New Zealand experiences four seasons. Our spring runs from September to November, summer from December to February and Autumn is March to May. We recommend that if you prefer to play golf in reasonably warm weather you should join us between November and March, the day time temperatures generally range between 20c to 27c (70f – 80f) plus on both islands. The golf courses are in great condition during this period. January and February are the busiest months and this is considered our high season.
FAQ's
When visiting New Zealand as a tourist for a stay of less than three months it is unlikely that you will need a Visa. Passport holders of the following countries have a Visa waiver agreement: Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United States, United Kingdom. If you are unsure please visit our immigration website.
The weather in New Zealand can be very unpredictable. Normal summer wear should be sufficient for your golf holiday between November and March but wet weather clothing should be packed and a light jacket may be required for the evenings. A smart-casual style would suit most tourist and hospitality occasions, events and locations in New Zealand. Only the most exclusive of restaurants and lodges require men to wear a dinner jacket. Although New Zealand is a very relaxed place, the golf clubs require a reasonable standard of golf attire to be worn on the course. The bright sunshine of New Zealand requires good quality sun glasses and sunscreen (SPF 20+ – perhaps wait until you arrive to get some good sun skin care advice and purchase it here?)
As golfers ourselves we understand that most golfers prefer to play with their own clubs – wherever they are in the world! With this in mind we ensure that the rental and touring vehicles are suitable for carrying golf clubs, we also ensure that you have additional baggage allowances on domestic flights. If you prefer to travel without your golf clubs we have two options for you. We can hire you a set of Taylormade clubs which we will provide upon your arrival and collect them prior to your departure. Alternatively, each of the golf courses provide quality golf club rental. We will make the bookings and you are welcome to add the cost to your package or you can pay the golf course directly.
All of the golf courses that we offer on our tours have electric carts and pull buggies available to hire. It’s advisable that we pre-book the carts as an inclusion in your package. Caddies are available at selected courses in New Zealand, we are happy to offer you advice and make caddy arrangements.
Technically, as per our terms and conditions, any unused tour inclusions are not applicable for a refund. However, if a sightseeing or activity tour is cancelled or the golf club staff agree that the weather is too bad for golf, we will be more than happy to arrange a full refund. This is particularly applicable to scenic flights.
The New Zealand Dollar is our national currency, unfortunately the Australian Dollar is rarely accepted. All major international credit cards can be used in New Zealand; and if you have your own personal identity number (PIN) on your credit card, then you can withdraw cash at an ATM at banks and at shopping malls (please check the fees with your bank). Travellers Cheques are accepted at major hotels, banks and some shops.
Tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand however if you wish to reward someone for a job well done it is always greatly appreciated.
Throughout the country the electricity voltage is 230/240 volts (50 hertz), a converter (or adapter) is required (unless the piece of equipment being used has a multi-voltage facility). Throughout New Zealand the power sockets only take a 2 or 3 pin plug. Most accommodations offer a 110 V/20 W AC sockets for electric razors only.
Generally the tap water in cities, towns and villages is of an excellent quality; therefore tap water in hotels, cafes and restaurants is safe and refreshing. Bottled water is inexpensive and found at most shops, stores and petrol/service stations.
No! Unlike our neighbours in Australia, New Zealand is fortunate to have no poisonous snakes or animals, no dangerous or wild animals and no nasty insects, making the outdoor life enjoyable and safe. Insect repellent is always a good idea near water and it’s generally advisable not to feed the wildlife unless you are in a protected sanctuary where advice about feeding is available.
In New Zealand we drive on the left. New Zealand roads are generally very well maintained and very well signposted. Finding your way outside of large cities is very straightforward and we supply a pre-programmed GPS to all of our self-drive clients. There are very few motorways or large carriageways in New Zealand with most roads being just two lane highways. This does mean that getting from A to B takes a little longer than you might be used to but of course the fantastic scenery makes it worthwhile.
Open road speed limits in New Zealand are 100kph and it will be clearly signposted where this limit applies. In urban areas the limit is usually 50kph and again this will be clearly signposted. Speed cameras are common around New Zealand and can be either mounted at specific locations or within mobile camera units and within police cars. If you speed there is a pretty good chance you will be caught.