Some of the world class golf courses that have recently been built and re-developed in the last few years are set in some of the most unique and spectacular scenery of the world. Our small luxury group golf tour packages are designed to be social as well as allow you to enjoy the relaxing solitude you may desire. Golf Tours New Zealand
The small group sociability is perfect if your partner would rather enjoy one of the other many iconic tour experiences instead of playing a round of golf. You will be in the company of like-minded friends while still enjoying the space, freedom and peaceful nature of this incredible country. You stay at premium luxury lodges, several are situated in unique & special locations close enough to but far enough away from the main tourist centres. You will be accompanied by a local experienced golf player throughout the trip and get to meet local players to share the experience.
*This Tour can start in any of the 3 main centres of Auckland, Rotorua or Queenstown.
*We can add days or reduce the travel time to your request.
*We can add or change suggested activities to your special needs.
All tours are private, depart daily, and can be customized to suit individual interests and schedules. Please contact us at info@arohatours.co.nz or 0064-21-890611 for more information about our luxury New Zealand tours. Our Vehicles
Day 1: Auckland Arrival - NORTH ISLAND
You will be met on arrival at Auckland International Airport by your Aroha NZ Tours Representative, and transferred to your accommodation in our luxurious vehicle. Accommodation: Auckland - Hilton Hotel or Westin Hotel
Day 2: Auckland – Bay of Islands/Northland
Private Pick up from your Inner City Hotel to the domestic Airport in Auckland were you will take a domestic flight to Keri Keri in the Bay of Islands. A taxi will await you and transfer you to your luxury Lodge accommodation. The Bay of Islands/Northland is a world-renowned holiday destination for deep sea and big game fishing as well as sailing and cruising throughout the many picture perfect islands, bays and coves. It is also known for its dolphin and whale watching, its secluded beaches, lush native bush walks, and historic attractions. It epitomises clean, green New Zealand. In the afternoon we have planed the first round of Golf:
(Full day Golf at Kauri Cliffs:) The Kauri Cliffs golf course, designed by David Harman, of Golf Course Consultants in Orlando, Florida, is an eye-popping 6510metre par 72 that overlooks the ocean. Kauri Cliffs was named 49th best golf course in the world by Golf magazine and awarded Best New International Golf Course in 2001 by Golf Digest. Since it opened in 2000, Kauri Cliffs has quickly gained a worldwide reputation that was enhanced in March 2003 when it was the site for Shell's Wonderful World of Golf and a match, hosted by veteran American broadcaster Jack Whittaker, featuring American PGA Tour star Fred Couples and New Zealander Michael Campbell. The inland holes wind through marsh, forest and farmland, and 15 holes have sea views. Six holes are played along the clifft op that plunges into the sea and in that way are unmatched by any course anywhere. Accommodation: Bay of Islands - Kauri Cliffs (superior) or Carrington Resort(luxury)
Day 3: Bay of Island/Northland (Private charter flight to Cape Reinga)
For the morning we have arranged a Fly/Drive" ½ day tour to Cape Reinga. The initial stage of the tour consists of a flight to Cape Reinga via Northlands harbours, including 90 Mile Beach. Once on the ground a comfortable air-conditioned mini-bus will meet the aircraft. It will take you on a 2½ hour tour around the top of New Zealand. After a 20 minute drive, we reach the Cape Reinga Lighthouse where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. Our local guide will accompany you on your walk to the lighthouse, sharing the myths and legends or this very spiritual area. The return flight to the Bay of Islands includes some of the most spectacular coastal scenery Northland has to offer. You will fly over the Parengarenga Harbour and Great Exhibition Bay, which are only visible by air or by sea. This area is very remote and without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand with it's pure white silica sand and crystal clear water. We can arrange a private Helicopter flight over this area, please make an enquiry. (Optional and extra charge, make an enquiry)
Relax with a lunch at the Carrington resort winery.
