Ultimate South Island Self Drive Golf Tour Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ and welcome to New Zealand!

New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch sits on the very edge of the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. The city itself has bounced back after a series of major earthquakes, and has shown its resiliency with a number of new developments popping up everywhere. Stop in at the Riverside Market - a 7-day-trading, indoor market, linked to a vibrant network of boutique retail, restaurants, cafes & bars.

On arrival you will be transferred from the airport to your accommodation. After checking in, step back to Edwardian times with a relaxing private punting trip down the Avon River. It's a wonderful introduction to the "Garden City". Gliding gently along the river in a flat-bottomed boat, you will take in Christchurch's 'must-see' historic buildings and Botanic Gardens away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 2 Nights

Collect your rental vehicle this morning before your New Zealand golf experience begins today at Clearwater Resort, just outside of Christchurch.

Voted New Zealand's best golf course three years in a row, Clearwater is home to the NZPGA Championship and was designed by John Darby with input from New Zealand golfing legend Sir Bob Charles.

True to its name, the par 72 championship course unfolds around crystal clear spring-fed lakes, and enjoys wonderful views of the Southern Alps. There are five-position tees, including the championship tees, rated by NZ Golf Association as the toughest in the country. Renowned for its welcoming ambiance, the Clearwater Golf Club is your perfect introduction to Kiwi golfing life.

Just over an hour's drive from Christchurch, the small town of Methven is home to the picturesque Terrace Downs Golf Resort, a the foot of the Mount Hutt mountain range. Overlooking the magnificent Rakaia Gorge, Terrace Downs offers a magnificent 18 hole champinship golf course with a unique mixture of Parklands and Links style.

The signature hole is the 16th, and it's a treat. Right at the edge of the gorge with a 500ft drop to the Rakaia river, you'll want to keep your eye on the ball for this one.

Terrace Downs Resort is your home for the night so take full advantage of the New Zealand High Country right at your doorstep. The nearby Rakaia Walkway trail boasts breathtaking views of the mountains and is a great way to enjoy these peaceful surroundings.

Approximate Distance: 90 kms | 56 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Accommodation: Methven - 1 Night

Today's drive is a feast for the eyes. With dramatic mountain passes and bright blue lakes, you won't want to take your eyes off the picture-perfect views.

Be sure to pause at the mountain town of Tekapo and admire the tiny Church of The Good Shepherd by the shore of the lake. The scene is absolutely breathtaking.

Mt Cook National Park is a Fantasy Land of Ice and Rock, 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.

Some highly recommended excursions around the National Park:

Approximate Distance: 290 km | 180 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Mt Cook - 1 Night

Take your time heading south: you won't want to miss the spectacular scenery as it transforms from rugged ranges and mirror lakes to the winding Kawarau River Gorge. You will finally emerge into the lush green farmland surrounding Queenstown, your base for the next four nights.

During your drive today we suggest taking a break at historic Arrowtown for quaint streetscapes, good food and beautiful views (the autumn leaves here are particularly stunning). You might like to explore the many wineries, cheese-eries and orchards in the area. 

On arrival in Queenstown you could take the gondola (cable car) to Bob's Peak for birds-eye views over the lake, take a thrilling jetboat ride or join an evening cruise across beautiful lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw steamship.

Approximate Distance: 265 km | 164 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Queenstown - 4 Nights

No visit to Queenstown is complete without a pilgrimage to the "Eighth Natural Wonder Of the World": Milford Sound. You will fly to Milford in style on a scenic flight over the lakes, mountains, rivers and forests of this breathtaking region. After landing you will board your purpose built cruise vessel and sail the length of the Sound.

Marvel at the gigantic waterfalls cascading into the sea, and the towering glacier-scarred rock walls around you. Dolphins, penguins and seals are regularly visit Milford Sound, so keep your eyes peeled. It's a day trip to remember forever.

Get ready for some of the most unforgettable scenery the golfing world has to offer!

It's hard to imagine a more beautiful setting than Jacks Point. Situated in a valley between the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu, the course weaves through native tussock grasslands where dramatic rock outcrops sit beside steep bluffs, and native bush runs right to the edge of the Lake. It's like playing golf in Middle Earth.

The course has been designed to work with its stunning surroundings, with minimum excavation, and plantings carefully considered to complement the natural environment.

Returning to Queenstown this evening, why not dine at one of the wonderful eateries overlooking the lake and mountains, knowing you spent the day there doing what you love best.

With its beautiful alpine setting against the imposing backdrop of the Remarkables, Millbrook Golf Resort is destined to impress. Designed by Sir Bob Charles, this 27 hole championship course delivers world-class golf and features five different tee positions for complete enjoyment at all levels of playing expertise.

The resort itself won the Luxury Travel Magazine’s 2011 Gold List Award for the best overall golf resort in the world, so you can expect a high level of care and attention as you play the day away in this very special and serene environment.

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! Today we say farewell. We take care of your transfer to Queenstown Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.