Your South Bay Travel Expert: Golf In New Zealand

By Maureen Jones, President of All Horizons Travel, Inc.:

New Zealand is my favorite country in the entire world - 3.5 million people and 66 million sheep. There is nowhere like it for magnificent scenery, wonderful people, great food, and it’s worth the long flight to get there.

I tell clients that the scenery is better than Switzerland, Norway, and Scotland all rolled into one. No one is more than 75 miles from the sea. One in four people own a boat; 14 percent of the population is Maori. I’ve been there many times, and played a lot of golf.

There are over 400 golf courses in this small country, more courses per capita than any other country in the world. Even though I grew up in Scotland, I think New Zealand offers more to the golfer whether you are a casual player, or a fanatic.

Here is my recommendation for the top 12 courses, eight on the North Island, and four on the South Island. They have all been rated among the top golf courses in the world. Most of them have accommodation at the course and if not, there are some great alternatives close by. The golf fee range is from 75 NZ$ to 400NZ$ and there are special rates for groups depending on the time of year.

One course gives you a 25% discount the first day, 35% the second day, and 45% the third day to encourage people to make a golfing holiday of it at one location. I think the best time of year is January, February and March with lower rates in April and October. Many have six sets of tees so players from beginners, casual golfers to experts can all enjoy the experience. There aren’t marshals to keep making you play faster, like so many courses in Ireland and Scotland. Carts are allowed on every course, caddies available, and you can walk if you want. They want to promote international visitors, so have tee times set aside to offer you.

Whether you rent a car, and play golf on a different course every day as you tour the country, or spend a few days in one location, it’s whatever makes you happy.

The North Island has 3 million people and warmer weather although 75 degrees is a heat wave.

The South Island only has a half-million people, cooler climate, but more spectacular scenery.

NORTH ISLAND COURSES:

Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay

Titarangi, Auckland

Gulf Harbor County Club, Auckland

Wairakei Golf, Lake Taupo

Kinloch Club, Lake Taupo

Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay

Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, Wellington

Royal Wellington Golf Club.

The two courses which are perhaps the best known to overseas golfers are Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers.

SOUTH ISLAND COURSES:

Clearwater County Club, Christchurch

Millbrook, Queenstown

The Hills, Queenstown

Jacks Point, Queenstown

My favorite place is Millbrook Resort, twenty minutes from Queenstown. This was chosen as the No. 1 in the world in the Best Golf Resort category by Luxury Travel Magazine. It is on 500 acres, with a lovely lodge or private villas. There is a regular shuttle into town so if one of the travelers is not a golfer, there is plenty for them to do with regard to shopping or sightseeing.

The Southern Lakes area of New Zealand is a wonderful place to visit. Lake Wanaka, the entrance to Mount Aspiring National Park, one of the best hiking trails and mountain biking in the country, Queenstown which is the adventure capital of the country with lots to do, and Fiordland which offers cruises on Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Take a cruise and stay overnight on the boat, a great experience.

There are some excellent wilderness and luxury lodges all over this country with fantastic fishing for brown and rainbow trout. One chap I sent there told me he caught 23 fish in four hours,and, of course, many great wineries. I only buy Sauvignon Blanc wine from the Marlborough region of the South Island and Pinot Noir from the Gibbston Valley which is my husband’s favorite.

One trip I made to New Zealand I inspected 27 properties in 10 days, and played golf at many of the courses which were on my route. In that magical air which angels breathe, I think my ball went further.

Maureen Jones, Kiwi Specialist, is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main St., Los Altos. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.