Overview
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:: 14-day Luxury Golf Tour ::
9-day Luxury Golf Tour ::
Golf
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& Retreats
Sample itineraries based on departure from the USA.
New Zealand 14-day Luxury Golf Tour
Day 1 DEPART FOR NEW ZEALAND
An overnight flight to New Zealand - the land 'Down
Under'
Day 2
Day lost crossing international date line, but regained
on return.
Day 3 - ARRIVE AUCKLAND
After clearing Immigration and Customs you will be met
by your hosts.
AUCKLAND - known as the "City of Sails" is
the country's largest metropolis, and the commercial
and industrial center. Its greenness and uncrowded atmosphere
provides a unique contrast as it spreads over a narrow
isthmus separating the Waitemata and Manukau harbors
and is characterized by distinctive volcanic cones.
This afternoon a short city highlights tour is provided
and then this evening we enjoy our Welcome Cocktail
and Dinner Party.
Day 4 AUCKLAND
Today golfers will have their first taste of golf at
Gulf Harbour, or one of Auckland's other fine courses.
Non golfers may take a harbor cruise and visit a number
of the Queen City's scenic spots before we all meet
for dinner at a top local restaurant.
Gulf Harbour C. C. - Par 72
A spectacular Robert Trent Jones (Jnr) designed course.
Situated on a peninsula with 360° panoramic views
of the Hauraki Gulf, home of the America's Cup in 2000
and 2003! The course has a great variety of holes, superb
bunkering and enough challenge for even the best golfers.
This Top 10 New Zealand course has a choice of several tees making it playable for
every
level of golfer.
Day 5 AUCKLAND TO TAUPO
We coach south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills and
follow the longest river in New Zealand, the Waikato,
to the inland city of Hamilton in the heart of New Zealand's
dairy farming and thoroughbred horse breeding area.
We continue on to the thermal activity centre of the North Island, Rotorua, where we visit the world famous Agrodome. A remarkable show featuring the 19 most popular varieties of New Zealand sheep live on stage, sheep shearing, and a dog handling exhibition - not to be missed. It is now time for lunch and also to view and feed trout at arms length, see a Kiwi bird and wander through the many varieties of New Zealand's native flora at Rainbow Springs.
It is now less than an hour to Taupo and our hotel check-in.
TAUPO - A small township situated at the north end of
Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand and the
source of many hydro-electric power stations along it's
river 'The Waikato'. The snow capped Mount
Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe are an excellent backdrop
for this beautiful lake, and Taupo is world renowned
for it's trout fishing.
This afternoon
we all meet to go trout fishing (which can be enjoyed
even by those not experienced). You will really enjoy
time out on this beautiful lake aboard a luxury launch
where you can experience freshly caught trout barbecued
to perfection on board by your skipper. An experience
and dinner never to be forgotten.
Day 6 TAUPO
Today the golfers take
on New Zealand's best inland course, Wairakei International.
Non golfers, plenty to see and do in this lakeside town
as well as visiting Huka Falls, Craters of the Moon
and the Geothermal Power Station.
We all meet for dinner either at the golf course for an evening with members or at our hotel's excellent restaurant.
Wairakei International
- Par 72.
Designed by Commander John Harris and built in the early
60's, this course is listed in the Golf Digest
Top 5 New Zealand Courses. Easily New Zealand's
best inland course, it is one you never tire of playing.
Day 7 TAUPO to NAPIER
This morning we travel for 2 hours through the Kaimanawa Mountain Ranges to the east coast province of Hawkes Bay and its twin cities Napier and Hastings.
NAPIER - The Art Deco facades of many of its central buildings provides this attractive coastal city with its own special characteristic. Over 50 wineries and a warm welcoming climate make Napier an ideal rest and recreation destination.
Following lunch we will enjoy a guided wine tour, tasting some of the area's best vintages. We will choose a top winery restaurant at which to enjoy dinner this evening.
Day 8 NAPIER
A golfing experience today when we visit Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, Golf Digest's #13 rated International layout.
Cape Kidnappers
Situated on towering cliffs above Hawke Bay, this new Tom Doak designed course is certain to become a classic. There are fantastic views throughout the 18 holes with many greens situated right at the edges of the cliffs. While the course can be visually very intimidating, it is actually extremely playable with flat lies in many areas despite some significant elevation changes.
Dinner tonight at our hotel.
