Down Under Endeavours at the Masters
My Top 10 Choices for New Zealand Golf
International golf vacations run in my veins. All of my family are golfers and every year we rendezvous somewhere in the world to play a round or two and meet the locals. Of all our travels, New Zealand absolutely exceeded our expectations for golfing (and being an Aussie, its hard to admit this). New Zealand offers golf for every level of enthusiast, and more often than not, luxurious accommodations with incredible hospitality are on site or just moments away.
The most important thing to remember when golfing in New Zealand is a golf course has ten personalities on any given day, and the scenery is just as dramatic as the layout of the course. So even if your reason for traveling is not purely golf, you'll feel like you saw New Zealand, especially if you pair up with some locals.
Your greatest battle could be choosing which course to play. Here are my top 10 choices and reasons why you should play them:
1. Kauri Cliffs
Both Conde Nast and Travel + Leisure named Kauri Cliffs the best lodge in Australiasia in 2011. It has hosted The Kiwi Challenge.
The 16th Par 5 offers incredible views. The clubhouse is designed like a New Zealand shearing shed, and the onsite luxury resort makes this a complete destination.
3. Jack's Point
Located outside 'must see' Queenstown, a newer course, with the stunning Remarkables Mountains for a back drop. A great day out.
4. Millbrook Resort
Great destination luxury resort outside Queenstown. 27 holes, a wonderful spa and excellent dining on site which reflect the French history.
5. Clearwater Golf Course
Home of the New Zealand Open, plenty of trout-filled streams and a true links style. Playable year round. Five tee positions made it great for all players abilities.
6. Terrace Downs
A great stopover point in the high country South Island. Golf in the morning, and you can be salmon and trout fishing in the afternoon. Jet boating, hiking, horse riding also available.
7. Kinloch
For the historic golfer, this course is for you. It is steeped in tradition, beautiful wide open fairways. A pleasure to play.
8. Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
A true links style and only 45 minutes from Wellington. On many golfer's bucket list. Challenging!
9. The Hills
Located outside Queenstown, a by invitation experience, of the same caliber with Leopard Creek, South Africa. Statues crafted by New Zealand artists are located throughout the course.
10. Wairakei Golf Course and Sanctuary
Located within the Wairakei Geothermal Park on the North Island, the focus on returning the vegetation back to its original state. The Pouwhenua pole carving at the entrance displays the strong Maori culture in the area.
One of the other hidden benefits about golfing in New Zealand is the fact that several of the golf courses are located in regions with amazing vineyards.
Many of our staff at Down Under Endeavours are avid golfers and love their wine. Contact them today and allow them to design you a special itinerary to the countries we know best, Australia and New Zealand!
Here is a sample itinerary:
http://www.downunderendeavours.com/itn_exclusive-nz-golf.php
http://www.downunderendeavours.com/NewZealandGolfVacations.phpRead about our client Tom’s adventure golfing at Cape Kidnappers!
http://blog.downunderendeavours.com/2009/06/22/New-Zealand-Golf-Packages-luxury-golf-travel.aspx
Be gone bathroom scales be gone!
No matter what budget you have there is something to suit everyone’s taste buds in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
For those folk who just want something quick to eat, try stopping into a local bakery in Australia or a Dairy in New Zealand. Pick yourself up a meat pie and enjoy ( do not worry if you are a non meat eater there are different types of pies to suit most peoples taste buds).
Nobody should ever visit New Zealand or Australia without visiting the local Fish and Chip shop. Make sure you pick a coastal town because fish and chips always taste better when sitting by the ocean, and yes, you will be the new best mate of those pesky seagulls.
Stepping it up a notch are the local pubs and surf clubs. Walk on in and check out the blackboard on the wall for the daily special. I have to tell you folks, I had the best Roast Lamb dinner ever at a pub at the Viaduct Harbour in Auckland.
When in Australia make sure you try Moreton Bay Bugs (no they are not really bugs, they are more like flat lobsters) If that isn't your style, we also have an abundance of other fresh seafood to try. Oh, and remember, we call them Prawns in the South Pacific not Shrimp!
For those folks who are venturing across to beautiful South Africa which is known for its Cape Malay Cuisine, a meal of Bobotie is a must, this dish comes in many varieties and will leave you wanting for more..
Of course for a treat once during your trip or every night! We have some awesome dining experiences.
In South Africa, The Tasting Room in Frankschoek is one of the top 50 restaurants in the world, or go and blow your taste buds away at Constantia just outside of Capetown.
In Queenstown, New Zealand, try our hidden gem “The Cow” or for something truly upscale “Wai Waterfront Restaurant”
Of course Australia is full of amazing places to eat, from Melbourne and its European Influence and underground hidden gems to dining under the stars at Ayers Rock.
If you are a true foodie let us book you on a Zest Food Tour in Auckland or Wellington, New Zealand. These are an amazing way to get a great taste for the region and meet the people behind the scenes.
The staff of Down Under Endeavours are regular visitors to the above destinations and we all love our food. For this reason, we know all the great places to eat at from the hole in the wall to the five star cuisine. Ask us for our recommendations and allow us assist you with pre-booking those hard to get into places, and remember, if you ever run into a bathroom scale in your hotel room do as I did and throw it in the wardrobe!
To drool a bit more, check out some of these tours our staff have designed on our Down Under Endeavours website.
http://www.downunderendeavours.com/itn_foodwine04.php
http://www.downunderendeavours.com/new-zealand-wine-trail.php
http://www.downunderendeavours.com/itn_foodwine03.php
Western Australia packages available on our website
Click Here for more information.Perth and Surrounds, Ord Valley Muster and El Questro Wilderness Park, Swim with Whale Sharks, Epicurean Delights of the West, A Wish for Fish, Oprah’s Ultimate Viewers’ Western Australia Adventure, Cable Beach, Camels and Coral Cruising.
