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GOLFING HOLIDAY IN NEW ZEALAND
Those who've putted in Portugal, eagled in Ireland and birdied in Britain might want to consider adding New Zealand to their international play list. The country offers a unique combination of challenging courses with magnificent scenery, boutique accommodation and superb food and wine. Such is the ease of travelling around New Zealand that clients can literally tee off in the morning against a frieze of Alpine peaks and in the afternoon be playing on a links course to the roar of Pacific Ocean surf.

New from upmarket New Zealand specialist Bridge & Wickers is a two-week golf tour for independent travellers that includes pre-booked and paid for rounds at eight different courses with the option to play at several others.

The Golfing Highlights of New Zealand self-drive tour tees off in Auckland, where guests stay for the first three nights and play at the nearby Gulf Harbour country club, the venue for the 1998 'World Cup of Golf' competition as well as the Titirangi, a highly reputed Alister MacKenzie-designed course.

The next stop is Lake Taupo, with a break at Hamilton to play a round at St Andrews, a picturesque course bordering the impressive Waikato River. Three nights are spent at the Wairakei Resort, with a chance to relax in the heart of a thermal park

as well as play on the Wairakei International course, which is home to New Zealand's most famous par five, the 14th, known as 'The Rouge' after a geyser which used to erupt in a field nearby. For a little R&R, swim in the thermal pools, or enjoy a spot of fly-fishing or sailing. Journey onwards through rugged hills and gentle valleys to Te Pania Hotel in the art deco town of Napier, spending the afternoon at New Zealand's newest course, Cape Kidnappers, designed by Tom Doak with impressive sea views.

You'll then travel south to Wellington, staying just a short walk from the waterfront and within easy reach of the Paraparaumu Golf Club. One of the premier links courses in the country and ranked in the world's top 100, the Paraparaumu has hosted the New Zealand Open 12 times.

After a flight to Christchurch, the rest of the day is free to enjoy this most 'English' of cities before playing a round at the John Darby-designed Clearwater. The itinerary continues with a drive to nearby Rakaia Gorge for a two night stay in a villa at Terrace Downs High Country Resort. The resort?s own par 72 course is beautifully located against the backdrop of the snow-dusted Southern Alps. The final day sees guests make their way homeward, with just a 50-minute drive to Christchurch airport before flying home.

Price: Bridge & Wickers (T 020 7483 6555 www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk offers the Golfing Highlights of New Zealand tour from £ 1,695 pp based on two sharing, including 12 nights' B&B accommodation, car hire, eight rounds of golf (with pre-booked tee off times), golf cart hire. Flights extra.

on 2007-07-17