Queenstown has long been celebrated as ‘the adventure capital of the world.’ Now this Southern Island gem can add a new title to its accolades: ‘Epic Golfing Destination.’
I delved into the statistics about how many golf courses are in this region and the results are impressive. 48 in fact, ranging from rugged community tracks to world-class championship courses. We had the privilege of playing at the Big 5: The Remarkables, Coronet, Queenstown, Arrowtown and Jack’s Point. Golf Journeys had all bases covered, they even organised a revenge round at Jack’s Point.
Queenstown, with its snow-capped mountains towering in the background, offers a stunning backdrop that transform each golf course into a breathtaking canvas for an unforgettable golfing experience.
Golf Journeys Managing Director, Mark Hawley says this is one of his most popular trips. It sells out almost immediately, “New Zealand is stunning, and this golf tour ticks all the boxes,’ Mark said. “I think the one word that sums it up is probably epic. One of the hardest parts is actually focusing on your game, because you keep getting carried away with the views, stepping onto the tee and going wow.”
This tour has a lot more appeal than people realise. It’s a short distance from Australia, the courses are all in close proximity, the accommodation is luxurious, and the favourable New Zealand exchange rate makes it exceptional value.
Did you know: Queenstown has four internationally renowned championship courses.
Day 1: Millbrook Resort
Arriving at Millbrook Resort in its story book setting, this award-winning resort was our home away from home for the next four days.
We were treated to a sumptuous degustation dinner at The Millhouse restaurant, which was paired with Valli Wines, a small boutique winery in the Central Otago region. A standout dish was the plum glazed Canter Valley duck, which had been meticulously prepared for 3 weeks. It was superb and sweet.
The dinner was an opportunity for us to mingle and meet our new golfing family for the next nine days. I sat next to Wayne and Victoria Hill from Brisbane, both aged in their 80’s and still playing golf regularly. As a very high handicapper, I shared my concerns about taking on a championship course. Wayne reassured me and said the golf should be secondary, “It’s about having fun, meeting new people and taking in the beautiful scenery.”
Did you know: Millbrook Resort plays host to the NZ Open.
Day 2: Let the golf begin!
You know you’re in for a serious golfing experience, when you arrive at the Pro Shop and find a dedicated hub with its own golf concierge, a water bottle station and complimentary tees and markers. The golf carts were lined up with Formula One precision, our tee times were set, clubs securely loaded, and we were ready for action. Show time everyone!
Joined by my girl gang from the Albert Park Women’s Golf Club - Ruth Hobson, Jackie Ihle, and Helen Furgeson - we took on The Remarkables course. This stunning 18-hole championship course is set in an alpine amphitheatre at Millbrook Resort. With five different tee positions, this course caters for every skill level, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
My inexperience became evident as I found every bunker on the first nine holes, only to pass the bunker baton onto Helen Furgeson on the back nine. At this point my game took another turn, and I found myself getting acquainted with the rough. And rough it is. Laugh we did. Back at the clubhouse, others shared their Remarkables experience. “After a while you forget about how you’re hitting the ball and look at the scenery, it was breathtaking from one hole to the next,” said Helen.
Good to know: New Zealand doesn’t have snakes or creepy crawlies, so searching for golf balls in the rough is a stress-free experience.
Day 3: Coronet
Some might say you need the agility of a mountain goat to tackle Coronet as it is nestled in towering mountainous terrain.
I played with experienced couple Pauline Mackenzie and Barry Lennon. Each hole presented its own unique challenges, but navigating the water hazards on the final stretch demanded not only strategic thinking but impeccable execution. On the 15th hole, with one ball lost in the drink and another playing hide and seek in the rough, my wheels were well and truly falling off. Then Pauline gently placed her hands on my shoulders and whispered, “Sweetheart just breathe!”
I finished the round feeling a bit battered, but every lost ball was well worth it. Fellow Coronet convert, Paul Robinson, agreed, “I really loved this course, just for the sheer beauty of it and an incredibly different layout. Elevated and narrow at times and then all that water towards the end.”
Putting for plonk
The golfing theme continued with a lively game on the putting practice green, where wine bottles were set up as target practice. The game was simple, putt and hit your favourite blend, and the bottle was yours to keep. A surprising amount of strategy went into play to secure a premier drop of New Zealand plonk. Scott Wilmer went for gold and scored the top prize, a 25th Anniversary bottle of Pinot Noir Valli wine.
It was the perfect appetizer, before we all set off to historic Arrowtown for a beautiful dinner at our leisure.
Did you know: There are over 80 wineries in Central Otago with 77% of product being devoted to Pinot Noir.
Day 4: Grape grazing in Central Otago
We enjoyed a refreshing break from golf, spending the day savouring some of New Zealand’s finest wines and indulging in farm to table dishes. We had the privilege of a private tour at the renowned Gibbston Valley Winery, which featured its own underground cave.
Following a sumptuous degustation lunch that left us with satisfied appetites and rosy cheeks from the delicious High Garden Winery, it was really time for this New Zealand crew to bond on the tour bus. The playlist was set, and as we made our way to our new accommodation, the bus erupted into a jovial rendition of “Take Me Home Country Road,” by John Denver.
We arrived in Queenstown and the evening was ours to explore this picturesque lakeside town.
Good to know: Don’t miss the Cheesery at Gibbston Valley Winery, a charming shop offering a selection of artisanal cheeses and homewares that are perfect for sneaking in your suitcase.