Day 9 NAPIER to QUEENSTOWN
This morning we transfer to Napier Airport and fly into the midst of a majestic Southern Alps of the South Island. A view of Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, and the mighty Tasman Glacier, the largest outside of the Antarctic, may be possible during our flight.
QUEENSTOWN - truly one of natures scenic gems. Nestled
on the edge of the deep glacial Lake Wakatipu and
at the base of majestic mountains aptly known as The
Remarkables. Queenstown is a recreational playground
whether you are after adventure or relaxation. Our
accommodation commands outstanding views of the surrounding
area. Dinner at one of our hotel's fine restaurants.
Day 10 QUEENSTOWN
Today we golf at Millbrook.
Millbrook
C.C. - Par 72.
Designed by internationally renowned New Zealand professional
golfer and former British Open winner Sir Bob
Charles, Millbrook is an exceptional golfing
experience.
While in Queenstown you may wish to enjoy some
other activities - jet boat rides, white water
rafting, helicopter sightseeing, cable car experiences,
gold panning or a half day trip to fantastic Milford
Sounds. In the evening it's off by launch to Walter
Peak for dinner at the Colonels Restaurant after
viewing a working farm show.
Day 11 QUEENSTOWN
Golf today on one of N.Z.'s most scenic courses,
Jack's Point.
Jack's Point G.C.
This magnificent new course is bounded by The Remarkables Mountains and beautiful Lake Wakitipu. The design has been praised for working with nature rather than against it. Jack's Point is another top 10 New Zealand course and you will find yourself on holes that traverse natural wetlands and holes that are on the lake's edge with steep bluffs.
We will also have time to leisurely wander
around this beautiful township. Non golfers, an
abundance of activities to enjoy, plus a large
choice of excellent shops to browse through.
Tonight we dine at one of Queenstown's excellent restaurants.
Day 12 QUEENSTOWN TO CHRISTCHURCH
An afternoon flight of less than an hour, leaves this
morning at leisure. It is an ideal opportunity to take
the optional world famous flightseeing tour and launch
trip to Milford Sound.
MILFORD SOUND - is in the Fiordland National Park,
one of the largest National Parks in the World. The
luncheon launch cruise on the Sound is breathtaking,
the focal point being Mitre Peak rising majestically
a mile from the floor of the ocean. While cruising you
will see waterfalls, sheer cliffs and more than likely,
dolphins and seals will follow your launch. This afternoon
we depart Queenstown for Christchurch.
CHRISTCHURCH
- is known as the Garden City because of it's beautifully
picturesque gardens and private homes. It blends modern
and traditional architecture while retaining the character
of an English city. On arrival we'll transfer to our
hotel and enjoy dinner this evening at one of the city's
fine restaurants.
Day 13 CHRISTCHURCH
Today golf at one of the many beautiful championship
courses available - Clearwater. Your last chance to
set a course record.
Clearwater C.C. - Par 72
The Clearwater layout has an abundance of natural
waterways and spring-fed lakes, with players never
far from a challenge. This course has played host
to a Nationwide Tour Tournament each year since 2002
- a tournament that now combines as the New Zealand
PGA Championship. Designed in consultation with New
Zealand’s golfing legend, Sir Bob Charles, Clearwater
is quickly becoming one of the “must play”
courses in the country.
This evening we have our Farewell and Awards Dinner
(wine & beer included).
Day 14 DEPART CHRISTCHURCH
A late afternoon departure allows time for last minute shopping,
further golf, or sightseeing. We have included a trip
on the Christchurch Tramway. The Tramway route has been
specifically designed to take in many of the inner city's
must see sights. Your tour hosts will be available to
assist with any requests. As you re-cross the international
dateline, you will arrive back in the U.S.A. the same
day.
INCLUSIONS FOR the 14 DAY NEW ZEALAND GROUP TOUR:
> Accommodations in 1st class hotels
> Choice of menu evening meals as per itinerary
> Cooked breakfasts daily
> Trout fishing on board a luxury launch (with
dinner and refreshments)
> Hosted welcome and farewell dinner with refreshments and cocktails
> Green fees and pull-cart on all golf days (motorised
carts are available)
> Non-golfers will be assisted in planning any sightseeing on golf days
> Sightseeing as detailed in itinerary
> Tour is fully escorted
> All transfers within New Zealand by luxury coach
> New Zealand goods and services tax