Or (Half day Golf at Carrington Cliffs): Located on the Karikari Peninsula, Carrington Resort's course is the centrepiece of possibly the most diversified resort complex in New Zealand. Carrington (named after the daughter of the owner) opened in early 2002 and then underwent a significant re-design by Matt Dye, nephew of the legendary Pete, in late 2003. The remodelled layout is now an interesting and challenging, but eminently fair test for golfers of all levels. Dye's philosophy that a course should be enjoyable for the 95 percent of golfers who are not on single figures while remaining a challenge for the other five percent, led him to move or rebuild eleven greens and widen the fairways. The final result is worthy of a Dye dynasty course. The course is not heavily bunkered, but you will still have plenty of opportunity to test your ability out of the sand. Several holes have superb panoramic views and while the course is close to the sea, it could not be described as either links or parkland in style. The new hole routing means that if the golf has not been scintillating on the front nine, you can turn left by the tennis courts and zap up to the winery for a tasting session before moving on to the back nine. Accommodation: Bay of Islands - Kauri Cliffs (superior) or Carrington Resort (luxury)
Day 4: Bay of Islands - Lake Taupo (or stay at Hawkes Bay to play at Cape Kidnapper)
You will be picked up from your accommodation to be taken to the domestic Airport in Keri Keri to take a flight back to Auckland and than a flight to Rotorua/Lake Taupo. In the afternoon you can relax in the tranquil settings of your most luxury lodge style accommodation. Your hotel is the world class Huka Lodge which is regarded as one of the best and most rewarded Lodges around the world. There are many activities to participate in from walking treks to adventure activities like Sky diving. We have organised for lunch a fishing/cruise trip on the nearby Lakes. A boat will take you to the many isolated coves and bays fringing the edges of the great lakes. Here you can fish for Rainbow trout, swim and picnic near the beautiful crystal-clear water. The area is home to some of the finest Rainbow and Brown trout in the world. The challenge of landing one can be met with the assistance of your own fishing guides. Accommodation: Taupo - Huka Lodge (superior) or The Point Villas, Hilton Hotel, Chalet Eiger or Acacia Cliffs Lodge
Day 5: Lake Taupo (Full day Golf at Wairakei International):
Wisely, the Wairakei International Golf Course owners hired the original architect, Michael Wolveridge, to complete the re-design. Wolveridge worked on the original layout with Commander John Harris and five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson. Wolveridge has added new bunkers, cleared away unsightly underbrush and created more water hazards. It has made Wairakei the finest non-coastal golf course in the country. The par-5 14th hole here at Wairakei is one of the longest and most challenging in New Zealand. At 548 metres, this hole would be a serious test of golf if it were a straight, wide open fairway with a large, friendly green. But it has a monstrous pine tree in the middle of the fairway that, like one of those giant trees in The Lord of the Rings, seems to come to life by forcing players to go right or left with their second shot. Once that is safely achieved, the third shot is to an elevated, kidney-shaped green protected in front by sand traps. Reaching this green in two is next to impossible and for many who take on The Rogue, as this exceptional hole is called, just reaching it in three is something. It's the number-one-rated stroke hole on the Wairakei International Golf Course. Wairakei International opened more than 30 years ago but it took the rest of the world time to catch on. It wasn't until 1996 that Golf Digest rated it among the top 20 courses in the world outside of the US. The clubhouse includes a café and bar, but save that for after your round. Your first stop (after paying green fees at the pro shop) ought to be the new driving range. Accommodation: Taupo - Huka Lodge (superior) or The Point Villas, Hilton Hotel, Chalet Eiger or Acacia Cliffs Lodge
Day 6: Lake Taupo/Rotorua – (Helicopter trip to Volcanic White Island, Rotorua Geothermal pools and Maori Show)
In the afternoon we can arranged a helicopter flight and landing on an active volcano White Island Situated 50 kilometres offshore, this active island volcano constantly emits a cloud of steam and periodically erupts to a greater extent expelling volcanic ash several thousand metres into the atmosphere. The main vent is below sea level and protected by crater walls. You can walk right inside its main crater just above sea level with a minimum of physical effort and without undue risk. This allows you to experience at first hand nature's immense power as gas and steam burst up from far below the earth's crust. Rotorua is the capital of Maori art and music, we can arrange to visit the world-renowned “NZ Maori Arts and Crafts” and “Geothermal” centre located in what is known as 'Te Puia'. Here you will see the world famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest such geyser in the Southern hemisphere. Watch a 45-minute Maori cultural performance displayed in a traditional Maori meeting house where you can enjoy the beautiful songs, music and culture of the Maori. (Optional and extra charge, make an enquiry)
