SELF DRIVE GOLF TOUR

15 DAY NORTH ISLAND
PREMIER GOLF TOUR ITINERARY

"We learned about Golf New Zealand through the internet, as we were looking for someone to arrange a golf tour of the North Island of New Zealand. All arrangements were done by e-mail from British Columbia, Canada. James and his team organized a wonderful trip, that took care of the smallest details to ensure that we had two weeks of worry free travel. Great courses, great accommodation throughout."

Robert Fairweather, British Colombia, Canada

DAY 1 ARRIVE AUCKLAND/ BAY OF ISLANDS
On arrival at Auckland International Airport you will pick up your reserved hire car from Thrifty Car rental. After rental formalities are complete your drive North over the Auckland Harbour Bridge en route to the beautiful Bay of Islands. The colourful holiday resort of Paihia is your base for the next 3 nights. Accommodation is at the primely located Waterfront Suites on the Paihia waterfront.

DAY 2 GOLF AT KAURI CLIFFS
Today’s round of golf is at the incomparable Kauri Cliffs. When American owner Julian Robertson decided to make a golf course he could be proud of, he did just that. He commissioned the David Harmon Team from Florida USA for the design and has conceived what we believe is one of the most spectacular and brilliant golf courses you will ever play. It has just been rated no. 49 in the world in golf course rankings. All this makes a day of golf you will never forget.

DAY 3 BAY OF ISLANDS
At 9.00am you take the famous Cape Brett “Hole in the Rock” cruise from which you can see these beautiful waterways with their many pristine, secluded islands. On this cruise you will normally see dolphins and an abundance or marine life before you visit the Hole in the Rock at the end of the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula. After the cruise the afternoon is free to do some sightseeing in the scenic and relaxing area.

DAY 4 BAY OF ISLANDS / GOLF AT GULF HARBOUR/ AUCKLAND
This morning you head back South towards Auckland via Whangerei and the beautiful Hibiscus Coast. It is here that you stop at the magnificent Gulf Harbour Resort for a round of golf this afternoon. This layout is so highly regarded that it was awarded the 1998 World Cup of Golf only 12 months after opening. The designer, Robert Trent Jones II likens this layout to the illustrious Pebble Beach in California. After golf you head South to downtown Auckland where you will be staying for the next 2 nights. Accommodation is at the well appointed Quest Suites in trendy Parnell.

DAY 5 GOLF AT MURIWAI LINKS
Today’s round of golf is at the excellent Muriwai Links Golf Club. A scenic 45 minute drive from Auckland takes you to the rugged West coast and this great seaside links layout which has been totally remodelled the last few years. After your round visit the unique gannet colony perched high on the rocks on a headland overlooking the course.

DAY 6 AUCKLAND/ ROTORUA
Today after a leisurely departure time you travel further South through Auckland and on to the amazing Geo Thermal wonderland of Rotorua. This afternoon is free in Rotorua to check out some of the attractions here. The Polynesian Spa is very relaxing and Rainbow Springs and the Agrodome show very entertaining. The local Gondola ride provides panoramic views over the whole area while the lake is great for cruising and fishing. For the very keen golfers consider an optional round of golf this afternoon at the Lakeview Golf Club. Tonight’s accommodation for the next 2 nights is at the new Quest Rotorua Suites Central

DAY 7 GOLF AT ROTORUA GOLF CLUB
Today's round of golf is at the Rotorua Golf Club course locally known as “Arikikappakappa”. The course has some beautiful new holes as well as 18 recently remade undulating greens. The volcanic nature of the layout and its surroundings make for some hazards well worth avoiding.

DAY 8 ROTORUA/ NAPIER
Today you head back out to the east coast to the Hawkes Bay area and Napier, where you will be staying at the Quest Suites for the next 2 nights. Napier is known for its Art Deco architecture and the area is also one of New Zealand’s premier wine growing districts.

