Part of the First Light Travel Group
South Pacific Specialists
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New Zealand’s North Island offers some of the world’s most spectacular luxury golf experiences, blending championship courses with breathtaking coastal and countryside landscapes. Play at iconic destinations like Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers, and Wairakei, where world-class design meets natural beauty, catered to you.
Duration: 14 Days
Starts: Auckland
Finishes: Auckland
Welcome to Auckland! On arrival you will be transferred from the airport to your accommodation
Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland is famous for its stunning waterfront, diverse culture, and vibrant urban life. Located between Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, it features numerous islands and scenic coastlines along the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean. The city’s skyline showcases iconic structures amid lush green hills and volcanic cones. As New Zealand’s economic and cultural hub, Auckland boasts a thriving arts scene, innovative cuisine, and a strong community spirit.
1 Night Accommodation at The Hotel Britomart
Escape the city to The Bay of Islands, a 144-island Maritime Park, brimming with secluded bays and marine life
Collect your rental vehicle on arrival at Kerikeri Airport and make your way to Kauri Cliffs, perched above the pristine shores of Matauri Bay. Set on 6,000 acres of rolling farmland and native forest, it offers breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean. Guests enjoy world-class facilities, including a championship golf course ranked among the best globally, a secluded spa sanctuary, private beaches, and gourmet dining showcasing seasonal local produce. Kauri Cliffs promises an unforgettable blend of refined elegance, natural beauty, and exceptional hospitality.
3 Nights Accommodation at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximate Distance: 40 km
Travel Time: 45 minutes
Play 18 holes at Kauri Cliffs with dramatic cliffside holes, a world-class course set amid lush coastal landscapes
Playing a round of golf at Kauri Cliffs is a breathtaking experience, where 15 of the 18 holes offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, and six holes are dramatically perched along cliffs that plunge to the sea. Designed by David Harman, this par-72 championship course weaves through lush forests, marshes, and rolling farmland, providing both a challenging game and stunning scenery. Ranked among the world’s top golf courses, Kauri Cliffs combines exceptional design with unparalleled natural beauty.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Option to indulge in spa treatments, go horseback riding or enjoy a gourmet picnics on Pink Beach
On a free day at Kauri Cliffs, explore the estate on a guided horseback ride or thrilling ATV tour through native forests and rolling farmland. Relax with a gourmet picnic on the private Pink Beach, known for its unique shell-strewn sands. Nearby, swim or snorkel at Matauri Bay, or visit Kerikeri to see the stunning Rainbow Falls and historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Whether seeking outdoor adventure, beachside relaxation, or cultural exploration, the surrounding area offers a rich array of experiences to complement your stay.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Te Arai Links offers a world-class golf experience, combining stunning oceanfront courses with luxury accommodation
Leaving behind the coastal beauty of Kauri Cliffs, journey south through Northland’s rolling hills and lush farmland towards Te Arai Links. As you approach, sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and dramatic sand dunes signal your arrival at one of New Zealand’s premier golfing destinations. Te Arai Links welcomes you with an atmosphere of relaxed coastal luxury, setting the perfect tone for days of world-class golf, pristine beaches, and effortless relaxation amid the natural beauty of the North Island.
3 Nights Accommodation at Te Arai Links Included Meals: Breakfast
Approximate Distance: 210 km
Travel Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
The northern golf course hosts 18 holes of expansive fairways, and dramatic natural contours
Designed by Tom Doak, the North Course at Te Arai Links offers a distinctive inland links experience, weaving through dramatic sand dunes and former pine forests. While the opening and closing holes embrace the Pacific Ocean, the heart of the course features bold, undulating greens that challenge and reward strategic play. Highlights include the par-5 11th with its elevated green and natural ‘whirlpool’ hazard, and the par-4 13th crossing a sweeping bunker. This par-71 course delivers a memorable, inventive round in a stunning coastal landscape.