Or (Full day Golf at Kinloch) (Instead of the above activities) Jack Nicklaus has designed courses in 27 different countries but this is the first Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course to be built in New Zealand. The Jack Nicklaus design philosophy is to enhance the natural environment allowing the surroundings of the location to shape each hole. He uses natural features to enhance shot values so those golfers can work on every aspect of their game. This approach has earned him an enviable reputation. Accommodation: Taupo - Huka Lodge (superior) or The Point Villas, Hilton Hotel, Chalet Eiger or Acacia Cliffs Lodge
Day 7: Lake Taupo – Queenstown - SOUTH ISLAND
You will take a domestic flight to the South island. After midday your day’s itinerary will lead you to some of the most interesting adventures Queenstown has to offer, your first stop is Arthurs point, home of the Shotover Jet Boat Company, here you can experience one of New Zealand’s most exciting adventure rides Jet Boating on the Shotover River (this is a safe excursion for both children and adults). Your next encounter which is widely regarded as a safe spectator attraction the famous Kawarau Gorge Bungy Jumping exhibition (this is free for spectators; however, if you desire to make a jump the charge is additional to your tour package). Nearby we visit the world renowned wineries of the central Otago region and taste some of the best wines in the country. From Kawarau Gorge you return to Queenstown where you can take the opportunity to explore the village area. Accommodation: Queenstown -Azur Lodge, Matakauri Lodge, Blanket Bay or The Spire Hotel (Superior), Sofitel or Millbrook Resort (Luxury)
Day 8: Queenstown (Full day Golf at Millbrook Resort):
The Millbrook Golf Course, designed by Sir Bob Charles, is without question one of the finest alpine golf courses in the world. It's a 6412 metre, par-72 that is relatively wide open and trouble free for golfers of all handicaps. It's not the awesome challenge of the course that attracts players so much as its awesome setting. Nowhere else in New Zealand can you play golf with a mountain range like The Remarkables as a backdrop! When Sir Bob designed Millbrook he did the right thing by creating a number of elevated tees that highlight the spectacular mountain scenery. The Par-5 fifth hole, for example, begins from an elevated tee and sweeps majestically around a pond and a series of bunkers. It give you an interesting risk-reward choice; either cut the corner and risk ending up in a bunker or the pond, for the reward of having a shot at the green in two. Or play it safe out to the left. The par-3 13th hole has one of the most elevated tees and may be the most picturesque hole on the course, while the 18th, another par-5, is one of the finest finishing holes in New Zealand. It is possible to reach the green in two, but only if you can carry the stream that runs in front of it. After golf, stop in at the Hole-In-One bar, the perfect 19th hole before dinner at either The Clubhouse that overlooks the 18th green, Sala Sala Japanese restaurant or The Millhouse Restaurant located in the property's original Millhouse. Accommodation: Queenstown - Azur Lodge, Matakauri Lodge, Blanket Bay or The Spire Hotel (Superior), Sofitel or Millbrook Resort (Luxury)
Day 09: Queenstown - (Helicopter flight to Milford Sound-Fiordland National Park)
Today we have organised a helicopter flight to Milford Sound. The icon of Mitre Peak beckons you as your helicopter lifts off to begin your journey into Milford Sound. Get up and close with some of the most spectacular mountains and glaciers in the Southern Alps before landing at Milford. Experience the Sound up close and personal with great photo opportunities of Mitre Peak and the Bowen falls. Upon departing Milford via the Harrison Valley take in the beautiful blue green icefalls, true rivers of ice, as we land you exclusively upon Ngapunatoru Plateau of Mt Tutoko. One of the few companies with this privilege! Return to Queenstown via isolated valleys with impressive views to make this special trip truly memorable.
Or (Half Day Golf at Jacks Point): Breath-taking terrain and cutting-edge golf architecture seamlessly come
together at Jacks Point golf course to create a new golfing mecca, opening for general play in December 2008. Jacks Point is an exceptional integrated lifestyle and residential development on 1200ha of pristine lakeside land near New Zealand’s South Island alpine resort of Queenstown. The centrepiece of Jacks Point is its magnificent 18-hole championship golf course at The Preserve on Lake Wakatipu. Accommodation: Queenstown - Azur Lodge, Matakauri Lodge, Blanket Bay or The Spire Hotel (Superior), Sofitel or Millbrook Resort (Luxury)
Day 10: Queenstown
Because they are so many things to do in Queenstown, to cater to your diverse interests, we have left the afternoon free for you to pick and choose whatever optional activities you desire. Your guide can arrange and advise you on all the options, if you a thrill seeker and you want to go skydiving or if you just like to walk beautiful treks. Accommodation: Queenstown - Azur Lodge, Matakauri Lodge, Blanket Bay or The Spire Hotel (Superior), Sofitel or Millbrook Resort (Luxury)
Day 11: Queenstown departure
Your personal guide will take you back to your departing flight at the airport.
As a matter of course, we do not publish prices for these luxury tours as they can vary enormously for tailor-made travel. There are a number of factors which will influence the price of your travel arrangements: these include the standard of hotel (we offer a variety of premium to the super-luxurious), the season, the level of private guiding/transfers and the complexity of the itinerary. Our specialists will be delighted to discuss the various options in more detail with you.