DAY 1: AUCKLAND
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki: Start your day immersed in art. This gallery houses an impressive collection of Māori and Pacific Islander art, as well as international works.
Auckland Museum, Tāmaki Paenga Hira: This iconic museum offers a rich look into New Zealand's history, from its natural wonders to its Māori heritage. The museum's stunning architecture and panoramic views of the harbor are an added bonus.
Private Sailing Charter: Experience the beauty of the Waitematā Harbour firsthand with a private sailing charter. Relax on deck with a glass of New Zealand wine while taking in the iconic sights of the city skyline and the Hauraki Gulf.
Britomart Precinct: Stroll through this historic area, now a vibrant hub of designer boutiques, upscale restaurants, and bars. Indulge in some unique shops or simply soak up the charming atmosphere.
Cuisine: Auckland's food scene is a gourmet adventure. Savor fresh seafood at the Viaduct Harbour, fine dining in award-winning restaurants, or modern fusion and international cuisine in the trendy Britomart precinct. Explore the diverse flavors and local ingredients that make Auckland a very special place for food.
DAY 2: KAURI CLIFFS, BAY OF ISLANDS
Kauri Cliffs Golf Course offers breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and world-class course design. Each hole presents a unique challenge and stunning vista, with six holes playing right alongside dramatic cliffs that plunge into the sea. As you navigate the fairways, the Cavalli Islands and Cape Brett provide a picturesque backdrop, making your round more than just an exhilarating golf experience.
After a satisfying day on the course, retreat to the luxurious lodge, a haven of refined comfort and exceptional service. Indulge in gourmet cuisine showcasing the freshest local ingredients, paired with fine wines from around the world.
Unwind and rejuvenate at the spa, where skilled therapists offer a range of treatments designed to restore your body and mind. Relax in the sauna, take a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the ocean, or simply soak up the tranquility of this coastal paradise.
DAY 3: PAIHIA AND WAITANGI, BAY OF ISLANDS
Tall Ship Sailing Charter: Sail the Bay of Islands on the R. Tucker Thompson. Explore New Zealand's maritime history, enjoy the beautiful island scenery, help sail the ship, take a swim or relax with local wine and fresh food.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds: Head over to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. A private guided tour will delve into the history of the treaty and Māori culture. Witness a traditional Māori welcome ceremony (pōwhiri) and explore the beautifully carved meeting house (whare rūnanga).
Cultural Workshop: Engage in a hands-on workshop led by local Māori artisans. Learn traditional weaving (raranga), carving (whakairo), or even try your hand at performing a haka!
Cuisine: Paihia offers fresh, local seafood with waterfront views, charming cafes in historic settings, and innovative dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients. Pair your meal with award-winning wines from nearby vineyards. Paihia's diverse food scene has something for every taste.
DAY 4: KINLOCH GOLF COURSE, LAKE TAUPO
A round at Kinloch Golf Club, on the edge of Lake Taupo, is truly a remarkable experience. From the outset, golfers are captivated by the panoramic vistas of Lake Taupo and the surrounding landscape. The course itself is a masterpiece of design, each hole offering a unique challenge and showcasing stunning natural scenery.
After the round, you can relax in the clubhouse for a excellent bite to eat and a refreshing beverage while taking in the awe-inspiring views. This course provides a truly unforgettable golfing experience.
Your lodge offers a very appealing luxury experience overlooking Lake Rotorua. Exquisitely appointed suites provide breathtaking lake views, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and relaxation. The award-winning chef prepares world-class cuisine with the finest local ingredients, while the spa treatments, incorporating natural elements, will rejuvenate your body and mind.
DAY 5: ROTORUA
Tarawera Falls Track Hike: This short hike meanders through native bush alongside the crystal-clear Tarawera River, leading you to the awe-inspiring Tarawera Falls. Witness the power of nature as water surges from fissures in the cliff face, creating a mesmerizing site. Informative signs along the way explain the cultural and geological significance of the area. This easy, scenic track promises to be a fun and interesting activity.
Te Puia & Thermal Valley Tour: Witness the power of Mother Earth at Te Puia geothermal park. Marvel at the Pohutu geyser's eruptions, the bubbling mud pools, and the colorful silica terraces. Learn about the Maori people's deep connection to this land at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. Then, head to Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley for more geothermal wonders and a chance to walk through a living Maori village.
