Spectacular is a word overused throughout this feature. Overused, but accurate. There isn’t a term which better describes playing golf at some of New Zealand’s finest – and globally ranked – layouts; what comes alongside the golf is even more of a representation of the adjective.
Regardless of how often you are lucky enough to pack your bags and get ready for a golf trip, there is always that excitement when getting the clubs clean, organising the polos and watching the flyovers online of the courses you and your mates will combat over the coming days.
Golf trips are fantastic regardless of how they look in the brochures.
Within the role this writer calls “work”, I have been lucky enough to experience my fair share of great golf to report back to this shiny journal. When Golf Australia magazine received the invite for a seat on Luxury Adventures’ Ultra-Luxe tour of New Zealand’s North Island, the entire office was salivating at the itinerary which Steve, Dee and the team from Luxury Adventures had provided.
It was, again ... spectacular.
Putting the golf to one side for a second – because the golf courses coming up do the talking for themselves. – the itinerary’s attention to detail, depth and care was second to none. There were no holes in the program; it was a perfect balance of organisation and the freedom to enjoy your own time.
Get me on the plane.
I was greeted by Steve and Dee at Christchurch Airport and the trip began with a flight to Auckland. Joining us on our travels was the team from Local Films, based the Sunshine Coast, and Luke Brown, star of the upcoming documentary Going Pro.
Te Arai Links has made headlines globally over the past couple of years. The 36-hole complex is a sister destination to the ultra-exclusive Tara Iti, a tick over an hour north of Auckland Central.
The Tom Doak-designed North Course and Coore and Crenshaw-designed South are the talk of the town in the area, and why wouldn’t they be? It is the who’s who of golf architecture on one property.
You feel the suspense when you drive into Te Arai. Towering pines line the road into the North – the only one we played this time. To say you are well looked after would be an understatement. The service is, as expected, first-class.
This writer’s advice would be to get there early, as our itinerary ensured we did, because you need the time to soak in all this bucket list destination has to offer. Enjoy a bite to eat, a coffee or something a touch stronger at Ric’s Restaurant, overlooking the massive practice green, which is dramatic and undulating. The green boasts its own 18-hole circuit, which gives you a great taste of what you might expect on the North Course. Or if you are a range rat, you can bang balls until your heart’s content.
You jump in a shuttle and are whisked away to whatever course has your name on the tee sheet.
First impressions when you step foot on the first tee at the North are a combination of things. As far as the eye can see along the right is one of the most incredible beaches you’ll ever lay eyes on.
Playing the North is an experience painted by the Pacific wind and shoreline. You will find yourself playing on shifting dunes. Doak’s minimalist approach is evident until you get to the putting surfaces, which are wavy and breathtaking; the perfect fit for a creative mind around the greens. Using the contours to access flags is a significant part of the North.
We felt like we had the course to ourselves; our own little slice of paradise. The most pristine and tight fairways I have ever seen were borderline impossible to differentiate from the greens.
I struggle to remember having more fun on a golf course than at Te Arai North; every shot was different from the last, with the whole experience entertaining for all abilities.
Staying on the course is always a neat experience. The suites organised by Luxury Adventures were the definition of luxury.
With plenty of options outside of the golf, the Ultra-Luxe package can be specifically tailored as an itinerary catered for couples; this would be a tremendous spot to take the wife, husband, or partner. The suites are scattered all over the property. Ours overlooked the range, where you could see the sunrise from behind the Pacific in the morning; a lovely touch and genuine first-class living. There will be some raving food reviews throughout this report (written by someone massively underqualified as a food critic, especially regarding fine dining).
The Ocean restaurant is beside the 18th on the South Course, just a lob wedge from the rolling waves of the Pacific.
The interiors blend native timbers, soft lighting and dunes-inspired textures. The menu leans into the brilliance of local and seasonal seafood, meat and produce: tender paua ravioli, snapper crudo and delicate kumara puree spring to mind. Each dish arrives plated with care and class, but the view and the quiet seaside hush make you feel as if you have been whisked away to another universe. Dinner feels like part of the landscape – beautiful and unforgettable.