Win a Trip to Western Australia!
We're flying one lucky winner and a companion to Perth and Ningaloo Reef to experience the ultimate Luxury Wilderness Camping Experience as well as Perth's newest Luxury hotel. You will have the opportunity to add a free stop-over in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane (air only). Value: $10,000.
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Tourism Western Australia
For an extraordinary holiday, you need to go to an extraordinary destination. So if you’re looking to step into a world of awe-inspiring beauty and discover experiences found nowhere else on earth, Western Australia is the right place.
Visit the official home of travel and tourism for Western Australia here. On their site, you can begin researching your extraordinary Western Australian holiday.
Tourism Western Australia is a great partner with Down Under Endeavours, and we are excited to feature many of their spectacular locales.
There's Nothing Like Swimming with Whale Sharks at Ningaloo Reef
From April through mid July, The Whale Shark, World's Largest fish, comes to feed and play at Ningaloo Reef. Kayak, snorkel or join a chartered day trip out and swim with these majestic creatures. Hear first hand:
See our sample package: 21 nights Australia: Off The Beaten Path
Book a package which includes Western Australia, and you will be entered into a draw to win An Australian Colour "O" necklace or Kailis Pendant. Hurry Competition ends 15 April 2011.
Rio Tinto: Australian Colours 'O' Necklace
Rio Tinto's Argyle Diamond mine in the remote East Kimberley region of Western Australia is the world's largest producer of natural coloured diamonds including white, champagnes, cognacs, blues, greens and the rarest of all,
the pink diamonds.
Rio Tinto was delighted to take part in the 25th and finale season of the Oprah Winfrey Show, which also coincides with 25 years of diamond production from the Argyle mine. The Australian Colours necklace is a beautiful representation of this iconic product, arguably Australia's most beautiful export and the finest in their class.
The Australian Colours necklace is collaboration between Rio Tinto and Chow Tai Fook , Asia's leading diamond jewellery design house and luxury retailer. For further information on the Argyle Diamond Mine or the coloured diamonds from the Argyle mine please refer to:
Click on the links below for further information:
Champagne Diamond Center
Silver Mist Diamonds
Chow Tai Fook
Kailis Jewelery were overjoyed to create the Kailis ‘O’ Pendant to commemorate Oprah’s Farewell Season.
"The design of this pendant captures the synergy between the two brands – Kailis and Oprah – exquisitely and features a limited edition ‘O’ medallion with ‘Oprah The Farewell Season’ engraving."
"The medallion hangs on a 90cm sterling silver chain, partnered with a geometric pearl pendant featuring a hand selected Australian South Sea Pearl and Kailis’ signature secret black diamonds. The result is a creation which flows, is purposeful, versatile and truly beautiful".
Kailis Jewellery has always believed in bringing joy to the wearer of Australian South Sea pearls and they are delighted to share this limited edition piece with the world.
Click here To Purchase this necklace
To learn about the Kallis Jewellery
Click here to discover Western Australia
Hawkes Bay Sunday Farmers Market: Miss it at Your Own Peril. By Guest Blogger Barbara Govednik.
Normally, the thought of leaving the house on a Sunday morning is hideous to me. I prefer to make a big pot of coffee, flip through the newspapers and lay around in my pajamas as long as possible. But during my vacation in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand last year, staying in would have meant missing one of my favorite parts of the region, the Sunday Farmers Market at the Hawkes Bay Showgrounds in Hastings. And that is not something you want to miss whether you are a foodie, a foodie wannabe or just someone who gets hungry from time to time.
First off, they’ve got you covered on the caffeine and breakfast front. Sprinkled in with the vendors are coffee stalls and folks cooking up egg and cheese paninis or other breakfast goodies. A great way to start is to get yourself some sustenance, park yourself at one of the chairs in the middle of the huge oval of vendors and take it all in –smell the aroma of what’s cooking around you and the fresh ingredients for sale, listen to the busker playing his favorite song, feel the warmth of the dappled sunshine coming through the surrounding trees, watch the little kids running back and forth during their family’s Sunday morning ritual. Just be sure to leave room for a vendor’s sample or two or three.
Stomach and senses satiated, go shopping! Vendors sell everything from local, in-season fruits and veggies, to handmade jams (my mom wishes I had brought her more plum mousse), locally pressed olive and avocado oils (the latter makes the best salad dressing, fyi), cheeses, fresh bread, meats, pasta sauce, you name it. One purchase of a jar of marinara sauce got me detailed information about which vendor to buy arugula from to have with it (go see that guy over there, not the one over there) and exactly which bread would taste best dipped into it. The woman selling avocados had them arranged in three bowls: ripe to eat today, ripe to eat tomorrow, save until later in the week. Everything’s local and everything’s fresh.
We went twice while in Hastings, and I found myself loitering around the smoothie seller for longer than necessary at the end of our second trip. Yes, the smoothies were delicious, but the truth was, I didn’t want to leave. Writing this more than a year later, I still don’t want to leave. You won’t either.
Most important: Be sure to pick up a reusable shopping bag with the Farmers Market logo on it. It’s a fantastic souvenir (cheap, useful and easy to pack) and you can show it off at your hometown farmers market. Because if you can’t be smug about your travels, why bother going?
Barbara Govednik is a writer, writing coach and communication strategist who lives in Chicago, but secretly wishes she were a New Zealander. Down Under Endeavours has sent her there twice.