Maori Village Experience: No trip to Rotorua is complete without a visit to a traditional Maori village. Enjoy a warm welcome, a mesmerizing performance of song and dance, and a delicious hāngi feast cooked in the earth.
Cuisine: Rotorua's culinary scene is a fusion of cultures and traditions, Indulge in contemporary New Zealand cuisine at stylish bistros or savor the unique flavors of Māori hāngī, a traditional feast cooked underground. Explore Eat Streat, a vibrant hub offering diverse international fare and pub-style classics. Sample the region's renowned wines and craft beers, which can be expertly paired with your meal.
DAY 6: CAPE KIDNAPPERS, HAWKES BAY
Cape Kidnappers Golf Course presents an unparalleled golfing experience, set amidst the dramatic cliffs overlooking Hawke's Bay in New Zealand. Designed by Tom Doak, this par 71 course is widely recognized as one of the world's finest.
The course itself is a masterpiece of design, seamlessly integrating into the natural landscape. Dramatic elevation changes, rolling fairways, and challenging greens demand precision and strategy from players of all levels. Every hole offers breathtaking vistas, from rugged coastline to rolling farmland, making each round a visual feast.
Beyond the exceptional golf, Cape Kidnappers offers luxurious amenities at its world-class lodge and clubhouse, ensuring a memorable stay whether you are a golfer or not. Fine dining, spa treatments, and attentive service complement the golfing experience, creating an atmosphere of true relaxation.
DAY 7: NAPIER, HAWKES BAY
Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui Gannet Reserve: Embark on a guided tour through farmland to access the gannet colony, the nesting place for over 20,000 gannet, the world's largest mainland gannet colony. Witness these majestic birds nesting and soaring above the rugged cliffs.
Te Mata Peak Hike: Take a leisurely hike around the summit and be rewarded with panoramic views of Hawke's Bay's vineyards, orchards, and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Enjoy seeing an abundance of native birds and native bush.
Napier, the Art Deco Capital of New Zealand: stroll down memory lane along Marine Parade, admiring the beautifully restored Art Deco buildings that line this waterfront promenade. Next, you can delve deeper into the city's architectural treasures with a visit to the Art Deco Trust. Here, you'll discover the intricate details and fascinating stories behind this distinctive style.
Cuisine: In Napier, you'll find fresh, local ingredients prepared with a Pacific Rim flair. Seafood is a highlight, with the day's catch often transformed into elegant dishes. The region has a thriving wine culture, with numerous world-class wineries. Whether you're indulging in fine dining or enjoying a casual meal at a waterfront bistro, Napier's food and wine scene is quite impressive.
DAY 8: WAIRARAPA WINE TOUR, WELLINGTON
With a private driver and guide, embark on a captivating journey through the Wairarapa, a gem in New Zealand's list of wine regions. Our curated tour begins with a visit to Martinborough, the region's charming wine village. Here, you'll discover the world-renowned Ata Rangi, where their critically acclaimed Pinot Noir has earned international recognition. We'll continue to Palliser Estate, a picturesque winery set amidst rolling hills, where you'll experience a private tasting of their exquisite wines while enjoying breathtaking views.
A fine lunch will be served at Tirohana Estate, a family-owned winery known for its warm hospitality and exceptional cuisine. Enjoy a gourmet meal paired with the estate's finest wines, all while surrounded by the stunning vineyards. In the afternoon, we'll delve deeper into the region, exploring boutique wineries like Cambridge Road or Dry River, each with their own unique story and winemaking philosophy. You'll have the opportunity to meet the passionate winemakers, learn about their craft, and taste their limited-production wines.
This exclusive tour promises an unforgettable experience filled with exceptional wines, breathtaking scenery, and the warmth of Kiwi hospitality.
DAY 9: WELLINGTON
Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's national museum tour: Te Papa, meaning "container of treasures," houses a vast collection showcasing New Zealand’s rich history, culture, and natural wonders. You’ll be captivated by interactive exhibits, engaging displays, and a truly immersive experience. The museum offers a comprehensive journey through Māori heritage, European settlement, and New Zealand’s unique Pacific identity. You'll encounter stunning artworks, precious artifacts, and ground-breaking displays. This is a chance to explore and appreciate the very essence of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Zealandia Ecosanctuary: Discover a protected haven where native wildlife flourishes in a predator-free environment. Witness rare kiwi birds and learn about innovative conservation efforts.