After enjoying breakfast at Ric’s, it was time to get on the road to Kauri Cliffs in the Far North. For Ultra-Luxe travellers, a charter flight is typically on the cards; for us, it was a scenic drive through New Zealand’s rural North.
The drive is a relatively long commute by car, but it gives you a fantastic chance to soak in an authentic taste of New Zealand. I would recommend stopping in at one of the local bakeries along the way (if you don’t opt for the charter flight) to enjoy some rural New Zealand’s premier pastries.
Cruising into Kauri Cliffs reminds me of driving into an old farm. The gravel road which stretches for kilometres is surrounded by paddocks on both sides. I will be honest, I thought we had taken the wrong turn.
Arriving at the main building at Kauri Cliffs after a bumpy trek is like finding the pot of gold at the rainbow’s end. It is simply breathtaking.
For a golf sicko which this reporter clearly is, the replica of Michael Campbell’s 2005 U.S Open trophy stationed in the pro shop is a nice touch and enough to combat a bit of thick rough like Cambo did at Pinehurst en route to taming Tiger Woods.
Out of all the golf courses which this phenomenal Ultra-luxe journey took me on, the views at Kauri were the most incredible, especially on the eastern side of the property. The golf starts slow, meaning you are still able to soak in the panoramic views of the Pacific glistening in the distance.
The course is phenomenal and one of our tougher accuracy tests on the tour. The closing holes, notably 15, 16 and 17, are fantastic golf holes that give you plenty to think about. The short par-4 16th measures 319 metres off the regular men’s tees with a fairway that sweeps right to left. The hole weaves downhill, so it plays slightly shorter than your yardage book tells. The astounding natural backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, Cavalli Islands and the
unique offshore rock stacks and reefs is one of the more picturesque canvases for a golf hole. Longer hitters can try to bite off some extra meat and attack the green. Don’t miss left ... Bunkers line the entire left side of the fairway and green. Miss further left and you’ll find a watery grave some 100 metres below the cliffs.
Both Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers fall under the Rosewood banner.
Since 2023, Rosewood Hotels and Resorts has taken the reins at Robertson Lodges. Iconic coastal estates, originally crafted by the Robertson family in 2001, pair world-class golf with sprawling farmland, conservation-minded luxury and that unmistakable New Zealand sense of place.
The golf was a fantastic and deeply unique experience, supported by the visual extravaganza which Kauri’s rolling terrain and panoramic vistas offer. But the luxury goes to another level once you’ve shaken hands on the 18th green and returned to your suite to prepare for a fireplace, five-star, four-course dinner underneath the northern stars.
The suites are immaculate, with polished native woods, homely bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the escarpment and Pacific beyond. Private terraces can be enjoyed with a coffee or evening nip of whiskey.
Beneath a velvet sky, your fire glows with quiet brilliance. The pork belly comes crisp-skinned and tender, rich but balanced with pickled stone fruit. Local seafood follows, perfectly poached, the ocean still clinging
to it, before a lamb rack so well cooked it barely needs a knife. Each course is opulent, seasonal and as Kiwi as it comes.
The Ultra-Luxe package offers a rich mix of experiences beyond the golf: unwind at the luxury spa tucked into native bushland, explore private beaches like Pink Beach, or the itinerary can be tailored to include guided estate tours through rolling farmland and forest, nature walks, fishing and horse trekking. Or, while in the area, check out the world-famous Bay of Islands on a chartered Super Yacht. The outdoors comes to life in the North, while curated cultural encounters and wine tastings can round out the stay. Whether you’re chasing serenity, scenery, or something uniquely Kiwi, you’ll find it at Kauri, that’s for sure.
A private charter to Kauri Cliff’s big brother in the Hawke’s Bay, Cape Kidnappers, is next on the menu. If you’re a keen reader of this publication, you’ll have read the ins and outs of Tom Doak’s masterpiece, which is golf at the edge of the Earth.
