New Zealand and Australia can boast more golf courses per capita than any other region in the world and for this reason most courses are affordable, uncrowded and welcome visitors.
Take time in between holes to appreciate the magnificent surrounds at championship courses such as Gulf Harbour overlooking the Hauraki Gulf or coastal links courses such the prestigious Kauri Cliffs with its breathtaking ocean views. Enjoy a round at the Clearwater course or the nearby Terrace Downs High Country Resort in the foothills of the Southern Alps. Millbrook’s alpine amphitheatre near Queenstown is simply breathtaking and the scenic Wairakei International near Lake Taupo is a world class challenge amongst the geothermal valleys of Taupo whilst the spectacular new Cape Kidnappers boasts ocean views from every hole making it into the esteemed company of the world’s top 30 courses shortly after opening.
Golfers are equally well catered for in Australia. Among the picks: Royal Melbourne, the Australian PGA Hyatt Regency Coolum or The Palms at Sanctuary Cove in Southern Queensland; the Robert Trent Jones course at Joondalup Resort near Perth; and the sensational Peppers Moonah Links Resort on the Mornington Peninsula.
For stunning scenery, don’t miss a round at Laguna Whitsundays overlooking pristine rainforest and the Coral Sea or the Leura cliff top course in the Blue Mountains.
The Greg Norman designed Vintage golf course in the Hunter Valley offers the very appealing combination of testing greens and tasting the reds; whilst you will have to share the fairways with the resident kangaroos in Anglesea, Victoria.
And even on your island paradise in the South Pacific, the 19th hole is never far away. Enjoy a tropical BBQ after a round at the world class Denarau Golf and Racquet club, impressively designed around Fiji’s extensive waterways.
Southern Crossings can help plan a golfing holiday of a lifetime. Be it your consuming passion or an enjoyable pastime - Southern Crossings can tailor an itinerary to suit, through both the North and South Island.
New Zealanders love their golf. There are close to 400 courses scattered throughout the length of the country, some of them world class.
Courses like the internationally renowned Kauri Cliffs, Wairakei International, Cape Kidnappers, Clearwater and Millbrook Resort welcome travellers. They are also relatively uncrowded and visitors can enjoy a round at leisure and then relax afterwards in the first-class facilities.
Coastal links, for example at historic Waitangi in the picturesque Bay of Islands, Muriwai on Auckland's West Coast or at Paraparaumu north of the capital, Wellington, present a challenge in relaxing yet magnificent surroundings. Alternatively Terrace Downs near Christchurch offers stunning mountain views. Recent developments in Queenstown have seen the Jacks Point development and private Michael Hill golf course compliment the many attractions available in ‘the adventure capital of the world’. Most courses have resident professionals and club hire whilst internationally ranked courses with undulating terrain offer buggy hire. Golf is a year-round activity in New Zealand.
A tailor-made golfing holiday will take you to some interesting and challenging courses located in some of the most remarkable scenery the country has to offer. Your nearby accommodation will range from the 5 Star luxury lodge or boutique hotel to a charming bed and breakfast where you can sample genuine hospitality in your host's home.