New Zealand Golf and Wine Tour

The perfect holiday – superb golf courses and internationally famous wineries in a South Pacific paradise.

Tell us how much time you have and we can adjust this superb golf/wine adventure to suit you and your travelling companions.

 

DAY ONE

WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND

Your VSL Golf representative will welcome you to New Zealand as you enter the arrivals hall and assist you to your transport to the Stamford Plaza Hotel in downtown Auckland, less than a 3 minute walk from The Viaduct Basin, Auckland’s premier restaurant precinct.

Take the chance to wander around this vibrant area to unwind from your flight and begin preparation for your golfing experience.

DAY TWO

NORTH TO GULF HARBOUR

Mid-morning transfer to Gulf Harbour Country Club (approximately 45 minutes north of Auckland) for your first New Zealand golf experience on the 6,400 metre, par 72 Gulf Harbour Country Club. The Club hosted the Golf World Cup in 1998 and the New Zealand Open in 2006 and 2005-a Robert Trent Jones course with stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf. After your round enjoy lunch at the Country Club Café over-looking the 18th.

Following your round you can transfer back to the Stamford Plaza by vehicle or cruise leisurely back on a charter boat that will drop you off 200 metres from your hotel.

DAY THREE

HEADING SOUTH

Morning transfer to Auckland Airport for the scenic flight to Queenstown in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Upon arrival at Queenstown International Airport, transfer to Millbrook Resort situated on the fabulously scenic Millbrook Resort Golf Course.

Enjoy a round of golf in the afternoon and the pleasure of the mountian air of a South Island Summer twilight as the extended daylight will allow you to play until mid-evening.

New Zealand golf at its best-set in a natural, alpine amphitheatre, against the backdrop of The Remarkables mountain range, the golf course at Millbrook exploits the dramatic terrain fully, delivering world-class golf. Millbrook is quite simply a fantastic golf resort.

The18-hole, par 72 championship course was designed by renowned professional and master golfer, Sir Bob Charles. It features four different tee positions for complete enjoyment at all levels of playing expertise.

Dine at Millbrook Resort or take the short drive into Queenstown and dine at one of the fantastic restaurants overlooking stunning Lake Wakatipu.

The Millbrook ambience is warm and welcoming - the accommodation full of luxurious charm and quality, reflecting the unique character of the region.

DAY FOUR

HISTORIC ARROWTOWN

Transfer mid morning for a round of gold at the unique and attractive Arrowtown Golf Club. This 18 hole course has superb views from every fairway.

Each hole has its own attraction and the diverse and challenging course attracts players from all over the world. Right alongside the course are the ruins of historic stone miner's cottages and the Arrow River which still offers intrepid prospectors the hope of striking gold.

Arrowtown's link with its gold-mining past is highlighted in the names of various holes on the course including Sons of Fortune and Golden Arrow-a tribute to the once rich, gold-bearing Arrow River.

The afternoon is at leisure and offers the chance to visit some of Central Otago's leading wineries. The region has a growing international reputation for its Pinot Noir in particular and several of the leading producers of this delicacy are located very close by including Gibbston Valley, Peregrine and Chard Farm.

The evening offers the chance to return to Queenstown to try another of its leading restaurants and to enjoy the hospitable bars and relaxed night-life.

DAY FIVE

HEADING NORTH

Mid morning departure north through the spectacular Aoraki Mt Cook MacKenzie District to the Canterbury province.

During the day make sure you have your camera ready as every bend in the road seems to be another photo opportunity including views of New Zealand’s highest mountain, the world renowned Aorangi-Mt Cook.

Break for lunch at Lake Tekapo, a picture perfect alpine lake with views across the stunning high country to the Southern Alps-the backbone of the South Island of New Zealand.

