Golfing & Flightseeing

Whether seen from a world-class golfing green or from the window of a charter plane or helicopter, New Zealand’s breathtaking panorama of lakes, forest, coastline and snow-capped mountains adds an unforgettable dimension to outdoor activities.

Golf

A climate that’s conducive to outdoor activities makes golf a popular pastime in this part of the world. As a result, there are more than 400 crowd-free golf courses where visitors can play year-round. That’s more golf courses per capita than any other country! New Zealand has some of the world’s least expensive golfing in a friendly environment, where visitors are always warmly welcomed. Larger courses have carts and clubs for hire.

Breathtaking international courses like Kauri Cliffs in Northland, Gulf Harbour Country Club north of Auckland, Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay, Clearwater Resort in Christchurch and Millbrook Resort in Queenstown are not cheap, but playing them is guaranteed to be unforgettable. Hewn out of the landscape or perched on dramatic cliffs, they present both a challenge and an unforgettable experience to novices and experts alike.

On the other hand, there is also an excellent selection of inexpensive golf courses scattered the length of the country, even in the smallest rural village. They may not have the most luxurious of facilities, but the scenery may well be spectacular and the game challenging. And the bonus is that these courses are great value, whatever your skill level.

To find out more about golfing in New Zealand, visit the New Zealand Golf website at www.nzga.co.nz. Here you’ll find an interactive map that makes it easy to find golf courses region by region. Visit www.bestofgolfnewzealand.com to find out about the best golfing in New Zealand.

Flightseeing

Flightseeing can offer a very different view of New Zealand. Visitors can fly over White Island, an active offshore volcano, or watch Sperm Whales and Dusky Dolphins off the coast of Kaikoura. Fiordland is another great region for taking a scenic flight – towering peaks take on new dimensions from the air! Opportunities for flightseeing are available out of centres all over the country. Whether your clients choose to fly by amphibian, ski plane or helicopter, the view will be spectacular. Rest assured that New Zealand operators must abide by strict safety standards.

For a peaceful variation, visitors can float effortlessly over the landscape in a glider. Places such as Omarama in the Mackenzie Country are well-known for their optimal gliding conditions. Clubs around the country offer the opportunity to fly in a two-seater glider, accompanied by a qualified instructor. Another tranquil option is a scenic flight in a hot air balloon, in locations from Auckland to Christchurch.
The skies above New Zealand are also the setting for adventure! Paragliding is a combination of hang-gliding and parachuting. Those new to the sport can take a tandem flight with an instructor, and the more confident can exercise their skill. The Central Otago region offers a number of excellent flying sites. For the biggest adrenaline rush of all, you can’t beat skydiving. Choose a tandem jump or take lessons and jump solo.