At a Glance
Take on the South Island’s best golf courses on this luxury, 11-day self-drive road trip featuring the world-famous Terrace Downs, Millbrook, Jack’s Point and Clearwater courses.
New Zealand and golf have a long history. Scottish immigrants introduced the game in the 19th century and their links-style courses still thrive today. These courses are set in incredible locations – the South Island’s landscapes range from snow-capped mountains and endless plains to shimmering lakes and fast-moving glaciers. This road trip will take you on an unforgettable scenic golfing journey.
Departing from Christchurch, hit the road to play the South Island’s best golf courses. Head inland to Windwhistle to take on Terrance Downs, in the heart of the brilliant Canterbury high country. Head south to Queenstown, where you will play Millbrook and Jack’s Point among the towering Southern Alps. ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 18-holes at Terrace Downs golf course including green fees, cart hire and clubs (Day 2)
- 27-holes at Millbrook golf course including green fees, cart hire and clubs (Day 5)
- 10-nights’ boutique hotel accommodation on a twin share basis
- 18-holes at Jack’s Point golf course including green fees, cart hire and clubs (Day 6)
- 18-holes at Clearwater golf course including green fees, cart hire and clubs (Day 10)
- Travel aboard the Tranzalpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch (Day 9)
- Dark Sky Project “Summit Experience” at University of Canterbury Mount John Observatory including transport to and from the activity, expert astronomy guides, stargazing using up to 16” optical telescope, and extreme cold weather jacket rental (Day 3)
- Private transfer from Christchurch Railway Station to accommodation (Day 9)
- Private transfer from accommodation to Christchurch Airport (Day 11)
- 10-days’ full size car rental
- Meals: 10 x Breakfast
Itinerary
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Driving Information: Christchurch to Windwhistle: 83km/52mi | 1hr Arrive into Christchurch Airport, where you will be met by a representative who will hand over the necessary documentation and answer any questions. When you are ready, pick up your hire vehicle from the airport depot to begin your golfing adventure. Head inland along the Inland Scenic Route to Selwyn, which stretches across the Canterbury Plains and is bounded by the Rakaia and Waimakariri Rivers. As flat as a billiard table, the district is a patchwork of agricultural activity that ranges from grazing grass and wheat to herbs and sunflowers. The area produces more than 80% of New Zealand’s grains, crops and seeds. You’ll stay the next 2 nights at Terrace Downs Resort. Nestled beneath the Southern Alps in the town of Windwhistle, this 5-star resort is one of the most prestigious and unique high-country resorts in the South Island. Expect breathtaking views, warm hospitality and comfortable accommodation, making for a memorable and relaxing experience. Make sure to try the onsite restaurant, which offers fresh, local delicacies served by the fire or out on the deck overlooking the golf course to Mount Hutt. |
Terrace Downs Resort, Windwhistle
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Driving Information: N/A Spend today playing golf at the Terrace Downs Golf Course. Based at the foothills of the Southern Alps, the course offers a par 72, 18-hole championship course that features 4 different tee positions for the enjoyment of players of all abilities. At a length of 6406-metres (7005 yards) off the back tees, it includes 11 lakes and 70 bunkers. The course offers a unique mixture of Parklands and Links style, with the underlying philosophy of the course development assuring its integration into the natural environment and the respect and enjoyment of all who play on it. The views of the Rakaia Gorge and mountain vistas remain a constant challenge for players to keep their eye on the ball. When you’re not playing golf, the resort offers many other fun activities including onsite archery, clay shooting and tennis. You can also venture a little further afield for activities including walking, horseriding, dirt and quad biking, and hunting and fishing. |