Following a relaxed lunch, enjoy the descent to the Canterbury Plains as we make our way to Terrace Downs High Country Resort. Located in one of the most naturally beautiful places on earth, at the base of Mt Hutt overlooking the Rakaia Gorge; Terrace Downs offers an incomparable luxury leisure experience. Its 550 acres of unique New Zealand High Country provide unrivalled peace and seclusion.

Lavish modern facilities, deluxe accommodation in Villa Suites and Fairway Chalets, and an 18-hole championship golf course nestle in a pristine and unique landscape.

Dine at The Clubhouse Restaurant offering spectacular views and signature High Country cuisine using organically grown and fresh local produce.

DAY SIX

HIGH COUNTRY GOLF

Mid-morning, wander from your accommodation and experience a round at Terrace Downs and an additional accessory for the round has to be your camera.

At par 72, the course is challenging. However, a choice of four tees on each hole ensures the course caters for a range of golfing abilities. The 6,440-metre long course incorporates 11 lakes and 70 bunkers, providing plenty of obstacles for even the most experienced player. The awesome views remain a constant challenge for players to keep their eye on the ball.

A morning round will leave you free to try one of the many High Country adventures available including Horse Treks, 4X4 tours or fly up to the snow or an alpine lake with a gourmet picnic hamper and champagne or enjoy a personalised guided walk through the alpine flowerbeds and herb gardens of the New Zealand alpine wilderness.

 

 

DAY SEVEN

HEADING TO MAJOR WINE COUNTRY

Transfer mid-morning to Blenheim in the heart of Marlborough (approximately 4 hours drive from Terrace Downs), world famous for it’s wide range of world-class wines including Gold Medal winning Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

The journey today will take you along the Kaikoura Coast another complete change in scenery between the Kaikoura Mountain Range and the rugged coastline and South Pacific Ocean. The abundant sea life on this coast will make for a very pleasant lunch in Kaikoura township, perhaps matched with one Marlborough’s famous Sauvignon Blancs.

Kaikoura is also the heart of New Zealand’s Whale Watching industry and a boat or plane trip to observe these magnificent and graceful ocean giants is recommended.

Your accommodation is at the Chateau Marlborough 5 star Motor Lodge in the centre of Blenheim. Dine this evening at the Chateau Marlborough or maybe at one of the many stand-out restaurants at any of the vineyards that are close by.

DAY EIGHT

GOLF AMONG THE VINES

Early morning transfer to the Marlborough Golf Club for an enjoyable golfing experience among the vineyards just 10 minutes from Blenheim town centre.

At the end of your round enjoy a delightful lunch and wine tasting at one of the world famous vineyards, including Cloudy Bay, Ponder Estate and Allan Scott to name but three. Late afternoon transfer to Blenheim Airport and leave the South Island on a very short flight across Cook Strait to New Zealand's capital city, Wellington.

Transfer from Wellington Airport to the James Cook Grand Chancellor Hotel in the heart of Wellington and a hop, step and a jump away from the numerous activities and dining that abound in this small but cosmopolitan city.

Enjoy a meal at the hotel or eat at one of the many outstanding restaurants in the city centre. Wellington is deservedly recognised as the leading restaurant centre in New Zealand.

DAY NINE

HEADING NORTH INTO WINE COUNTRY

Mid-morning departure to Martinborough in the southern Wairarapa, an area garnering a formidable reputation as a unique wine growing region in New Zealand.

Your accommodation will be at historic boutique Peppers Martinborough Hotel. Enjoy lunch at Peppers own outstanding dining room or at any of the many wineries in the area.

Martinborough Village is a small country centre that services dozens of vineyards and is the starting point for a variety of wine tours and tastings. The afternoon is free to enjoy touring the vineyards on foot, mountain bike or the elegance of a horse-drawn carriage.

The small village square hosts a wide range of places to dine, to enjoy your choice of great pub food, cafes or quality fine dining.

