OVERVIEW
Discover Some of New Zealand’s Finest Fairways.
Embark on an unforgettable 5-day North Island adventure that celebrates the very best of New Zealand golf.
This carefully curated itinerary showcases four of the country’s most iconic courses - Te Arai Links (North & South courses), Tieke, and Wairakei - each offering a distinct and world-class playing experience.
From the dramatic coastal fairways of Te Arai to the refined riverbank layout of Tieke and the serene sanctuary setting of Wairakei, every round is a masterclass in design, challenge, and natural beauty.
Paired with premium accommodation and scenic travel through some of Aotearoa NZ's breathtaking landscapes, this journey is crafted for golfers who seek excellence both on and off the course.
This is a short taster of just how good New Zealand golf and hospitality can be.
Duration
- 5 days, 4 nights, 4 rounds of golf
Current dates available for 2026
- Monday April 13 to Thursday April 17, 2026
*Subject to availability, bookings must be made by 30 November 2025
Locations and Courses
1.Te Arai Links: 11 Te Ara Whenua Miharo Kotiti, Tomarata 0975, New Zealand
2. Cambridge: Cambridge, New Zealand
3. Tieke Golf Estate: 72 Lochiel Road, Rukuhia 3881, New Zealand
4. Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary: 527 Wairakei Drive, Thermal Explorer Highway, Wairakei, Taupō 3377, New Zealand
Day 1 & 2: Te Arai Links
Welcome to coastal serenity and championship golf. Your journey begins with two unforgettable days and nights at the breathtaking Te Arai Links, a haven where rolling fairways meet the sea.
After settling into your elegant lodgings, ease into the experience with your first round in the late morning or early afternoon.
THE COURSES
North Course – Designed by Tom Doak
The North Course is a bold and strategic layout that blends inland dunes with dramatic green complexes. While it starts and finishes on the ocean, much of its character lies inland, where ancient Māori Pa sites and sweeping sandscapes shape the terrain. The course features wide fairways, bold bunkering, and some of the most imaginative and challenging greens in New Zealand—many shaped personally by Doak himself.
Holes like the par-5 11th and par-4 13th stand out for their dramatic elevation changes and natural hazards. It’s a walking-only links experience that rewards creativity and precision.
South Course – Designed by Coore & Crenshaw
The South Course is more accessible and playful, designed to be enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. Coore & Crenshaw had first pick of the land and used it to full advantage, crafting a layout that hugs the coastline and maximizes ocean views. The course is known for its fun, flowing design, generous fairways, and strategic bunkering. It’s a course that invites shot-making and embraces the natural beauty of its seaside setting, offering a relaxed yet refined golfing experience.
Both courses feature in the world top 100.
Important Notes:
- Tee times and course to be played on the Monday and Tuesday will be advised closer to the date of travel.
- Te Arai Links is a walking only course, meaning no carts.
- While not compulsory, we highly recommend a caddy to ensure the best possible experience.
Accommodation
Te Arai Links, King room
Day 3: Travel to Cambridge
After two memorable days at Te Arai Links, begin your journey south through the heart of New Zealand’s North Island.
The drive to Cambridge takes around three hours, offering a scenic view of the country’s varied landscapes.
For a refined break along the way, stop at Zealong Tea Estate in Gordonton, just north of Hamilton. This award-winning, 100% organic tea estate is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. Enjoy a Signature High Tea or a light lunch at the Zealong Tea Room, surrounded by serene views of the tea terraces. It’s a peaceful and luxurious way to refresh before continuing your journey.
From there, it’s a short drive to Hidden Lake Hotel & Apartments, a premium hotel in the centre of Cambridge.
Upon arrival, check in and spend the rest of the day exploring Cambridge’s tree-lined streets, artisan shops, and relaxed atmosphere.
Accommodation
Hidden Lake Hotel & Apartments
Day 4: Tieke Golf Estate
Only a few minutes from Cambridge, Tieke Golf Estate is a world-class golf destination along the banks of the mighty Waikato River.
Opened in 2022 and quickly earning marquee status, the course is crafted from the river’s original sandbed, offering a unique blend of links-style and private valley golf.
Tieke delivers a premium playing experience for golfers of all levels. The design emphasises natural beauty and seclusion, often giving you a sense you have the course to yourselves.
After your round, relax at the clubhouse’s excellent restaurant with a well-earned drink or bite to eat. From the terrace, enjoy views of the 18th green and watch fellow golfers finish their rounds in this stunning setting.
It's then just a short drive back to your accommodation at Hidden Lake & Apartments.
Accommodation
Hidden Lake Hotel & Apartments
Day 5: Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary
Today is dedicated to one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary golf destinations, Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary.
Depart from Cambridge and enjoy a comfortable 90 minute drive to Taupō, winding through rolling farmland and dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Nestled near the shores of Lake Taupō, Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary offers a truly unique blend of championship golf and native conservation.
Always regarded as a favourite among our team, this 18-hole parkland course is set within a predator-free wildlife sanctuary, where lush fairways weave through geothermal features, streams and native bush, alongside free-roaming wildlife—including deer, and takahē, an endangered NZ native bird.
The course layout is both strategic and rewarding, with pure greens, deep bunkers, beautiful water hazards (unless you're in them!) and fairways that entice you to have a go. The peaceful surroundings elevate every shot, making for a deeply memorable round.
Cap off your experience with a well-earned drink at the clubhouse and a browse through the well-appointed on-site gift shop. No visit to Wairakei is complete without a little something to remember it by.
As your tour with Vivid comes to a close, we hope the memories made—on and off the course—stay with you long after the final putt drops.
Travel ideas following completion of this tour
There are many incredible regions just a few hours’ drive from Taupō, each offering a wealth of outstanding golf courses we’d love to introduce you to.
Beyond golf, these destinations are all well worth exploring if you have extra time in New Zealand — from scenic landscapes to beaches and wineries, vibrant local culture and genuine hospitality.
Let us know if we can help recommend further travel for you.
TAURANGA / MOUNT MAUNGANUI
Travel time: ~2.5 hours northeast of Taupō
Highlights:
- Relax on the golden beaches of Mount Maunganui,
- Take a hike to the top of Mauao ('the Mount')
- Explore local markets and waterfront dining in Tauranga
- Visit Waihi Beach or take a dolphin tour in the bay
- Enjoy hot pools and spa treatments in the area
ROTORUA
Travel time: ~1 hour north of Taupō
Highlights:
- Discover bubbling mud pools and geysers in geothermal parks
- Immerse yourself in Māori culture at local villages and performances
- Relax in natural hot springs and spa retreats
- Walk or bike through the stunning Redwoods Forest
- Enjoy lake activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic cruises
- Visit adventure parks for ziplining, luging, and mountain biking
HAWKE'S BAY
Travel time: ~2 hours southeast of Taupō
Highlights:
- Sample world-class wines at local vineyards
- Stroll through Napier’s iconic Art Deco district
- Visit Cape Kidnappers and its gannet colony
- Browse fresh produce at the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market
- Explore beaches and surf at Mahia Peninsula
Pricing
TWIN SHARE
- Per person, NZ/Aus - $2,995 NZD
- Per person, International - $4,195 NZD
SINGLE PERSON – own room
- NZ/Aus - $4,195 NZD
- International - $5,495 NZD
TWIN SHARE, travel as a couple, one golfer
- Per person, NZ/Aus - $2,195 NZD
- Per person, International - $2,795 NZD
Book your tour today.
New Zealand golf experiences run by golfers who understand golfers needs.