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Driving Information: Windwhistle to Tekapo: 176km/109mi | 2hrs Journey on to Lake Tekapo, which gets its intense turquoise colour from fine rock flour (ground by glaciers) suspended in the water. On the shores of the lake, you’ll see the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd, where the alter window frames a perfect view of the Southern Alps. It’s no surprise this is New Zealand’s most photographed building! The afternoon is yours to do as much or as little as you like. Frolic through beautiful pink and purple lupins (from late November to February), hike or bike the Cowans Hill Walkway, or relax and unwind in the local hot springs. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could take a thrilling jetboat ride on the lake or take flight in a helicopter or light plane for the ultimate bird’s eye view. You’ll stay the night at Peppers Bluewater Resort. Perched on the shores of Lake Tekapo, this luxury resort offers spacious, contemporary-style rooms as well as the excellent Rakinui Restaurant & Bar, with a diverse selection of international standard cuisine and local delights. In the evening, witness the splendour of the southern sky, which is protected as part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. The clear skies found in this part of New Zealand are like nothing else on Earth. Very limited light pollution means the stars shine brighter than you’ve ever seen! Join the Dark Sky Project crew for an unforgettable “Summit Experience” at the University of Canterbury Mount John Observatory. Experience the thrill of peering through powerful telescopes to view distant planets, star-clusters, nebulae and galaxies as expert guides share the science and stories of the skies. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a shooting star. |
Peppers Blue Water Resort, TekapoBreakfast |
Driving Information: Windwhistle to Tekapo: 176km/109mi | 2hrs Continue south past beautiful Lake Pukaki and enjoy the breathtaking views of mountainous scenery mirrored by crystal-clear lake water. A detour to Mount Cook (Aoraki) National Park is highly recommended. Here, you will find New Zealand’s highest mountains and longest glaciers. It is alpine in the purest sense – with sky scraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields, all set under a star-studded sky. Arrive in Queenstown. Surrounded by the towering Remarkables mountain range and positioned on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a hub of adventure, thrumming with adrenaline and an omnipresent sense of fun. You’ll stay the next 3-nights at Millbrook Resort. Located just outside of Queenstown, this multi award-winning resort offers 5 types of luxurious accommodation set on 150 acres of lush green fairways, rolling hills and gentle streams. Features include an award-winning day spa, a 25-metre lap pool and 3 outdoor hot tubs. Dining options range from casual dining to Japanese/Asian fusion. |
Millbrook Resort, QueenstownBreakfast |
Driving Information: N/A Spend the day playing golf at Millbrook Golf Course. Set in a natural alpine amphitheatre against the backdrop of the Remarkables, the 27-hole course at Millbrook exploits the dramatic terrain fully, delivering world-class golf. Designed by renowned professional and master golfer Sir Bob Charles, this championship course features 5 different tee positions for complete enjoyment at all levels of playing expertise. The course is best described as a mix between the world-class immaculately manicured "Parklands" courses and "Links" courses, offering a variety of natural hazards including tussocks, streams, schist stone, trees and buildings. |
Millbrook Resort, Queenstown Breakfast |
Driving Information: Millbrook to Jack’s Point: 25km/16mi | 20min Spend the day playing golf at Jacks Point Golf Course. Like Millbrook, this 18-hole, 72 par course is set against the backdrop of the Remarkables, offering golfers of any calibre a challenging and unforgettable experience. Measuring 6388-metres (6986ft) from the championship tees, the course works with nature, weaving through tussock grasslands, dramatic rock outcrops, steep bluffs and swathes of native bush to the edge of Lake Wakatipu. It’s not surprising this course is ranked number 2 in New Zealand! After the game, be sure to visit the new Jack’s Restaurant for seasonal, local produce cooked over charcoal. The raw bar features the best fresh seafoods! |
Millbrook Resort, QueenstownBreakfast |