Wellington Cable Car & Botanic Garden: Ascend to the summit of the Wellington Botanic Garden by historic cable car, enjoying panoramic city views. Explore diverse plant collections and uncover hidden gems like the Begonia House.
Cuisine: Wellington's culinary scene is a great fusion of fresh, local ingredients and innovative global recipes. You'll find a strong emphasis on seafood, especially the tender whitebait fritters and succulent green-lipped mussels. The city's diverse cultural influences shine through in the eclectic range of cuisines, from Asian-inspired dishes to European classics with a Kiwi twist.
DAY 10: JACK'S POINT, QUEENSTOWN
Playing Jack's Point Golf Course in Queenstown is truly a top-notch golf experience. The course is framed by The Remarkables mountain range towering above and the glistening waters of Lake Wakatipu stretching out beside you. Designed by John Darby, the course seamlessly blends into the natural landscape, winding through native tussock grasslands, rocky outcrops, and along the lake's edge.
Each hole presents a unique challenge, with strategically placed bunkers, undulating fairways, and fast greens that will test your skills and strategy. The course's immaculate condition and attention to detail add to the overall enjoyment. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Jack's Point offers five tee positions to accommodate all skill levels, ensuring a rewarding experience for everyone.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, your luxury lodge has stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Each suite and villa offers private outdoor space, plush interiors, and fireplaces to cozy up to. You'll enjoy world-class dining, a rejuvenating spa, and a fitness center with an infinity pool overlooking the lake.
DAY 11: QUEENSTOWN
Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob's Peak: At the top you'll be treated to panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, a perfect photo opportunity.
TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm: Ride on this vintage steamship across the lake to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a delicious gourmet BBQ lunch featuring locally-sourced ingredients, all while taking in the stunning alpine scenery. One extra benefit is their farm show, where you can see dogs herding sheep and a sheep shearing demonstration.
Helicopter flight from Queenstown over Milford Sound: Fly away on a captivating helicopter journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound. This aerial tour offers an exclusive perspective of Fiordland National Park's pristine landscapes and dramatic waterfalls. You'll witness the untamed beauty of Milford Sound from above, capturing unparalleled panoramic views and many photographs.
Jet boating on the Shotover River: Hold on tight as you're whisked through narrow canyons and alongside dramatic rock formations at exhilarating speeds.
Cuisine: Queenstown's cuisine offers a mix of local favorite foods and international influence. Fine dining establishments showcase modern New Zealand fare, while charming cafes provide refined comfort food. Chefs emphasize seasonal, sustainable ingredients to create elegant meals. It’s quite diverse and there are many restaurants to choose from.
DAY 12: MILLBROOK, ARROWTOWN
Millbrook Resort is nestled in the heart of New Zealand's stunning Southern Alps, just a 20 minute drive from Queenstown. As you tee off on one of two championship courses, designed by Sir Bob Charles and Greg Turner, you'll be surrounded by breath-taking mountain vistas, rolling hills, and crystal-clear streams. Each hole presents a unique challenge, with strategically placed bunkers and water features that will put your skills to the test.
The resort's commitment to environmental sustainability is evident throughout the course, with native plantings and wildlife habitats seamlessly integrated into the landscape. As you make your way around the course, you might catch a glimpse of some of New Zealand's unique birdlife, adding to the magical atmosphere.
After your round, relax and unwind in the luxurious clubhouse, where you can share stories and enjoy well-deserved refreshments while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The clubhouse also offers world-class dining options, featuring fresh, local ingredients and an extensive wine list.
DAY 13 - 14: DOUBTFUL SOUND, FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK
Experience the untamed beauty of Doubtful Sound on an unforgettable overnight cruise. As you glide through tranquil waters, surrounded by towering peaks and lush rainforest, you'll feel a world away from civilization. This secluded fiord, carved by glaciers over millennia, offers a haven for diverse wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins, fur seals basking on rocks, and the elusive Fiordland crested penguin. Have fun on an expertly guided kayak tour and if the weather is right, dive off the boat for a refreshing swim.
At dusk, enjoy a delicious chef-made dinner on board as the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors. As night falls, the fiord reveals its true magic, with the chance to witness bioluminescent plankton shimmering in the dark waters. Awaken in your private cabin to the call of birdsong and a breath-taking sunrise over the fiord. This immersive experience promises not only a luxurious escape but also a deeper connection with the natural beauty of New Zealand.
This is a great trip combining world-class golf and New Zealand's incredible sites. Let's put together something unique for you!
