New Zealand Golf Vacations

New Zealand Golf Vacations

As one of the top golf destinations in the world, New Zealand is the perfect choice for an unforgettable overseas golf vacation.

What makes New Zealand a bucket-list golf destination?

Despite its small stature, New Zealand is prominent in the international golf scene. These are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t overlook New Zealand for your next golf vacation:

1. For a small country, New Zealand packs in a staggering diversity of landscapes. Breathtaking coastal scenery, rugged mountain backdrops, and volcanic terrain are par for the course here.
2. Many of our top courses were designed by internationally renowned course architects. Tom Doak, Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, Jack Nicklaus, and Dr. Alister MacKenzie each made their mark on New Zealand’s world-renowned golf scene.
3. New Zealand golf destinations are also scenic vacation highlights in their own right. In other words, this is the a perfect choice for a mixed group of golfers and non-golfers. From the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers to the glittering resort town and golf capital of Queenstown, New Zealand’s marquee golf courses command some of the best locations in the country.
4. Luxury golf vacations in New Zealand are on a level of their own. Exclusive luxury lodge accommodation on many of our top courses offers an intimate setting with sumptuous rooms, breathtaking views, and an array of gourmet meals included with your stay.
5. Nowhere else will you find such a friendly, welcoming atmosphere at top golf courses. New Zealanders are renowned for their warm hospitality, treating guests as if they are family. In addition, some of our world-class courses are more laid-back than you might expect, choosing to forego dress codes to create a more relaxed and inclusive environment.

Which courses you should visit on a New Zealand golf vacation

As you plan your New Zealand golf vacation, take a look at our list of the best golf courses in New Zealand for inspiration.

Our most renowned championship courses are:

• Te Arai Links
• Cape Kidnappers
• Kauri Cliffs
• Jack’s Point
• Kinloch
• The Hills

Other highly acclaimed marquee courses include Millbrook, Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course, Wairakei Golf Course, and Titirangi Golf Course.

In addition, you will need to decide how long you plan to stay in New Zealand and which island you wish to visit. If you wish to visit both islands, a short domestic flight helps save time on travel.

South Island Golf Vacations

The highlight of any South Island golf vacation is Queenstown, often referred to as the golf capital of New Zealand.

Queenstown is home to four internationally renowned courses:

• Jack’s Point
• The Hills
• Millbrook – Coronet
• Millbrook – Remarkables

Because each course sits within a 15-minute drive of downtown Queenstown, it’s easy to tick off all the highlights in a short stay. This includes both golfing and other tours – Queenstown is a vibrant resort town offering an incredible range of experiences, from adrenaline activities and wilderness excursions to wine tours and helicopter flightseeing.

North Island Golf Vacations

From the subtropical reaches of Northland to the capital city of Wellington, the North Island golf courses are more spread out. However, you can still see most of the top North Island courses in a short New Zealand golf vacation. In addition, domestic flights between regions offer the chance to hop between top courses.

From north to south, the marquee North Island golf courses are as follows:

• Kauri Cliffs
• Te Arai Links
• Titirangi
• Kinloch
• Wairakei
• Cape Kidnappers
• Paraparaumu Beach
• Royal Wellington

The most popular North Island golf courses for overseas visitors include Kauri Cliffs, Te Arai Links, Kinloch, and Cape Kidnappers. These golf destinations combine stellar course design with magnificent scenery and exclusive luxury accommodation on-site to create an unforgettable experience from start to finish.

FAQs on New Zealand golf packages from the USA

Can you customise a golf package for my group?

Certainly! Each of our golf tours are fully customisable, or we can design a bespoke tour package to suit your group’s requirements.

What is included in a New Zealand golf vacation package?

We include everything you need for an unforgettable golfing experience:

• Luxury lodge and 5-star hotel accommodation
• Green fees and pre-booked tee times for each course listed in your itinerary (depending on your schedule, you may have the option to add additional rounds of golf)
• Transportation – choose a privately guided tour, a rental vehicle, domestic flight/shuttle transfers, or helicopter transfers
• Unforgettable sightseeing tours and luxury experiences
• A selection of gourmet meals

How do New Zealand golf packages from the USA usually work?

Most visitors fly into Auckland or Queenstown and then hop from golf destination to golf destination, staying at on-site luxury accommodation. In addition, some tours include extra sightseeing stops along the way.

Is golf expensive in New Zealand?

No, golf in New Zealand is much less expensive than the world’s average. Also, because of the great USD to NZD exchange rate, visitors from the US will find it even more affordable.

However, luxury lodge accommodation at the top courses can be expensive. If you have a budget in mind, we can tailor your New Zealand golf vacation to suit.

How do you get between golf courses in New Zealand?

Depending on which courses you plan to visit, you can choose to travel via:

• Private chauffeur
• Self-drive
• Domestic flights and shuttle transfers
• Helicopter transfers

Because the North Island golf courses are further apart, domestic flights make for a convenient way to quickly move between regions.

Air and shuttle transfers are perfectly suited for golf vacations where the focus is on playing as many rounds of golf as possible and relaxing at each luxury golf destination.

Alternatively, self-driving or travelling with a private chauffeur allows you to see more of New Zealand between courses.

How long is the flight from the USA to New Zealand?

Flights from San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Houston to New Zealand are 12-14 hours. Air New Zealand also offers a direct 17-hour flight from New York to Auckland.