Day 5: Dancing on the clouds
Today our small Albert Park crew took a break from golf and decided to embark on another adventure: ride the long white cloud highway by helicopter into Milford Sound. This stunning fiord is often referred to as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World.’
Soaring metres above sheer rock faces and towering cliffs we suddenly noticed the weather was closing in. We needed to hotfoot it back to Queenstown, otherwise it was going to be a windy four-hour bus ride home.
Our resourceful pilot, Luke, suggested we abort our scheduled lake cruise, and instead he would treat us to some innovative pitstops along the way. The added bonus of our collective ‘light’ weight meant we could land almost anywhere. And that we did!
With expert precision Luke skilfully piloted the flying beast onto a rocky outcrop overlooking the Tasman Sea. Then on another occasion, he manoeuvred an adrenaline fuelled landing on a razor-sharp ridge overlooking spectacular Lake Te Anau. It was a pinch yourself moment.
Verdict: Breathtaking and unforgettable.
Day 6: Jewel in the Crown: Jack’s Point
Jack’s Point Golf Course is situated on Lake Wakatipu and sits beneath The Remarkables. Rated as one of the hardest courses on the South Island, I was also told it’s the most beautiful. Designed by John Darby, the stunning vistas have been meticulously preserved with ecological integrity.
It also comes with a big reputation. My fellow golfers didn’t hold back with their descriptions of the course. Brutal, unforgiving, scary, greens as fast as Augusta. Suddenly I was wondering whether I needed to book a therapy session post Jack.
Pray you hit the fairway because the rough is rough! To help with pace of play, we adopted the Irish rule. If you can’t find your ball within 2 minutes, take a drop and add a one stroke penalty.
The most spectacular holes hug a steep ridge overlooking the crystal-clear lake. The 6th hole is an absolute gem, an exquisite par 4 renowned for its challenging approach from the elevated tee.
On this hole, gun golfer Scott Wilmer nearly pulled off a stunning birdie. He launched a powerful 270-metre drive, and then something crazy happened. “It went 100 metres out over the lake, then we all just watched as the wind brought it back to the edge of the green. Unfortunately, it was only a par as the birdie putt lipped out from 10 foot,” Scott said.
Did you know: Jack’s Point is named after Jack Tewa, the first man to find gold in the district.
Day 7: Diamond in the rough: Queenstown
Breathtakingly beautiful Queenstown Golf Course was next on our ‘to do’ list.
A staff member from the Pro Shop kindly gave us a ‘cheat’s guide’ on how to navigate the difficult course with its sloping hills and jaw dropping water which borders three sides of the course. Basically, aim high on the fairways as the ball will always run towards the water.
Once again, I found myself with a fun but focused team. Deb Gardner, my playing partner is a seasoned veteran of Golf Journeys, and this has been one of her favourite trips. The experienced golfer was also kind enough to give me some handy tips. She observed I was not striking the ball as effectively as I could and gently said to me, “Raquel, pretend there is a diamond under the ball, and don’t look away until you see that sparkling diamond.”
Inspired by her words, for the rest of the round I found some shine to my game.
Day 8: Revenge Round: Jack’s Point
Today was our last round of golf, and it was hard to ignore some of the sombre faces at breakfast. We all knew our time together was coming to an end, however there was a shared determination to finish on a high and give Jack’s Point one more crack. “This time I know where to go and where not to go. So, I’m expecting to shoot par off the stick,” with a cheeky grin Josh Cunningham declared.
To my surprise I played my best golf. I hit straight, stayed out of the rough and had a smile on my face looking up at the incredible scenery. Ruth Hobson, who scored a whopping 41 points, summed it up perfectly, “Today I was relaxed, not rushed. What can I say about Jack - it’s tough, it’s daunting but absolutely doable!”
Did you know: Scenes from The Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed on The Remarkables.
After speaking with many of my fellow tour members, it was agreed that the golf was first class, but the scenery stole the show. This trip was also extraordinary because of the people. I now have invitations to play at Castle Hill in Sydney, Spring Valley in Melbourne and Indooroopilly in Brisbane.
As a fitting farewell, we enjoyed a spectacular dinner with tantalising tastes of the pacific at Blue Kanu restaurant in Queenstown. Then as the sunset over Lake Wakatipu, we raised a toast to these magical nine days, which created special memories for years to come.
Day 9: The long goodbye
Unfortunately, our flight was delayed leaving Queenstown. The price you pay for holidaying in a truly hidden gem of the world.
Stuck in the lounge waiting for our flight to be rescheduled, fellow Golf Journeys guest, Tony Cruise turned to me and said, “Raquel, we could have played another 18 at Jack’s Point.”
Good point Tony. For Queenstown, it’s not goodbye but “see you again soon.” I can’t wait for the next adventure. In fact, I’ve booked to go to Kenya with Golf Journeys in September.
BEST OF EPIC GOLF TOUR:
ACCOMMODATION: Millbrook Resort
COURSE: Jack’s Point
HOLE: 6th – Par 4, Jack’s Point
PRO SHOP: Millbrook Estate
COFFEE: Hole in the wall, Queenstown
LUNCH: White on Wong, Queenstown
DINNER: The Mills, Millbrook Resort
WINE: Pinot Noir, Gibbston Valley
VIEW: From a chopper flying over Milford Sound
QUOTE: “Happiness is best shared” - Mark Hawley
MOMENT: Too many to choose from.
Raquel Stevens is a former Network Ten journalist. Now she’s a true golf addict and divides her time between writing and chasing a small white ball around the world.
