver-guides all ensure that Queenstown Highlights is the best tour on offer.

 

Few courses can compete with the fabulous golfer’s paradise that is the five-star, award winning Millbrook Resort in Queenstown. Framed by the impressive Remarkables mountain range, Millbrook ranks highly amongst the very best golf courses in New Zealand, and is arguably one of the most scenic in the world. The luxury resort boasts every conceivable facility and the 27 spectacular holes make up three 9-hole championship courses, each named after prominent local landmarks. Sir Bob Charles, our greatest golfer, designed the course and his creation is a truly essential kiwi golfing experience that is second to none.

Non-golfers - Walter Peak High Country Farm is just a short boat ride from Queenstown across the stunning Lake Wakatipu on the 100 year old stean boat the TSS Earnslaw. Enjoy a gourmet BBQ diner followed by a sheep shearing demonstration and first class sheep dog display to round off your visit to a unique piece of New Zealand high country.

Today, board a twin engine aircraft for your scenic 35 minute flight to Milford Sounds. During your flight there are panoramic views of the spectacular alpine scenery including glaciers, rivers, lakes and rainforest.  On reaching Milford Sound, enjoy a full length cruise of the fiord in modern, purpose built vessels. The vessels offer excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife with large windows, spacious decks and comfortable lounges. At the completion of your cruise, return to Queenstown by plane.  Transfers are provided to and from your accommodation to Queenstown airport.

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

There maybe time for some last minute excursions or shopping before you head home. Return your car at the airport prior to boarding your departing flight. We know you will enjoy the Ultimate New Zealand Self Drive Golf Tour and our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a photo library full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

So what are you waiting for? Contact First Light Travel and book the Ultimate New Zealand Self Drive Golf Tour  - We Guarantee it will be the Holiday of a Lifetime!