A year ago, one lucky scribe from this esteemed publication was taken on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, scoping out Luxury Adventures’ Ultra Luxe Itinerary in New Zealand’s North Island. Turns out, it would be twice in a lifetime.
Part Two of the Ultra Luxe Golf Tour explores New Zealand’s South, playing some of the world’s most critically acclaimed golf courses, staying at five-star boutique hotels, taking helicopters to the tops of mountain ranges, and dining at some of the country’s finest restaurants, led by some of the best chefs on the planet. Exploring this part of the world is always exciting; doing it in luxury is something else entirely.
Luxury Adventures has long been responsible for crafting first-class itineraries for travellers wanting to experience pockets of the world in the best possible way. Now, they are making waves in the golf scene, and for good reason. Their Ultra-Luxe golf itinerary is becoming increasingly popular among travelling golfers; those setting their sights not only on elite golf experiences, but on enjoying them in a way like no other.
The Queenstown and Central Otago chapter of our Ultra Luxe odyssey is nothing short of dreamy. We landed in Queenstown to sweeping vistas of mountains and lakes, before playing some of New Zealand’s most spectacular golf, staying in castles of luxury, dining like emperors, and even hitting golf balls from the top of a snow-covered mountain range.
Over four action-packed days, we took on Millbrook Resort’s two championship courses, battled Jack’s Point’s strategic demands, and tested ourselves at Queenstown Golf Club. Our lodgings were the indulgent RŌKI Collection – 15 ultra-chic lakefront suites by designer Virginia Fisher – and Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Queenstown’s five-star historic boutique, freshly crowned a 2025 Michelin Key property. Both offered roaring fireplaces, second-to-none service, and restaurants brimming with local flavour.
We delved into the eccentric RŌKI dishes from the hands of world-renowned chef Paul Froggatt, quietly sipping luxury wines in RŌKI’s Essence. Combine that with another night fireside at Eichardt’s – fine steaks paired with Pinot Noir – and it was quintessentially Kiwi.
Then, there was the flying part.
Over The Top Helicopters took us to 4,500ft for our “Altitude Green” – New Zealand’s world-famous par-3 course. Playing a tiny strip of turf perched above Queenstown was a jaw-dropper. Along the way, this writer squeezed in spa dips, wine tastings, and more than a few laughs about how I might never look at a golf trip the same way again.
Millbrook Resort kicked off the Ultra Luxe. Flanking the outskirts of Arrowtown, Millbrook is a full alpine escape and current host of the New Zealand Open; you know you’re in for a championship test. The Remarkables Course was the resort’s original layout, routed by John Darby and the great Sir Bob Charles. Its backdrops are indescribably beautiful, weaving through rolling fairways bisected by creeks and accented by ancient pines.
At tee-off, crisp mountain air fills the lungs, and the turf is as pure as you’ll find. The greens are large and fast - generous targets, but often guarded by strategic bunkering. Positioning is key, with surfaces running true year-round.
The finishing stretch on The Remarkables layout is fantastic: risk-reward par-4s followed by a famous par-3 finisher requiring precision to an island-style green protected by water. A fitting way to wrap up a superb round.
By noon, the Millhouse restaurant is calling your name – a century-old stone building with a giant turning wheel by the stream. It is as scenic a lunch setting as you could imagine, with big windows looking out onto golfers tackling the par-3 18th.
We then reloaded the carts for Millbrook’s Coronet Course, a newer par 72 (6342m from the tips). Coronet shows off Millbrook’s more rugged side. After two relatively gentle opening holes, the layout plunges and rises through wild schist canyons and wetlands. The course's back nine highlights Greg Turner’s design brilliance; you’ll use almost every club in the bag.
The standout for this writer was the downhill par-4 13th, where the bold can have a crack at the green, though bunkers and a delicate pitch await. A hole with more than one way to make four – a brilliant piece of design.
RIGHT: A historic lakefront masterpiece. PHOTO: Supplied.
Millbrook’s courses are consistently ranked among New Zealand’s top 10, and playing them back-to-back was a privilege.
After golf, we retired to Eichardt’s Private Hotel.
Eichardt’s exudes an antique charm rooted in its 1860s origins, its history woven through polished timber and Persian rugs. There is no such thing as a “standard” room here; each suite is unique. Ours featured a bay-window nook overlooking the lake, along with fireplaces and heated floors.
The concierge swiftly dried our golf gear after late rain at Millbrook, and by evening we were gathered by the grand fireplace for a whisky toast.
Dining at Eichardt’s hit another high note. We began at Eichardt’s Bar before moving to The Grille, where the menu showcased Southland scallops and high-country venison. In truth, every dish lived up to the promise of “the best of New Zealand local cuisine”.
My personal favourite was the steak, though others raved about the venison and chestnut purée. Beyond the windows, Queenstown shimmered with lake lights - a perfect finale. Afterwards, we wandered to the terrace for one last whisky by the water.
Arriving at Jack’s Point the next day felt like stepping into another world, snowfall adding to the drama.
Jack’s Point is raw and striking. One side drops into Lake Wakatipu; the other stretches into golden fescue climbing toward snow-capped peaks. The clubhouse is an immaculate wood-and-stone lodge, but out on course, you feel wonderfully isolated.
Designed by John Darby in 2008, the par-72 layout has been widely lauded – ranked No.2 in New Zealand by New Zealand Golf magazine in 2020 – and, depending on who you ask, it might just be the country’s finest golfing experience.
The standout on the front nine was the short par-4 6th: around 260m, plunging downhill off a cliff with stone walls and tussock lurking. The par-3 7th is another gem, played from an elevated tee to a green perched on the hillside, spectacular Lake Wakatipu glistening beyond.
By the 15th, you’re on the plateau among sheep paddocks and wooden gates – a slice of Scotland beneath The Remarkables.
After 18 holes, you feel like a conquering Olympian.
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