DAY 9 GOLF AT CAPE KIDNAPPERS
The sister course to the already world rated Kauri Cliffs is the second remarkable golf course development taken on by American billionaire Julian Robertson. World renowned course designer Tom Doak was employed to get the most out of this amazing undulating land and its mind blowing views and position. Completed in 2004, this spectacular New Zealand golf course has been hailed as one of the great modern marvels in golf. Cape Kidnappers golf course is currently ranked the 41st best golf course in the world by US Golf Magazine.

DAY 10 NAPIER/ TAUPO
A leisurely departure this morning will have you in Taupo by early afternoon. There will be some tome to look around and do some sightseeing at New Zealand’s largest fresh water lake. For the next 3 nights you stay at the comfortable Beechtree Suites in one of the Executive Studio Rooms.

DAY 11 GOLF AT WAIRAKEI INTERNATIONAL
This morning’s round of golf is at the wonderful Wairakei International Golf course in a motorised cart. Rated in the top 20 Golf Courses in the world outside the US by Golf Digest, Wairakei is a course of magnificent natural beauty and charm. Its testing layout which was redesigned by 5 times British Open winner Peter Thompson is also very special. After golf there will be time to relax back at the Beechtree or try some fishing or cruising on Lake Taupo.

DAY 12 GOLF AT THE KINLOCH CLUB
The Kinloch Club is the only Jack Nicklaus designed golf course in New Zealand and after much anticipation is finally open for play. This stunning example of modern course architecture suits the rough undulating site that has views over Lake Taupo. Jack has visited the project many times and has a real personal love for the impressive links style layout. The test of the golfing skills is further enhanced by any wind coming off New Zealand’s largest fresh water lake. After golf you can relax in the trendy new clubhouse to discuss the challenges of this Jack Nicklaus signature course.

DAY 13 TAUPO/ AUCKLAND
This morning is free to look around beautiful Lake Taupo. You can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront taking in the fresh air before driving back to Auckland. For the next 2 nights you stay back at the Quest Suites Parnell.

DAY 14 GOLF AT WINDROSS FARM
Windross Farm is a spectacular golf course located only 30 minutes south of the Auckland CBD. Designed by Brett Thomson of RBT Design, with course consultant Phil Tataurangi in 2011, the course is known for its challenging degrees of interest. The par 3’s are designed to play in all directions of the compass while the par 5’s have been designed with the prevailing wind in mind. Apart from the undulating greens, 38 bunkers and minimal tree presence, the major feature of the course is the water in its many forms with four large lakes interlaced with numerous burns (streams) threading their way in and out of impressive, yet imposing, wetland areas.

DAY 15 DEPART AUCKLAND
This morning there may be time for some last minute shopping or sightseeing. Drop your rental car off to Thrifty full of petrol in preparation for your flight home. You will leave New Zealand with memories of some amazing golf courses in this scenic country.

Included in the Tour are,

• 14 nights accommodation at the level of your choice, twin share.
• 8 rounds of Golf on New Zealand 's best courses.
• Superior Class Car Hire with Thrifty Car rentals with insurance and unlimited km's Quad share Toyota Tarago [Previa].
• Twin share Toyota Corolla + $AUD140
• Motorised carts included [twin share] at Gulf Harbour,Wairakei, Kinloch and Windross Farm. Carts are available at all other courses
• Great sightseeing including the famous Cape Brett 'Hole in the Rock" cruise
• Non golfing partner reduction - $AUD1890

QUALITY ACCOMMODATION [ 3 to 4 star]
Seaspray Suites Paihia One Bedroom Deluxe
Quest Suites Parnell, Auckland Studio Room
Quest Suites Rotorua Studio Room
Quest Napier Studio Room
Quest Taupo Studio Room
This tour is $AUD 5390.00 per person twin share

DELUXE ACCOMMODATION [ 4 to 5 star]
Seaspray Suites Paihia One Bedroom Deluxe
Quest Suites Parnell, Auckland One Bedroom Suite
Quest Suites Rotorua Central One Bedroom Suite
Quest Suites Napier One Bedroom Suite
Beechtree Suites Taupo Deluxe Studio
This tour is $AUD 5990.00 per person twin share