Discover Wellington’s capital sights and indulge in Wairarapa’s fine wine on your golfing holiday in the Lower North Island.
Wellington, named by Lonely Planet as the “coolest little capital” is home to two marquee courses – Royal Wellington Golf Club and Paraparaumu Beach Golf Links. Recently renovated, the Royal Wellington Golf Club has a parkland setting running along the Hutt River and will host of 2017 Asia Pacific Amateur. In stark contrast, Paraparaumu Beach Golf Links is considered by many as the best links course in the Southern Hemisphere, and is the only golf club in New Zealand that has hosted Tiger Woods.
Experience courses like Manawatu Golf Club provide additional golf options while Wellington never fails to impress with its plethora of activities. Whether you’re artistically inclined, enjoy indulging in wine, food and craft brew, or an outdoor enthusiast, Wellington and its surrounding areas have something for you.
For those wishing to complete the North Island loop and return to Auckland, detour to the west coast of the North Island, and you will arrive at the coastal town of New Plymouth in Taranaki. One of the Lower North Island region’s Experience courses, New Plymouth Golf Club, is a seaside course with views of the Tasman Sea and the conical Taranaki Maunga. Wonderful cycle ways, beautiful beaches and excellent walks and hikes define the Taranaki region.
Heading back to Auckland from New Plymouth, be sure to visit the Waitomo Caves (a stunning labyrinth of glowworm caves, sinkholes and underground rivers) and the Hobbiton Movie Set.