Peppers Martinborough Hotel

DAY TEN

OUT TO THE COAST

Early morning departure for the Hawkes Bay (approximately 3 hours north of Martinborough) but first enjoy a round of golf at the Masterton Golf Club, one of New Zealand's oldest clubs-established in 1899 and home club of New Zealand’s greatest golfer, Sir Bob Charles when he won the NZ Open in 1954 at the age of 18.

After your round, enjoy lunch at the Golf Club rooms and then head north through rich rolling pasture land and into the Hawke’s Bay province-a region that has produced many of New Zealand’s finest All Blacks, the national Rugby Union team.

Hawkes Bay's main city, Napier, is an art deco delight having being virtually completely rebuilt after a disastrous earthquake in 1931. A pretty coastal town, Napier is now a thriving port and supports the expanding Hawkes Bay wine industry. Accommodation at the Harbour View Motor Lodge, Ahuriri-right on the waterfront and only 10 minutes from the centre of Napier.

Dine at the East Pier Brasserie right next door to your accommodation.

DAY ELEVEN

SPECTACULAR GOLF EXPERIENCE

Cape Kidnappers

This morning you will transfer to one of the most stunning golf courses in New Zealand – Cape Kidnapper’s and enjoy one of the most spectacular rounds of golf imaginable. Cape Kidnappers was rated the 27th best golf course in the world in 2005 in Golf Magazine and if it is possible, just keeps getting better.

Course designer Tom Doak said of Cape Kidnappers - Our goal in designing golf courses is to create interesting holes you wouldn't find anywhere else. That wasn't hard to do at Cape Kidnappers, because the site is not like anywhere else in golf. If it were any bigger or any more dramatic, it would probably be cordoned off as a national park. It's an overwhelming experience to stand up on the cliffs, 140 meters above sea level, and look out across the waves far below in Hawke's Bay.

Following your round call in for lunch at any one of Hawkes Bay's fine wineries. Enjoy a relaxed tour of the local wine establishments including Te Mata Estate, Villa Maria, Trinity Hill, Seleni, Sacred Hill and C J Pask before returning to your accommodation for a quite meal and relaxed evening..

DAY TWELVE

UP TO THERMAL COUNTRY

Early morning departure for the three hour trip from Napier to Lake Taupo and check in to your accommodation at Millennium Manuels Hotel and Resort on the edge of fabulous Lake Taupo-a very special place and a highlight amongst many highlights of your trip. Enjoy a quick lunch and then transfer to another premier New Zealand golf course, Wairakei International set amongst unique thermal activity.

Rated in the top 100 golf courses world-wide by US Golf Digest this par 72 challenge can be as difficult or as hard, depending on the tees, as you want to play. Whichever tees you decide to play you can be assured of a great golf experience.

In the evening enjoy a meal at Manuel's fabulous lakeside restaurant.

DAY THIRTEEN

DECISIONS, DECISIONS…..

Today is supposedly a day of rest and recreation in the Taupo Thermal region of the North Island. The choice is yours…… you may have a problem deciding what to do.

The options include doing what Jack Nicklaus loves to do – fly fishing for trout or you can take a trip through to Rotorua, the thermal capital of New Zealand and enjoy a day of relaxing sight-seeing amongst geysers, hot-pools and thermals spas or you can try New Zealand’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course the new Kinloch Golf Club spectacularly sited on the shores of Lake Taupo.

This afternoon take a trip to the tasting room at Scenic Cellars in the centre of Taupo township where expert wine connoisseurs will lead you in a tasting of and discussion about New Zealand's leading wine labels. Considered to be one of the best vendors of wine in New Zealand, Scenic Cellars have knowledgeable and informative staff who may help you to sort out what you may want to take home for your own cellar.

After the tasting you will be able to visit any one of a selection of excellent restaurants in Taupo or return to Manuels for another outstanding meal overlooking the lake.

DAY FOURTEEN

HEADING FOR HOME

Early morning departure for your return to Auckland and departure from Auckland International Airport or further holidaying in New Zealand's north.

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