In the summer of 2003, a passion for golf and travel inspired Will Owen to purchase a small minibus and begin offering daily golf excursions for visitors to Christchurch, New Zealand.
What started as a simple service quickly grew in popularity through hotel partnerships and online marketing, leading Will to expand tours across the South Island. By 2004, he was hosting his first multi-day golf tour for a group from Australia, alongside customized self-drive itineraries for golfers from around the world. By the summer of 2005, Playing Around New Zealand was firmly established, with first-class guides joining Will to deliver truly nationwide golf experiences. Fast forward to 2025, and thousands of golfers from across the globe have enjoyed the expertly planned itineraries and personalized service provided by Will and his team. Lifelong friendships have been formed, and many guests have returned for their second, third, or even fourth New Zealand golf adventure.
Today, Will leads a dedicated team of professionals from his Auckland office. Over the past two decades, he has cultivated strong relationships with New Zealand’s premier golf courses and luxury accommodation providers, ensuring every guest enjoys the very best of what the country has to offer. The company also operates a fleet of Mercedes vehicles, available exclusively for self-drive and guided golf tours. Expanding beyond New Zealand, Playing Around New Zealand has recently launched an outbound program for local golfers, drawing inspiration from world-class courses and services in the USA, Europe, and Asia. As proud members of the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), we uphold the highest standards of service, professionalism, and integrity.
Contact us today and let one of our New Zealand-based experts craft the perfect golf itinerary for your next adventure.