Included Meals: Breakfast
The southern course offers a strategically engaging experience with 16 ocean-view holes, 8 bordering the sea
The South Course at Te Arai Links, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, delivers a world-class coastal golf experience. Set among natural sand dunes with firm fescue turf, it offers a true walking links adventure. Sixteen holes provide stunning ocean views, with eight running right alongside the sea. The layout emphasizes strategic play, with varied hole lengths and complex greens that challenge and reward golfers of all levels. Ranked among the world’s top courses, the South Course blends breathtaking scenery with timeless, thoughtful design.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Discover Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, set against a backdrop of volcanic mountains and lush forests
Embarking on a journey from Te Arai Links to Kinloch offers a captivating exploration of New Zealand’s North Island. Departing the coastal elegance of Te Arai, the route meanders through the verdant landscapes of the Waikato region, known for its rolling hills and rich Māori heritage. As you approach Kinloch, the scenery transforms into the geothermal wonders of the Taupō region, including natural hot pools, steaming craters and boiling mud pools. Upon arrival, Kinloch Manor & Villas awaits, offering refined luxury amidst the dramatic backdrop of Lake Taupō and volcanic landscapes.
3 Nights Accommodation at Kinloch Manor & Villas Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximate Distance: 370 km
Travel Time: 5 hours
Kinloch Golf Course offers an inland links experience with dramatic terrain, strategic bunkering, and stunning views
Playing 18 holes at The Kinloch Club is a true test of skill and strategy, set against the breathtaking scenery of Lake Taupō. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this par-72 championship course features dramatic elevation shifts, rolling fairways, and over 170 bunkers that demand precision and thoughtful play. Reminiscent of classic inland links courses, Kinloch’s complex greens and varied terrain offer a rewarding challenge at every turn, delivering an unforgettable golfing experience for those who appreciate both beauty and technical mastery.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Wairakei International Golf Course is a challenging championship course with the serenity of a native wildlife sanctuary
Playing golf at Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary offers a truly unique experience where world-class play and conservation meet. Set across 450 acres of rolling parkland near Taupō, this par-72 course features 108 bunkers, water hazards, and lush fairways that demand precision and strategic thinking. Beyond the game, players are surrounded by a predator-free sanctuary, home to native birds like kiwi and takahē, and fallow deer roaming freely. The blend of challenging golf and thriving wildlife creates an unforgettable, nature-rich round unlike anywhere else in New Zealand.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to the Hawkes Bay for exceptional clifftop golf, luxury accommodation, and breathtaking coastal scenery
Hawke’s Bay, on New Zealand’s North Island, is celebrated for its stunning coastline, fertile vineyards, and rich cultural heritage. At its heart, Cape Kidnappers rises dramatically above the Pacific Ocean, offering one of the world’s most iconic golf courses and a luxury lodge experience. Beyond its spectacular fairways, the region boasts award-winning wineries, art deco architecture in nearby Napier, and beautiful coastal trails. Whether indulging in world-class golf, savoring fine wines, or exploring breathtaking landscapes, Hawke’s Bay and Cape Kidnappers promise an unforgettable blend of elegance, nature, and adventure.
