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New Zealand
Championship Golf Across New Zealand's Most Spectacular Landscapes

Experience a New Zealand golf vacation that combines world-class courses, dramatic scenery, and exceptional luxury lodges. This handcrafted journey travels from the Bay of Islands to Te Arai, Taupō, Hawke’s Bay, and Queenstown. Along the way, golfers enjoy many of the country’s most celebrated fairways while discovering New Zealand’s remarkable landscapes and hospitality.

Tee off beside the Pacific Ocean at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers. Then, play the acclaimed links at Te Arai and the Jack Nicklaus-designed course at Kinloch Manor. Finally, conclude your journey among the alpine beauty of Queenstown, home to legendary New Zealand golf courses like Jack’s Point and Millbrook.

Journey at-a-glance:

  • Day 1 - 3: Bay of Islands
  • Day 3 - 5: Te Arai
  • Day 5 - 7: Taupō
  • Day 7 - 9: Hawke’s Bay / Cape Kidnappers
  • Day 9 - 13: Queenstown

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New Zealand Golf Vacation - Queenstown Scenery - Ker & Downey World Travel

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Your New Zealand golf vacation begins in the Bay of Islands. Upon arrival in Auckland, continue north by private charter, helicopter, commercial flight, or scenic drive. Then, arrive at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs for a two-night stay overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Rosewood Kauri Cliffs is home to one of the most celebrated New Zealand golf courses. Designed by David Harman, the championship course features dramatic cliffside holes and sweeping ocean views. In fact, the course is consistently ranked among the finest in the world.

Golfers enjoy beautifully maintained fairways framed by native forest, marshland, and rugged coastline. Meanwhile, non-golfers can explore the region through hiking, kayaking, fishing, or horseback riding.

The property also offers luxurious spa treatments, private beach dining, and scenic flights above the Bay of Islands. As a result, the experience balances championship golf with refined relaxation.

Next, continue south to Te Arai Links, one of the newest and most exciting golf destinations in the country. Surrounded by rolling dunes and Pacific coastline, Te Arai combines relaxed luxury with exceptional course design.

The South Course, created by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, delivers a true links-style experience on rare sandy terrain. In addition, panoramic ocean views appear throughout the course, creating one of the most visually striking rounds in New Zealand.

Beyond golf, Te Arai offers access to scenic beaches, hiking trails, and nearby vineyards. Guests can also explore local galleries or join guided wildlife excursions focused on spotting New Zealand’s iconic kiwi bird.

Accommodations range from elegant ocean-view rooms to private villas and cottages. Consequently, Te Arai Links feels equally suited for avid golfers and travelers seeking a more relaxed coastal retreat.

After Te Arai, continue to Taupō, located beside New Zealand’s largest lake. Surrounded by volcanic landscapes and alpine scenery, Taupō is one of the country’s premier destinations for outdoor adventure and golf.

Stay at Kinloch Manor & Villas, home to New Zealand’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Designed in the style of traditional Scottish links, the course combines strategic play with panoramic views across Lake Taupō.

Alternatively, enjoy a round at Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary. Here, fairways wind through geothermal terrain, native forest, and protected wildlife habitats. Therefore, each round feels both scenic and distinctly New Zealand.

Beyond golf, guests can cruise Lake Taupō, visit Māori rock carvings, or discover Rotorua’s geothermal wonders on a full-day excursion. In addition, Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa offers restorative wellness experiences inspired by traditional Māori healing practices.

Then, journey east to Hawke’s Bay for a stay at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers. Set atop dramatic cliffs above the Pacific Ocean, this luxury lodge pairs extraordinary scenery with one of the country’s most iconic golf experiences.

Designed by legendary architect Tom Doak, the Cape Kidnappers course stretches across rolling farmland and cliff edges high above the sea. As a result, golfers enjoy breathtaking views alongside challenging championship play.

When not on the course, guests can explore Hawke’s Bay through wine tastings, cycling excursions, and scenic walks. Wildlife enthusiasts may also visit the world’s largest mainland gannet colony or join an evening kiwi spotting experience.

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers offers elegant suites, exceptional cuisine, and warm hospitality throughout the stay. Moreover, the property’s conservation focus adds a meaningful connection to the surrounding landscape.

Finally, conclude your New Zealand golf vacation in Queenstown. Nestled beside Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps, Queenstown combines world-class adventure with spectacular golf.

During your stay, experience two of the region’s most celebrated New Zealand golf courses. Millbrook Resort offers beautifully maintained fairways set among rolling alpine scenery. Meanwhile, Jack’s Point delivers dramatic lakeside holes framed by the Remarkables mountain range.

Beyond golf, Queenstown offers countless opportunities for exploration. For example, discover Milford Sound on a fly-cruise-fly excursion through Fiordland National Park. Alternatively, embark on a Dart River safari through ancient beech forests and glacier-carved valleys.

Food and wine experiences are equally rewarding. Guests can visit Central Otago vineyards, enjoy curated tastings, and savor long lunches overlooking mountain landscapes. In addition, Lord of the Rings enthusiasts can explore famous filming locations around Queenstown and Glenorchy.

Your final nights are spent at Rosewood Matakauri, an elegant lakeside retreat just outside town. Consequently, the journey concludes with exceptional comfort, scenery, and access to the best of Queenstown.

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Plan Your New Zealand Golf Vacation

Ker & Downey designs fully customized New Zealand golf vacations tailored to your preferred pace, playing style, and travel interests. Whether you are seeking a dedicated golf journey or a well-rounded luxury escape, these New Zealand golf vacations deliver unforgettable experiences both on and off the course. 

From coastal links and cliffside fairways to alpine championship courses, this journey showcases some of the finest New Zealand golf courses in extraordinary settings.

Contact a Ker & Downey Travel Designer to begin planning your personalized New Zealand golf vacation today. For even more travel inspiration, follow Ker & Downey World Travel on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

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