Kidnappers takes your breath away the moment you arrive. The drive in, along a winding gravel road through native bush, is an authentic taste of New Zealand, and if you’re lucky enough to time it with sunset, you might even spot a Kiwi. The property is home to thousands. In 2001, the late Julian Robertson commissioned Doak to design a world-class layout along the dramatic Hawke’s Bay cliffs. Doak, known for working with the land rather than against it, delivered a visually spectacular and revered course.
The golf is sensational, and you can see why it is so critically acclaimed.
The bunkering is a classic feature. As The Kiwi Caddy wrote in his online review:
“The trademark Doak bunkering is fantastic, both visually and strategically; the varieties in size and shape seem to have a gravitational pull much greater than their stature. The greens are as good as anywhere you will find – running fast, firm and pure; the diversity in complexes makes many approaches a guessing game the first time around, and shots around the green become far more interesting.”
Doak believes it is one of a kind.
“It is so much higher on the cliffs than any other course. It just gives you a different perspective on how big the world is. In the end, I’ve had the privilege to build several links courses, but there is only one Cape Kidnappers,” Doak told Golf Australia magazine.
The lodge at Cape Kidnappers sets the standard for any on-site accommodation.
When you enter, it feels beyond exceptional. Set among dramatic cliffs, you feel removed from the world. The design leans into farmhouse charm: weathered wood, wide verandas and open-plan living spaces which spill effortlessly into the landscape. It is all impeccably done; every view is framed. A retreat leaning into an escape.
Spacious suites and The Owner’s Cottage are all designed with warm wood, soft textiles, and coastal-inspired decor. The culinary experience at Kidnappers’ Restaurant is the finest dining experience I have ever had, period. The seasonal menus are crafted from the best local meats, seafood and produce and paired with acclaimed Hawke’s Bay wines, which are served in the lodge’s dining room or more intimate settings.
Beyond the 18 holes, the Ultra-Luxe includes activities like farm tours, spa treatments, hiking, clay shooting, mountain biking, or exploring the world’s largest mainland gannet colony on the property. It is the complete package and, in all honesty, was a hard place to leave. Until we arrived at the next…
Taupo is one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations. It has something for everyone. With hot Springs, adventure and first-class lodges, luxury is at your fingertips and comes from every angle.
Before we discuss the phenomenal golf, which slides slightly under the radar on the broader scheme of the Kiwi golfing landscape, I’d like to talk about the aspect of the itinerary which made me shake in my boots a bit.
I have never been an adrenaline junkie. I enjoy driving the speed limit and staying at ground level. Boring? Maybe.
Steve had locked this resident journo in for a 47-metre bungy jump at AJ Hackett Taupo Bungy and Swing.
It was the only thing on this list of luxury which made me squirm a bit. I had lived lavishly and the life of a high roller for several days. It was time to get out of my comfort zone.
I jumped. Would I do it again? Probably not, but I definitely did something I wouldn’t have otherwise. Extracurriculars like this feel endless on the Ultra-Luxe; no stone is left unturned.
Kinloch Manor, awesome.
First of all, it is emphatic as a facility away from the golf course.
Kinloch Manor blends architectural drama with refined rural luxury. Built to echo the form of a modern-day castle, the manor stands boldly above Lake Taupo with a mix of schist stone, steel and natural timber. Inside, it’s all deeply considered elegance – soaring ceilings, statement fireplaces and communal spaces which feel both grand and grounded. The restaurant leans into local produce with seasonal degustation menus, while the spa, gym and outdoor hot tub add polish to a stay that feels both indulgent and deeply connected to its setting.
Kinloch’s villas offer a more private take on luxury – self-contained, quietly elegant and echoing the same architectural character as the manor itself. With one or two bedrooms, each villa features generous living spaces, fireplaces and deep soaking tubs, all framed by lake or fairway views. The kitchens and heated stone bathrooms add comfort, while private terraces and optional in-room dining allow guests to switch off without losing touch with the lodge’s refined service.
Kinloch was a course of which I had heard rave reviews. I am historically not a massive fan of Jack Nicklaus-designed courses, but they do put a premium on accuracy. I think some aspects of his golf courses lack a bit of creativity and are very “American”, which just doesn’t tickle my fancy.
