New Zealand South Island Golf Tours | Queenstown & Beyond

Golf in the Southern Alps

New Zealand's South Island is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, and nowhere is this more evident than on its golf courses. Here, championship layouts are framed by snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and dramatic alpine scenery that creates golf experiences unlike anywhere else on earth.

From Queenstown's adventure capital atmosphere to the wine regions of Central Otago, the tranquil beauty of Wanaka, and Christchurch's established golf heritage, the South Island combines world-class golf with authentic Kiwi experiences and some of the planet's most stunning landscapes.

The Remarkables Mountain ranges as your backdrop

Adventure Capital Queenstown's endless activities

World-Class Pinot Noir from Central Otago

Pure Air Pristine natural environments

Why Golf the South Island?

The South Island delivers golf experiences defined by dramatic alpine scenery, adventure, and world-class wines.

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Alpine Scenery

Play with the Southern Alps, The Remarkables, and pristine glacial lakes as your backdrop. Every course offers views that photographs cannot capture.

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Adventure Hub

Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world. Combine championship golf with bungy jumping, jet boating, skiing, and countless thrilling activities.

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World-Class Wines

Central Otago produces exceptional Pinot Noir that rivals Burgundy. Visit boutique vineyards and taste wines in stunning settings.

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Pristine Nature

Crystal-clear air, turquoise lakes, and unspoiled landscapes. The South Island's natural beauty is legendary and ever-present.

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Diverse Courses

From alpine resort courses to traditional championship layouts, the South Island offers remarkable variety in spectacular settings.

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Film Locations

Play golf where epic movies were filmed. The South Island's landscapes brought Middle-earth and Narnia to life on screen.

South Island Golf Regions

Four distinct regions, each offering exceptional golf paired with unique South Island experiences.

Wanaka

Wanaka & Lake District

A more tranquil alternative to Queenstown, Wanaka offers exceptional golf beside pristine alpine lakes with mountain panoramas. Perfect for those seeking a more relaxed pace.

Lakeside championship courses
Snow-capped mountain views
Quieter, more relaxed atmosphere
Boutique wineries nearby
Stunning natural landscapes

Central Otago

Central Otago Wine Country

Golf among the vineyards of Central Otago, home to world-renowned Pinot Noir. Historic gold rush towns, boutique wineries, and courses set in dramatic high-country landscapes.

World-class Pinot Noir region
Boutique cellar door experiences
Historic gold rush heritage
Stunning high-country scenery
Relaxed wine country atmosphere

Christchurch & Canterbury

Christchurch & Canterbury Plains

The Garden City offers established championship courses, rich golf heritage, and easy access to both coastal and alpine regions. Canterbury provides variety and excellent playing conditions.

Championship heritage courses
Garden City charm and culture
Coastal and inland course variety
Gateway to South Island
Year-round golf availability

Signature South Island Courses

Play the courses that showcase the South Island's spectacular natural beauty and golfing excellence.

Championship Resort

Millbrook Resort

New Zealand's premier golf resort near Queenstown offers 27 holes of championship golf with The Remarkables as your backdrop. Millbrook combines world-class golf with luxury resort amenities.

27 championship holes
Stunning mountain panoramas
Luxury resort facilities
Host of major tournaments

Alpine Masterpiece

Jack's Point Golf Course

Consistently ranked among the world's most scenic courses, Jack's Point offers dramatic golf alongside Lake Wakatipu with The Remarkables rising in the background. Unforgettable on every level.

World's most scenic courses
Lake Wakatipu shoreline
Remarkable mountain views
Strategic, memorable holes

Mountain Course

Terrace Downs Resort

Set high in the Canterbury foothills with panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Rakaia River Gorge. This championship course offers challenging golf in a spectacular high-country setting.

Southern Alps panoramas
High-country setting
Championship layout
Rakaia Gorge views

Championship

Clearwater Golf Club

Christchurch's premier course featuring pristine lakes, strategic design, and immaculate conditions. Clearwater has hosted major championships and consistently delivers exceptional golf.

Championship tournament host
Pristine water features
Immaculate year-round conditions
Strategic, challenging layout

The Alpine Golf Experience

What makes South Island golf truly special is the ever-present alpine scenery. Every round is played against backdrops of snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and dramatic mountain ranges. The pure air, crystal-clear light, and vast landscapes create golf experiences that transcend the sport itself.

Whether you're playing beside Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, teeing off with The Remarkables looming above, or enjoying the high-country vistas of Canterbury, the South Island's natural majesty elevates every shot into something memorable.

The Remarkables Iconic mountain range visible from Queenstown courses

Lake Wakatipu Play alongside New Zealand's third-largest lake

Southern Alps Majestic mountain chain spanning the South Island

Glacial Lakes Crystal-clear alpine lakes with turquoise waters

Beyond the Golf Course

The South Island offers extraordinary adventures and experiences that make your golf tour truly unforgettable.

