GETAWAYS: GOLF TRAVEL

The rolling hills and rugged clifftops of New Zealand’s North Island have become home to some of the most iconic golf courses in the world. In fact, legendary course designer Tom Doak believes: “No country has seen its golf courses improve more over the past 20 years than New Zealand.”

With so much on offer, however, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Thankfully, Golf Explorer has tailored its latest packages to ensure most of the must-play courses are covered.

The seven-night tour features golf at the only Alister MacKenzie-designed course in New Zealand, Titirangi Golf Club (pictured right); the picturesque Wairakei International Golf Course; Jack Nicklaus’ Kinloch Golf Club (pictured above) and the simply awesome, Doak-designed Cape Kidnappers.

You’ll begin with two nights at the Pullman Auckland, where you will be within a short walk to the lively Viaduct Harbour. (Make sure you also visit Sky Tower, which stands at 328 metres and offers breath-taking views for more than 80 kilometres in every direction).

The Hilton at Lake Taupo will be your next port of call – where, for three nights, you will enjoy panoramic views of the gigantic lake, which has a surface area of more than 600 square kilometres (the same size as Singapore). Be sure to take a ride in the Huka Jet Boat that reaches speeds of up to 80km/h at the foot of the powerful Huka Falls.

The trip concludes at The County Hotel in the Art Deco town of Napier, where you will indulge in some of Hawke’s Bay’s fantastic wines.

Packages start at $2,875 per person and include: Five-star accommodation, four rounds of golf, seven days car rental, information guide – including driving instructions and times – and brief city guide for restaurant and sightseeing recommendations.

Prices are based on four people travelling. Prices also available for other group sizes.

For more information and the full itinerary, visit www.golfexplorer.com.au or call (08) 8376 4495.