The Kinloch Club made me eat my words and some. Set on dramatic, undulating terrain overlooking Lake Taupo, it blends rugged, links-style features with strategic bunkering and fescue grasses. It pays homage to some of the great links courses across the globe.
Just a fantastic layout. It leapt into the top courses I’ve played in the country. I loved all aspects of the challenge provided.
Our visit here would round out our Ultra-Luxe tour; we all knew it was our final round of the trip. Mother Nature must have known, too, because she produced an absolute stunner. An early morning tee time in New Zealand hits slightly differently than anywhere else. There is a crispness in the air and the native birds hum as you use the practice facilities.
Golf at the Kinloch Club is a proper test of precision and strategy. It is a phenomenal championship ballpark that can tip the scales at 7363 yards off the championship tees.
The par-4 6th hole was a favourite here. It is one of the best short-fours in the country. A decision-making tee shot is on the cards, like with all great short par-4s. Hit an iron up the right where the fairway banks from right to left, leaving a wedge or low-iron into an undulating green guarded by bunkers and uneven rough. Bombers can have a dip; a small landing area on the direct line could help if you don’t quite catch your drive. I advise the former to allow yourself to use the contours.
Local beer was enjoyed at the clubhouse afterwards, while we reflected on our favourite tour moments.
The Ultra-Luxe tour explores New Zealand’s golf and beyond in first-class form. A golf trip, but elevated beyond my wildest fantasies. Every stop, from cliff-top fairways to fireside fine dining, is curated to deliver the country’s natural drama and hospitality with a polish of pure excellence. Luxury Adventures has struck the perfect balance: world-class golf, five-star living and a true immersion into what makes Aotearoa unforgettable. It’s not just about ticking off bucket list escapes; it’s about diving into them and the country which hosts them at full volume and in total luxury.
www.luxuryadventures.co.nz; info@luxuryadventures.co.nz
GOING PRO
Luke Brown admits the idea began over beers.
A mate once boasted he could go pro in golf within four years. Brown doubted him, then realised the real challenge lay with himself. “I reckon I could do it. Not him, but I could,” he recalls.
What started as a thought in the pub, became the seed for Going Pro, a raw documentary series tracking Brown’s unlikely journey from suburban dad battling alcohol and old habits to hopeful Australian Open qualifier.
“Ultimately, I needed a goal that would stop me drinking and give me a chance to repair my nervous system,” he says. “Who knows what’s possible if I could do that.”
Brown joined Luxury Adventures on the Ultra-Luxe along with the talented crew from Local Films.
Season One of Going Pro launches in October, documenting Brown’s first year chasing a goal many would dismiss as fantasy: making the field for the Australian Open. Even he knows how outrageous that might sound.
But for Brown, qualifying isn’t the only win. “A hundred percent, mate,” he tells Golf Australia magazine. “The main focus is the underlying themes … transforming your life is the main purpose of this doco.”
That transformation is personal. Brown speaks candidly of the toll alcohol took on his health and family, and his fear that his daughters would grow up seeing him as the individual he became on the booze.
Filming was accountability. “I actually need the film crew on it because I need that accountability piece,” he says. “Hopefully, the gains would be massive so that other men ... could possibly lean into it themselves.”
Brown’s goals in year one were modest on paper; get his handicap down to three, stay sober and build the daily habits of a professional athlete. But they carried an even bigger purpose: to break cycles, build belief, and show his daughters – and himself – what real change looks like. “I’ve never really liked the person I become when I’m drinking,” he says. “I’ve always hoped that being sober would suit me.”
As he eyes year two, Brown is considering taking a sabbatical from work and going all in on the dream. “Hopefully, the manifestations can change once you get into the new territory,” he says.
For now, Brown’s story isn’t about the destination, but the transformation along the way. And when Going Pro premieres on YouTube in October, he hopes it can spark something bigger. “If we’re not chasing something down ... we’re probably going to battle more often than not,” he says. “But if we are ... we’re closer to the better version of ourselves.”
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