GOLF
New Zealand
New Zealand has a way of captivating travelers with its scenery, culture and unmatched luxury lodges. For golfers, it’s a true bucket-list destination—where world-class courses are framed by rugged coastlines, rolling countryside, and majestic alpine peaks. This Lookbook was created to introduce you to a side of New Zealand that blends championship-level golf with refined lodges, exceptional cuisine, and deeply personal experiences that elevate every round into something spectacular.
Great golf journeys are about more than tee times—they’re about the moments in between: a morning mist lifting off the fairway, a fireside drink after an unforgettable round, and scenery so breathtaking you might just ask for a mulligan.
Cheers,
Ian Swain
President & Owner
Swain Destinations
SOUTH ISLAND
JACK'S POINT GOLF COURSE
Set along the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the towering peaks of The Remarkables, Jack's Point winds through a rugged alpine landscape. Each hole follows the natural contours of the land, with dramatic elevation changes and the ever-changing mountain light.
Course Details
18 holes | Par 72 | 7,162 yards
Course Architect: John Darby
Opened in 2008
OVER THE TOP
More than a scenic drive.
For a truly unforgettable drive, Over The Top offers one of the most extraordinary golf experiences in the world. Players are flown by helicopter deep into New Zealand’s remote alpine landscape, landing on a secluded plateau where a single green awaits.
Will you be the first to get a
hole in one?
Where to stay
ROSEWOOD MATAKAURI
The tranquil alpine resort of Rosewood Matakauri is located minutes from New Zealand's vibrant adventure capital of Queenstown. Unwind with a restorative treatment at the spa, set out to explore the spectacular surrounding landscapes, or immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this region.
Beyond the Course
- Milford Sound excursion; Heli Golf is also an incredible experience for non-golfers
- Central Otago wine tasting (Pinot Noir, Riesling & Pinot Gris)
- Visit a nearby historic gold mining town for shopping and dining
- The Spa at Rosewood Matakauri
- Stargazing beneath pristine alpine skies
NORTH ISLAND
CAPE KIDNAPPERS GOLF COURSE
Set high atop the dramatic cliffs of Hawke’s Bay, Cape Kidnappers is said to be Golf at the Edge of the Earth. On a rugged peninsula overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the course stretches across rolling sheep pasture before reaching a series of breathtaking cliff-edge holes where fairways seem to float above the sea.
Designed to embrace the natural contours of the land, the layout delivers both strategy and exhilaration. Ocean breezes shape each shot, while ravines and cliff tops are as beautiful as they are challenging.
Course Details
18 holes | Par 71 | 7,119 yards
Course Architect: Tom Doak
Opened in 2004
Where to stay
ROSEWOOD CAPE KIDNAPPERS
Understated luxury and warm Kiwi hospitality set the stage at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, where you'll find a wealth of experiences, from sheep mustering to touring one of the world's most revered wine regions.
Cape Sanctuary is New Zealand’s largest privately-owned wildlife restoration project. Among their many efforts to restore the peninsula’s vibrant ecosystem are the preservation of gannet colonies and protecting juvenile kiwi birds.
Beyond the Course
- Cape Sanctuary wildlife tours, including glow worms and kiwi
- Visit the world’s largest mainland gannet colony
- Traditional shepherding demonstration
- Hawke’s Bay wine tasting (Merlot, Cabernet, Syrah, Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc)
- The Spa at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
KINLOCH GOLF CLUB
Set high above the shores of Lake Taupō, Kinloch Golf Club delivers one of the most distinctive inland links-style experiences in New Zealand. The course features rolling fairways, deep bunkering, and fast, undulating greens that demand both strategy and precision.
Kinloch is dedicated to honoring the traditions of the game. Meanwhile, expansive views across Lake Taupō and the surrounding landscape provide a dramatic backdrop that is unmistakably New Zealand.
Course Details
18 holes | Par 72 | 7,138 yards
Course Architect: Jack Nicklaus
Opened in 2007
Where to stay
KINLOCH MANOR & VILLAS
Kinloch Manor & Villas offers an intimate retreat where modern, minimalist design meets medieval opulence with the raw beauty of the North Island as far as the eye can see. The Manor itself evokes elegance and sophistication, with richly appointed suites, roaring fireplaces, and sweeping views across the landscape.
Beyond the Course
- Visit Huka Falls
- Tennis
- Cruising Lake Taupō
- Tongariro National Park
- Jetboating and whitewater rafting
- Geothermal pools
- Cultural experiences
- Solar Spa
WAIRAKEI GOLF + SANCTUARY
Set within a breathtaking wildlife sanctuary, Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary offers both tranquility and world-class golf. Rolling fairways wind through native forest and wetlands, allowing native birds and wildlife to thrive alongside the course.