3 Nights Accommodation at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Approximate Distance: 200 km
Travel Time: 3 hours
18 Holes at world-renowned Cape Kidnappers, a testing course with dramatic cliff-top fairways and ocean vistas
Playing golf at Cape Kidnappers is an unforgettable experience, where dramatic cliffs plunge into the Pacific Ocean and sweeping fairways stretch across a rugged, elevated landscape. Designed by Tom Doak, this par-71 championship course offers a thrilling test of precision and creativity, with wide fairways, deep bunkers, and greens perched perilously near the ocean’s edge. Each hole showcases spectacular vistas of Hawke’s Bay and beyond, blending natural grandeur with world-class course design. Cape Kidnappers delivers a golfing experience that is as awe-inspiring as it is rewarding.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Relax with spa treatments, join a 4WD gannet safari, private wine tour, or a Cape Sanctuary night walk
A free day at Cape Kidnappers invites you to enjoy the natural beauty and refined experiences of Hawke’s Bay. You may choose to join a 4WD safari to the world’s largest mainland gannet colony, where thousands of birds nest on dramatic cliffs, or indulge in a private wine tour through acclaimed vineyards. In the evening, you can join a Cape Sanctuary Night Tour that offers the chance to spot native kiwi and glowworms. Throughout the day, the lodge provides gourmet dining and serene spa treatments for ultimate relaxation.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After an incredible golfing trip fly back to Auckland prior to your onward flight
Today check out and travel to Hawkes Bays airport located in Napier where you will return your rental vehicle. We know you will enjoy this unforgettable golfing tour of the North Island. Our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible – ensuring that today you leave with plenty of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Approximate Distance: 40 km
Travel Time: 45 minutes
“This trip combines the best of golfing in New Zealand whilst also including the must-see scenic wonders on offer. We can easily add excursions to the itinerary for non-golfing partners. ”
Ready to find out more? Talk to one of our friendly travel designers about his tour. We guarantee you it will be the experience of a lifetime!
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Auckland to Queenstown
Christchurch to Queenstown
Auckland to Queenstown
Hotel Britomart, located in Auckland, is a stylish boutique hotel that exudes contemporary elegance. Situated in the vibrant Britomart precinct, it offers easy access to the city’s attractions. The hotel boasts thoughtfully designed rooms with modern amenities and an emphasis on sustainability.
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs has 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Cape Brett, and the Cavalli Islands. Enjoy cocktails before an á la carte gourmet meal that in fine weather is commonly taken on the verandah. The restaurant serves only the finest New Zealand lamb, beef, and seafood. Kauri Cliffs has 11 charming cottages, each with two suites providing a total of 22 units. Each has it own private porch, an open fireplace, and walk-in wardrobe. The cottages are nestled in native bush and overlook the golf course and the Pacific Ocean.
Staying at Te Arai Links offers a truly unforgettable experience, whether you choose a luxurious villa, charming cottage, or elegant suite. Each accommodation is designed to blend seamlessly with the stunning coastal landscape, offering stunning views and serene privacy. Unwind in beautifully appointed interiors featuring natural textures, cozy fireplaces, and expansive outdoor spaces. Every detail — from the warm hospitality to the world-class amenities — ensures a relaxing and immersive stay.
A stay at Kinloch Manor & Villas is an experience of refined luxury and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you choose a villa, cottage, or suite, each space is thoughtfully designed with contemporary elegance and stunning lake or golf course views. Guests enjoy spacious interiors, roaring fireplaces, and private terraces that invite deep relaxation. Fine dining, spa indulgences, and world-class golf are just steps away, creating a seamless blend of adventure and serenity. At Kinloch, every moment is crafted for an unforgettable escape into pure, understated luxury.
Set atop 6,000 rolling acres of stunning pasture-land in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is the perfect setting for honeymoons and romantic getaways. The cluster of luxury lodge buildings suggest a working farm with the buildings combining rustic and textured materials with comfortable modern furniture. Every suite offers its own private balcony and affords spectacular views of the property, golf course and Pacific Ocean.
As the name belies, ‘The City of Sails’ – as Auckland is fondly known – is a stunning sea side city. The city centre surrounds a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. In the Auckland region, the North Island is geographically narrow and the city straddles a slim piece of land with coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean, and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea. Boutique shopping, pulsing, Pacific-inspired markets and a passionate cafe culture make this city a charming place to visit.
A subtropical playground of emerald islets, historic towns, and sparkling seas steeped in Māori and colonial legend.