Driving Information: Queenstown to Wanaka: 69km/43mi | 1hr Depart Queenstown and travel north via the mighty Crown Range. The road over the range, known as the Crown Range Road, is the highest main road in New Zealand. As you navigate the bends, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the mountains, lakes and old gold mining country. More conservative drivers can take the route that runs beside the Shotover River, Lake Dunstan and the Clutha River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge may be interesting distractions along the way. Arrive in Wanaka. Named for shimmering Lake Wanaka, this charming alpine town has a reputation for great food and wine, with a wide variety of lakefront bars, cafes and restaurants serving exceptional local cuisine, plus a wealth of artisans producing award-winning wine, beer, spirits, bread, and even ice cream. Be sure to visit the local farmer’s markets to try some of the region’s best produce. You’ll stay the night at Edgewater Resort. Located directly on Wanaka’s lakefront, this classy resort offers a range of rooms and suites, with either an outdoor patio or balcony. Make the most of facilities including tennis, biking and more. Relax on The Terrace to indulge in the tasty menus on offer. |
Edgewater Resort, WanakaBreakfast |
Driving Information: Wanaka to Franz Josef: 284km/176mi | 3hrs 40mins Another memorable trip through magnificent scenery to the West Coast. Along the way you’ll pass through Haast, a region so spectacular UNESCO awarded it World Heritage status. From Haast to Jackson Bay, there are beautiful beaches, dunes, lakes and wetlands, with many Department of Conservation walks for you to explore. Jackson Bay is one of the most remote villages in New Zealand. Make sure to sample the local whitebait – the tiny, transparent fish are considered a delicacy! Arrive into Franz Josef, a small but lively village surrounded by lush rainforest with high snow-capped Alps above. You’ll stay the night at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier. Located in the heart of the village, this 4-star hotel offers everything you need to be able to explore this dramatic region in comfort and style. With an exceptional restaurant serving heart West Coast fare, and the Moa Bar with its open fireplace, you are never without choice. Plus, with the private hot pools and the Amaia Luxury Spa close by, you can enjoy time out to rejuvenate after your long drive. |
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Driving Information: Franz Josef to Greymouth: 171km/106mi | 2hrs 10min Travel north this morning up the wild, west coast. You may wish to make time to detour to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, a limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations, blowholes and surge pools. Blow holes form from a mixture of compressed water and air escaping through the caverns below and being forced upwards, creating a huge wall of spray. They are at their best around high tide when there is a southwesterly swell. Arrive at Greymouth and return your rental car to the train depot. You may then embark on one of the world’s great rail journeys aboard the TranzAlpine train. Along this 223-kilometre (139mi) journey, you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest. You’ll also traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains, which you will undoubtedly remember from the start of your holiday. Upon arrival in Christchurch, enjoy a private transfer to your accommodation at Pepper’s Clearwater Resort. Set within beautiful grounds overlooking the clear, shimmering Lake Kaikainui, this 5-star resort offers a range of beautifully appointed rooms and suites as well as the award-winning Lakes Restaurant, which utilises the abundant fresh produce of the Canterbury region. |
Pepper’s Clearwater Resort, ChristchurchBreakfast |
Driving Information: N/A Your adventure culminates with one final round of golf at Clearwater Resort golf course. Designed by John Darby and Bob Charles, this 18-hole, par 72 championship course has established itself as an international professional golf tournament venue, combining elements of Scottish-style “Links” courses with Florida-style “Parklands”. Playable year-round, the course meanders around a succession of spring-fed lakes and trout-filled streams, with uninterrupted views of the spectacular Southern Alps. There are five tee positions to suit players of all abilities. Spend the rest of the day exploring Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city. Despite suffering extensive damage in the 2011 and 2016 earthquakes, Christchurch has blossomed into one of the world’s most unique destinations, combining urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture and exhilarating activity. Expect some of New Zealand’s oldest buildings alongside street art and innovation projects, a bustling hospitality scene and established green spaces. It’s easy to see why it is nicknamed “The Garden City”. |
Pepper’s Clearwater Resort, Christchurch Breakfast |
Driving Information: N/A All good things must come to an end! Check out by 11:00am for your private transfer to the airport.
NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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- The start and finish point is Christchurch, New Zealand
New Zealand has a largely temperate climate. While the far north has subtropical weather during summer, and inland alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as – 10°C (14°F) in winter, most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine.
Because New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the average temperature decreases as you travel south. The far north of the country has an average temperature of about 15°C (59°F), while the deep south has a cooler 9°C (48°F) average. January and February are the warmest months of the year, and July is the coldest.
Situated just 1 hour from Christchurch in the heart of the Canterbury high country, Terrace Downs golf course is one of New Zealand’s most unique golfing landscapes. Designed by David Cox and Sid Puddicombe, the 18-hole par 72 course has a varied hole design making the golfers strategic choices all the more important. The Parkland style front 9 course is sheltered with a ‘Woodland’ feel, while the links style back 9 course is described as having a ‘Scottish’ feel with its open setting.
Described as one of New Zealand’s best mountain courses, the high-country setting means that the changeable weather patterns can add to the drama of a round. The breathtaking mountain and river canyon views mean a camera is an essential piece of equipment in your golf bag.
The most exciting hole on the course is the 130-metre (143 yard), par 3 16th with a tee box that clings to the edge of the gorge and towers over the Rakaia River below – it’s simply one of the most stunning holes in the country.
Set in a natural, alpine amphitheatre, against the backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range, the Millbrook golf course exploits the dramatic terrain fully, delivering truly world-class golf.
Designed by legendary master golfer Sir Bob Charles and stretching 6400-metres (7000 yards), the original 18-hole, par 72 championship course features 4 different tee positions for complete enjoyment at all levels of playing expertise. In 2010, Milllbrook added the ‘Coronet Nine’ to its arsenal, a more naturally rugged and challenging 9 than the more resort-style original layout. This boosts Millbrook’s standing as a premier course and has helped Millbrook obtain its co-hosting of the NZ Open status.
The old 18-hole course contains a number of elevated tee shots from where the golfer can really take stock of the spectacular mountain scenery. The 510-metre (558 yard), par 5 5th hole, for instance, sweeps majestically around a small lake and a series of bunkers, offering a classic risk-reward choice – play it safe down the left of the fairway or cut the corner and risk ending up in sand or water, for the reward of playing an approach to the green in 2.
Like Millbrook, Jack's Point golf course is backed by the Remarkables mountain range, making it one of the most visually spectacular in the world. As an 18-hole, par 72 championship course, Jack’s Point offers golfers an exciting challenge with 5 tee positions to choose from, providing all golfers an unforgettable golf experience.
Measuring 6388 metres (6986 yards) from the championship tees, the course has been designed around the natural landscape, with minimal excavation. The course weaves through native tussock grasslands, dramatic rock outcrops, steep bluffs and swathes of native bush to the edge of Lake Wakatipu. The result is a modern throwback to classic, naturalistic architecture – seemingly influenced by courses such as Sand Hills and Ballyneal, but with a clear Central Otago flavour.
The most eye-catching hole is the 7th, which plunges steeply downhill to an infinity green that is backed by a drop off down to the lake. The challenge for the first-time visitor is to trust that he or she has the right club in hand, with no visual references or perspective to guide them (and that’s on a still day)!
Laid out within a massive 465-acre property beside the airport, to the north of Christchurch, Clearwater golf course is the closest thing in New Zealand to American-style “Parklands” golf. If you like your golf to come with scenic views, this 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course meanders around a succession of spring-fed lakes and trout-filled streams, with uninterrupted views of the spectacular Southern Alps.
A couple of holes are worthy of a special mention. The par 4 3rd is the pick of the holes on the front 9 as it’s tougher than it looks, with a waster bunker on the right and a dog-legged fairway. The par 4 18th, meanwhile, is regarded by some commentators as one of the best finishing holes in the country, playing from an elevated tee to a green that sticks out into a lake, bringing water into play on 3 sides.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
