Stay and Play Golf in New Zealand

Play at the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

How often have you wanted to hop on a plane and head off for a few weeks of nothing but golf, played in gorgeous surroundings, on world-class courses, with luxury accommodation right on site? There are a number of luxury lodges in New Zealand offering excellent Stay and Play Packages.

Let’s start at the top. You’ll probably fly in to Auckland so one of the closest options is to head north to the beautiful Bay of Islands (there are 144 of them) and stay at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs. This five-star lodge has one of the most scenic courses imaginable. The par 72 championship golf course was designed and built by US-based David Harman. Its 6510 metre (7119 yd) course has six holes played above dramatic coastal cliffs, another nine have ocean views and the remainder enjoy more sheltered farmland and forest settings. And the luxury accommodation is just as memorable.

The Taupo region, a few hours south of Auckland on the volcanic Central Plateau, has several great courses including Kinloch, which is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. This par 72 eighteen hole Championship golf course measures 6734 metres (7363 yards) from the tournament tees and ranked in the top 3 courses in New Zealand last year on the Golf Digest ranking system. There is beautiful accommodation on site - ask us about this.

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is another gorgeous luxury lodge on the coast of Hawke’s Bay in the lower North Island. Their 6510 metre, 71 par golf course ranges across elevated ridge tops with stunning coastal and rural views. This 18-hole course captures the best of the views, terrain and spectacular weather, making a round here something to remember. Several golf packages are available and their rooms, suites and Owner’s Cottage all have far-reaching views over the farm and coastline. Cape Kidnappers is a 6 hour drive from Auckland or 4 hours from Wellington. It’s a short drive from Napier Airport and helicopter arrivals are always an option.

If you’re travelling in the Christchurch area of the South Island the Clearwater Resort offers almost 200 hectares with a course featuring both the standard Par 72 championship layout (5 tees) and an Executive Par 60 “30|30″ challenge designed by Sir Bob Charles. An hour’s drive from Christchurch, Terrace Downs has an 18-hole par 72 championship course overlooked by the lofty peaks of the Southern Alps. Both have nice on-site accommodation. Email us for more details on these two courses.

And then there’s Queenstown. The Adventure Capital of New Zealand has several world-class golf courses within a short drive of the town, or you can stay at any one of the beautiful luxury lodges overlooking the lakes, mountains and river gorges. Millbrook Resort has won many awards including Best Golf Resort in New Zealand in the World Travel Awards 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. There is a wide range of luxury accommodation on site and three 9 hole courses – the Arrow 9, the Coronet 9 and the Remarkables 9. The course was originally designed by Sir Bob Charles and was later renovated by Greg Norman and features 5 different tee positions. Overlooked by high mountains and close to excellent winter skiing, sightseeing and summer fly fishing it offers the best of all outdoor worlds. Other top golf courses nearby include The Hills and Jacks Point.

Email us for information on all these excellent golfing options.

(C)  by Sue Farley