Course Details
18 holes | Par 72 | 6,815 yards
Course Architect: Commander John Harris
Opened in 1970
Where to stay
HUKA LODGE
Nestled on the banks of the Waikato River, Huka Lodge is a tranquil retreat where refined luxury meets natural beauty—just five minutes from Wairakei and 20 minutes from Kinloch. Guests may enjoy fly fishing on the river, luxury cruising on nearby Lake Taupō, or leisurely pursuits such as tennis, pétanque, and croquet on the lodge’s manicured grounds.
Beyond the Course
- Visit Huka Falls
- Luxury cruising on Lake Taupō
- Fly fishing
- Tennis, pétanque and croquet
- Strolling the gardens
- Huka Spa and Wellness Grounds
TE ARAI LINKS
Just north of Auckland, Te Arai Links is home to two remarkable seaside courses set among towering sand dunes along a wild stretch of coastline.
The North and South courses celebrate the traditions of links golf, where firm fairways, natural contours, and ever-changing ocean winds shape both strategy and scenery.
Course Details
Two 18 hole Courses | Par 72
Course Architects: Tom Doak (North) | Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw (South)
Opened in 2023 (South) and 2024 (North)
Where to stay
TE ARAI LINKS RESORT
Beyond the links, settle in to the relaxed coastal lifestyle of Te Arai Links Resort. Unwind in the spa, stroll along the resort’s pristine beaches, explore the surrounding coastline, or simply enjoy the laid-back rhythm of life by the sea. Evenings bring exceptional dining highlighting local seafood and seasonal ingredients, paired with New Zealand wines and sweeping sunsets over the Pacific.
Connect with the region’s rich cultural heritage by visiting the nearby Māori Pā, where ancient earthworks and terraces tell the story of the area’s early Māori communities. Guided experiences provide insight into the traditions, history, and enduring connection between the land and the people who have called this coastline home for generations.
Beyond the Course
- The world's largest putting green
- Walking, cycling, yoga, kayaking, and paddleboarding
- History and Māori cultural experiences
- The Spa and Hydrotherapy Garden
KAURI CLIFFS GOLF CLUB
Perched high above the Pacific in New Zealand’s subtropical Northland, Kauri Cliffs Golf Club delivers one of the most dramatic golf experiences in the world. Fairways roll across emerald farmland before plunging toward the sea, where a series of breathtaking cliff-top holes frame endless ocean views.
Designed to challenge and inspire in equal measure, the course invites thoughtful shot-making as shifting winds and elevation changes add intrigue to every round. It’s the kind of place where golfers pause as often for the view as they do for their next swing.
Course Details
18 holes | Par 72
Course Architect: David Harman
Opened in 2000
Where to stay
ROSEWOOD KAURI CLIFFS
Your experience at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs unfolds in true luxury-lodge fashion: mornings begin with sweeping ocean vistas, afternoons may include a round followed by a visit to the spa or private beach, and evenings end with fine New Zealand cuisine and wine overlooking the Pacific.
Beyond the Course
- Bay of Islands cruising and island tours
- Māori cultural & heritage experiences
- Pink Beach picnics and coastal walks
- The Spa at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs
Sample Itinerary
This 14-night, 8-round sample itinerary showcases some of the finest golf New Zealand has to offer, from the dramatic alpine landscapes of the South Island to the coastal courses of the North.
4
Nights at Rosewood Matakauri
- Milford Sound Heli & Cruise Tour
- 2 Rounds at Jack’s Point
- Optional: Over the Top Heli Golf Experience
3
Nights at Rosewood
Cape Kidnappers
- 2 Rounds at Cape Kidnappers
3
Nights at Te Arai Links
- 1 Round on the North Course
- 1 Round on the South Course
4
Nights at
Rosewood Kauri Cliffs
- Scenic Tour of Bay of Islands
- 2 Rounds at Kauri Cliffs
- 1 Day at leisure before departing New Zealand
Each destination pairs world-class golf with unforgettable experiences beyond the fairways—from cultural experiences and wine tasting to scenic adventures and spa indulgence—ensuring every traveler finds their own way to enjoy the journey.
Are you ready to start planning?
Every Swain Destinations itinerary is custom-designed by our Master Designers of Luxury Travel—each is a one-of-a-kind experience designed exclusively for you.
Let us know which courses and lodges interest you most and we'll take it from there.
Or call 800-227-9246