The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s most iconic coastal destinations—a natural harbour dotted with over 140 subtropical islands and rich in both history and marine life. It’s a place where dolphins leap alongside your boat, and stories of early Aotearoa unfold in the charming townships of Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri. From sailing to snorkelling, and forest walks to cultural sites, the Bay of Islands offers a laid-back escape with deep roots and endless horizons.
See and Do
The local favourite
Waitangi Treaty Grounds is New Zealand’s most significant historic site and a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand the nation’s founding story. Just outside Paihia, this beautifully maintained reserve overlooks the bay where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Explore the expansive grounds, walk through the Treaty House, see the impressive carved wharenui (meeting house) and marvel at the 35-metre-long ceremonial waka. Live performances and guided tours bring both the past and present to life.
A scene of pure natural beauty
Take to the water for a cruise through the islands and you’ll see why this region has captivated travellers for centuries. One highlight is the Hole in the Rock at Cape Brett, where boats—on calm days—navigate through a dramatic archway carved by the sea. Along the way, keep an eye out for dolphins, penguins and orcas. For a peaceful onshore moment, Urupukapuka Island offers lush trails, hidden bays, and panoramic views of the sparkling bay.
Adventures in nature
Adventure here means sailing, kayaking, diving or even skydiving over the coast. But for a uniquely Northland experience, head inland to the Waipoua Forest. Home to Tāne Mahuta—the largest known kauri tree in the world—this ancient forest is a sacred place of towering giants. Walk with a local Māori guide to learn the legends of the forest and feel the awe that only millennia-old nature can inspire. It’s a spiritual and serene counterpoint to the salty freedom of the sea.
Where to Stay:
Impressive is the word best used to describe Lake Taupō; after all, it is the biggest volcanic crater in the World! Lake Taupō is set amidst clean, green countryside, spectacular mountain scenery, beautiful native bush and some of the largest pine forests in the Southern Hemisphere. Taupō offers many leisure activities including exploring the lake by boat for scenery or fishing; view the mighty Huka Falls or visit local geothermal sites with natural hot pools and springs, steaming craters and boiling mud pools.
A sun-drenched coastal region famed for its Art Deco architecture, award-winning wineries, and rolling countryside that meets the sea.
Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s oldest wine region and one of its most scenic. It offers a perfect pairing of relaxed coastal charm and refined indulgence, where world-class vineyards, cycling trails, and cultural heritage come together. With a warm climate and golden hills, it’s ideal for year-round travel—be it sipping a Syrah at a cellar door or strolling Napier’s iconic waterfront. From Cape Kidnappers to inland plains, Hawke’s Bay delivers a laid-back luxury that’s distinctly Kiwi.
See and Do
The local favourite
Napier is the jewel of Hawke’s Bay and arguably New Zealand’s most architecturally unique city. Rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake, the town is a showcase of Art Deco design. Visitors can take guided walking tours through its pastel-hued buildings or time their visit with the annual Art Deco Festival in February—complete with vintage cars, jazz bands, and Great Gatsby flair. Boutique shops, galleries and a buzzing café scene make this a lively, walkable gem.
A scene of pure natural beauty
Just south of Napier lies Cape Kidnappers, home to one of the largest mainland gannet colonies in the world. The dramatic headland juts out into the Pacific and can be reached by tractor tour along the beach or a scenic hike at low tide. Sheer cliffs drop into crashing surf, with panoramic views across Hawke Bay. Bird lovers, hikers and photographers will all find something to marvel at in this striking coastal landscape.
Adventures in nature
Hawke’s Bay Trails—one of New Zealand’s Great Rides—offer over 200km of off-road cycling through vineyards, orchards, wetlands and coastlines. Known as the “Landscapes Ride,” the network is ideal for leisurely exploration, with trails linking up cellar doors and seaside towns like Havelock North and Clive. Wine-tasting by bike is a signature experience here, with maps and e-bikes readily available. You’ll roll past sunlit vines, stop for fresh produce and enjoy the region’s bounty at your own pace.
