7 Day South Island Self-Drive Golf Tour

The South Island of New Zealand serves up a wealth of spectacular mountain scenery. From hanging glaciers and turquoise lakes to world-class golf courses, the 7 Day South Island Self-Drive Golf Tour encompasses the very best of New Zealand travel.

Play these championship golf courses on the self-drive tour:

Clearwater
Jack’s Point
Millbrook – Coronet Course

Offering an all-inclusive luxury golf experience, this self-drive tour includes luxury lodge and 5-star hotel accommodation, a selection of gourmet meals, a premium rental car, and all green fees. A glacier helicopter flight, stargazing in the world-renowned Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, and an exclusive heli golf experience round out this unforgettable tour.

Non-golfing partners will find the tour just as rewarding as golfers, because each destination is also a scenic highlight of New Zealand, with a captivating array of off-course experiences to sample.

7 Day South Island Self-Drive Golf Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch

Arrive in Christchurch and collect your rental car from the airport before making your way to The George, set in the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural precinct. Overlooking Hagley Park, the exquisite boutique hotel surrounds guests in refined opulence.

During your stay in Christchurch, take time to stroll along the Avon River, explore the botanic gardens, or visit the bustling new Riverside Market.

Included today:

Premium rental car for the duration of your stay—pick up at Christchurch Airport and drop off at Queenstown Airport
Accommodation at The George

Stay 2 nights in Christchurch.

Day 2: Golf at Clearwater

Considered one of the most challenging courses in New Zealand, Clearwater brings to mind both parkland golf and the great Scottish links courses. Designed by John Darby and Sir Bob Charles, the course undulates across manicured greens, making use of native grasses and abundant water features.

Included today:

Breakfast
18 holes of golf at Clearwater Golf Club
Accommodation at The George

Day 3: Christchurch to Mount Cook + Glacier Helicopter Flight

Make your way inland, trading the flat Canterbury Plains for the dramatic Mackenzie Basin. Your route takes you past the shores of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, two remarkable turquoise lakes fed by glacial melt.

A scenic helicopter flight this afternoon whisks you up close to Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. Soar past hanging glaciers and icebergs, follow jagged ridges, and land in the snow to soak in the magnificent scenery.

Your accommodation tonight lies nestled near the shores of Lake Pukaki. Spacious, private, and richly appointed, the villas at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat each include an open fireplace and an outdoor hot tub. Your stay includes breakfast provisions, a gourmet lunch, and a three-course dinner.

Included today:

Breakfast
Aoraki/Mount Cook ultimate helicopter flight with snow landing
Bottle of sparkling wine on arrival at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Three-course dinner
Accommodation at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

Stay 2 nights at Mount Cook.

Day 4: Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat

Explore the vast Mackenzie Basin at your leisure today. You may wish to visit Lake Tekapo, where you can play a round of golf at The Cairns, view the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, and take in panoramic views from the top of Mount John. Or you can make a day trip to Mount Cook Village, tucked at the foot of the mountains, and explore the scenic walks and visitor centres around the village. You will also find plenty to do around Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, from walking trails to tennis and pétanque courts.

After dark, join your host for a stargazing experience like no other. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the night sky from the Pukaki Wine Cellar Observatory while you learn about the constellations, star clusters, nebulae, planets, and more. Situated at the heart of the Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat is one of the best places in the world to view the night sky.

Included today:

Breakfast provisions
Gourmet lunch
Three-course dinner
Stargazing experience
Accommodation at Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

Day 5: Mount Cook to Queenstown + Over the Top Golf

Make your way south to Queenstown, the golf capital of New Zealand. Rising from the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown brings together remote and stunning mountain scenery, adventure sports, extravagant luxury offerings, and some of New Zealand’s most notable golf courses.

Begin your stay in Queenstown with a golf experience like no other. A helicopter will carry you above the lake to a private Par 3 hole high on the slopes of Mount Cecil, where you will tee off with magnificent views of the Wakatipu Basin.

From here, retreat to the welcome haven of ROKI, an ultra-luxury hotel that commands a superb lakeside position near downtown Queenstown. Your stay includes breakfast and pre-dinner canapes.

Included today:

Breakfast
Over the Top Heli Golf Experience
Pre-dinner canapes
Accommodation at ROKI Collection Queenstown

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 6: Golf at Jack’s Point

Jack’s Point represents all that is notable about Queenstown golf, from the fantastic views in every direction to the excellent course design. Stretching between the shores of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range, Jack’s Point incorporates natural features such as steep bluffs, schist outcrops, and native tussocks. Designed by John Darby, the course is both challenging and rewarding from start to finish.

Included today:

Breakfast
18 holes of golf at Jack’s Point
Pre-dinner canapes
Accommodation at ROKI Collection Queenstown

Day 7: Golf at Millbrook Coronet Course

Home to the New Zealand Open, Millbrook boasts two world-class championship golf courses. The recently opened Coronet Course brings Millbrook to a new level, with strategically exciting holes cradled between the rugged hills around Arrowtown. Winding past schist outcrops and wetlands, the strikingly scenic course plays across dramatic elevation changes as it follows the contours of the land.

After your round of golf, you may wish to explore the historic mining settlement of Arrowtown. The picturesque main street includes cafes, restaurants, boutique shops, and art galleries.

Included today:

Breakfast
18 holes of golf at Millbrook – Coronet Course
Pre-dinner canapes
Accommodation at ROKI Collection Queenstown

Day 8: Depart Queenstown

As your South Island golf tour draws to a close, make your way to Queenstown Airport to drop off your rental car and board your departure flight.

Included today:

Breakfast

Looking to Book a South Island Self Drive Golf Tour?

Our expert team of itinerary planners at New Zealand Golf Tours are here to make your golfing dreams a reality. With a dedicated planner who has expert, on the ground knowledge we will make your tour planning a breeze. Simply tell us your preferred dates, budget and group size – we will take care of everything! Contact us today to start planning.