New Zealand Golf Courses | Te Arai, Kauri Cliffs & More – Working Holiday

New Zealand Set to Host Elite Golf Tours in 2026

New Zealand is preparing to welcome golfers and enthusiasts alike in 2026, with several high-profile tours and opportunities for luxury golf vacations planned. Courses like Kauri Cliffs, Te Arai Links, and Cape Kidnappers are set to feature prominently, attracting players seeking world-class golfing experiences amidst stunning scenery.

Perry Golf is offering a small group tour in November 2026, promising access to five World Top 100 courses. This includes the highly regarded Cape Kidnappers, Te Arai Links, and Kauri Cliffs. The tour also incorporates a unique “fly-cruise-fly” adventure to discover what is described as the 8th Wonder of the World, though the specific location of this wonder isn’t detailed.

Downunder Endeavours is catering to those seeking a more extensive golf adventure with a non-stop package encompassing both Australia and New Zealand. This package highlights courses such as Barnbougle (in Australia), Kauri Cliffs, and Cape Kidnappers. The itinerary includes four nights in Tasmania, three in Melbourne, three in Sydney, two in Auckland, three at Kauri Cliffs, two at Te Arai Links, and two at Cape Kidnappers, suggesting a comprehensive exploration of the region’s golfing landscape.

The Downunder Endeavours package isn’t solely focused on golf. It also emphasizes the opportunity to experience unique wildlife tours and visit magnificent wineries, positioning the trip as a broader “spectacular golf getaway.” A particularly unique offering is the chance to hold endangered kiwi birds, facilitated through an exclusive encounter with researchers at Cape Kidnappers who carefully awaken the birds for this rare hands-on experience.

For golfers who prefer independent travel, New Zealand Golf Tours offers a 7-day luxury independent tour. This tour features play at Kauri Cliffs, Te Arai Links (either the North or South Course), The Hills, and Millbrook Coronet Course. The tour is designed for those who want to explore at their own pace, with options for either a premium rental car or helicopter/ground transfers.

The 7-day tour emphasizes luxury accommodations at exclusive lodges, providing direct access to the golf courses and offering gourmet dining and breathtaking views. New Zealand Golf Tours assures travelers that every detail will be managed, from pre-booked tee times to flightseeing tours, aiming to create a seamless and fantastic holiday experience. The tour also acknowledges the interests of non-golfing partners, noting the scenic destinations and available sightseeing tours.

Recent social media discussion, as of December 14, 2024, highlights Kauri Cliffs as a favorite among New Zealand golf courses, alongside Jack’s Point, Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, Tieke Golf Estate, and Royal Auckland. A Facebook post from February 4, 2026 also mentions Te Arai Golf Links, Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers and Royal Auckland as destinations for a golf road trip.

Tasmania’s Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm courses are also highlighted as key destinations for golf enthusiasts. The recently opened Bougle Run, a 14-hole layout featuring 12 par-3s and 2 short par-4s, adds another dimension to the Tasmanian golfing experience, drawing comparisons to similar layouts at Pinehurst and Bandon Dunes.

The courses themselves are described as offering unique challenges and stunning aesthetics. Cape Kidnappers, in particular, is noted for its clifftop drama, while Te Arai Links North and South courses are praised for their overall quality. Kauri Cliffs is situated in the Bay of Islands, adding to the appeal of the region.

These offerings collectively position New Zealand as a premier destination for golf tourism in 2026, catering to a range of preferences from escorted group tours to independent, luxury travel. The combination of world-class courses, unique wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty promises an unforgettable experience for golfers and their companions.