The Whole Nine Yards - Golfing in New Zealand
Magnificent courses, often set casually against a breathtaking panorama of snowcapped mountains, lakes, forest and coastline, make New Zealand one of the world's premium golfing locations.
A climate that's conducive to getting outdoors makes golf a popular pastime in this part of the world. As a result, there are more than 400 crowd-free golf courses where you can play year-round. That's more golf courses per capita than any other country! You'll also discover that New Zealand has some of the world's least expensive golfing in a friendly environment where visitors are always warmly welcomed. Larger courses have golf carts and clubs for hire. New Zealand is also home to some of the most breathtaking international courses ever to be hewn out of the landscape. Places like Kauri Cliffs in Northland, Clearwater in Christchurch and Millbrook in Queenstown are not cheap, but playing them is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.
Where To Play - An Insider's Guide By Chris Parvin
If vacation golf's more about great memories than great scores, you've come to the right place. Gulf Harbour's a great place to start, host of the 1998 World Cup where even John Daly couldn't out-drive all the sloping fairways.
Then there's Kauri Cliffs, links golf with real attitude and great views. Rotorua Clubs features scalding hot springs - leave balls in there or you'll never wear a golf glove again. Taupo Golf Club is scenic, manicured and within easy reach of great fishing too. New Judgeford, near Wellington, is hewn from farmland and includes a par three with a green somewhere way below your feet. It's hit and hope country. Amberley, an hour from Christchurch is long, windswept, beautifully kept and superb value, while inland Terrace Downs offers resort golf with a topographic theme. Clearwater, in Christchurch, has championship layout and design you'll love. In the Wakatipu play Millbrook, but don't miss Arrowtown where the front nine's like a golf theme park designed by nature. And go to Kelvin Heights to remind you why you play the game. Surrounded by lake and mountains, great holes and really friendly locals to play with...ah, but you get that everywhere.
With such an incredible variety of terrain packed into these islands, the view from the air is often a stunning smorgasboard of mountains, hills, plains and oceans. Flightseeing enables you to access parts of the country that are often out of reach, such as White Island, an active offshore volcano, or a selection of majestic peaks deep in the Southern Alps. It can also give you a very different view of areas you might have already enjoyed on the ground. Off the coast of Kaikoura you can take in the incredible sight of Sperm Whales diving or pods of up to five hundred Dusky Dolphins playing in the waves. Fiordland is another great region for taking in a scenic flight - towering peaks, valleys and waterfalls take on new dimensions from the air. Opportunities for sightseeing by air are available out of centres the length of the country - cities, major towns and resorts. You can fly by amphibian, ski plane or helicopter - whatever you choose, the view is guaranteed to be spectacular - and rest assured that New Zealand operators must abide by strict safety standards.
For a peaceful variation on flightseeing, experience the sensation of powerless flight in a glider. Places such as Omarama in the Mackenzie Country are known throughout the world for their optimal gliding conditions. Twenty-three clubs around the country offer the opportunity to take to the air in a two-seater glider, accompanied by a qualified instructor. Another tranquil option is a scenic flight in a hot air balloon. The ultimate in romantic adventure, an early morning balloon ride on a blue-skied day, watching the world from above, will be forged in your memory. You'll find opportunities for ballooning in locations from Auckland to Queenstown.
If you're in need of a bigger adrenaline rush, no problem - the skies above New Zealand are the setting for some serious aerial adventure. The terrain in New Zealand provides great opportunities to try paragliding. This combination of hang-gliding and parachuting is easier to learn than either of those sports. The experience of soaring in unpowered flight is made all the more memorable against a backdrop of stunning scenery. Those new to paragliding can take a tandem flight. For those familiar and confident in the sport, there are plenty of opportunities. The Central Otago region, for example, offers a number of excellent flying sites suited to experienced practitioners.
Of course, the ultimate adrenaline rush has to involve jumping out of a plane and plummeting towards the earth. In both North and South Islands you'll find places to try skydiving. Freefall at 200 km/hr for half a minute, then your chute is opened and you'll drift gently back down to terra firma. Tandem jumps are perfect for beginners, or take some lessons and prepare to jump solo. Breathtaking views and clear skies make New Zealand an ideal place to try this unforgettable experience.