🪂 Adventure Activities

Bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, white water rafting, zip-lining — Queenstown is the adventure capital with heart-pumping activities at every turn.

🍷 Wine Experiences

Central Otago produces world-class Pinot Noir. Visit boutique wineries, meet passionate winemakers, and taste wines in stunning settings.

🎿 Skiing & Snowboarding

Winter brings world-class skiing to Queenstown and Wanaka. Combine golf with snow sports in one remarkable trip (seasonal).

🚁 Scenic Flights

Helicopter tours over glaciers, Milford Sound flights, and scenic plane rides showcase the South Island's epic landscapes from above.

🥾 Hiking & Walking

From leisurely lakeside strolls to multi-day treks like the Routeburn Track, the South Island offers walks for every fitness level.

🍽️ Farm-to-Table Dining

Exceptional restaurants showcasing local lamb, venison, salmon, and produce. The South Island's food scene is sophisticated and memorable.

🎬 Film Tourism

Visit locations from The Lord of the Rings and other films. The South Island's landscapes brought Middle-earth to life.

🌊 Milford Sound

Cruise through this stunning fiord surrounded by waterfalls and mountain peaks. One of New Zealand's most iconic experiences.

Sample South Island Golf Itineraries

Custom-designed journeys showcasing the best of South Island golf paired with adventure and natural beauty.

5 Days / 4 Rounds

Queenstown Golf & Adventure

Experience Queenstown's finest courses with The Remarkables as your backdrop, plus adventure activities and vibrant dining scene.

Includes: 4 championship courses • Luxury accommodation • Adventure activities • Wine tour • Restaurant reservations • Private transfers

7 Days / 6 Rounds

Queenstown & Wanaka Alpine Tour

Play both adventure capital and tranquil Wanaka, with wine experiences in Central Otago. The perfect alpine golf combination.

Includes: 6 rounds across regions • Premium accommodation • Wine tastings • Milford Sound day trip • Adventure options • All transfers

10 Days / 8 Rounds

Grand South Island Golf Journey

The ultimate South Island experience — Queenstown, Wanaka, Central Otago, and Christchurch. Championship golf with comprehensive South Island exploration.

Includes: 8 rounds across all regions • Deluxe accommodation • Wine experiences • Adventure activities • Scenic flights • Cultural tours

What Our Guests Say

"Playing Jack's Point with The Remarkables in the background was absolutely surreal. The courses were world-class, but it's the scenery that makes South Island golf unforgettable. Cooee Tours nailed every detail." — Peter & Sue, Melbourne

"We combined championship golf with bungy jumping, wine tasting, and a Milford Sound cruise. The South Island delivered everything we hoped for and more. Incredibly well organized." — James R., Sydney

"From Queenstown's excitement to Wanaka's tranquility, every course had spectacular mountain views. The Central Otago wines were exceptional. This was bucket-list golf at its finest." — David & Friends, Brisbane

Planning Your South Island Golf Tour

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Getting There

Queenstown and Christchurch airports receive domestic flights from Auckland and international connections. We arrange all transfers throughout your tour.

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Best Time to Visit

Summer (Dec-Feb) offers long days and warm weather. Autumn (Mar-May) provides stunning colors and mild conditions. Spring (Sep-Nov) brings blossoms and fewer crowds. Winter golf is possible but cooler.

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What to Pack

Layers are essential — mountain weather changes quickly. Bring waterproofs, sun protection, and warm layers even in summer. The altitude means cooler temperatures.

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Club Hire

Premium club hire available at all major courses. Many international guests prefer hiring rather than traveling with clubs through mountain regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does South Island golf differ from North Island?

The South Island is known for dramatic alpine scenery — mountain backdrops, glacial lakes, and vast landscapes. It's generally more adventure-focused, with Queenstown as the hub. The North Island offers more geothermal features and subtropical climates. Both are spectacular in different ways.

Is Queenstown too touristy for golf?

While Queenstown is popular, the golf courses offer peaceful escapes with stunning natural beauty. Early tee times provide tranquil experiences, and the town's infrastructure makes it an excellent base for accessing multiple quality courses.

Can I play year-round on the South Island?

Yes, though summer and autumn are most popular. Winter golf is possible but cooler, especially in alpine regions. Some higher-altitude courses may have snow in winter. We design itineraries around the best seasonal conditions.

Should I combine North and South Islands?

If you have 10+ days, combining both islands provides diverse experiences — geothermal golf and Māori culture in the North, alpine scenery and adventure in the South. We can design comprehensive New Zealand golf tours covering both.

How challenging are South Island courses?

Courses range from resort-friendly to championship-level. We match courses to your ability and preferences. Altitude in some regions means the ball travels further, which can help with distance.

What's included in South Island golf tours?

Tours typically include accommodation, green fees, golf cart hire, private transfers, selected activities, and some meals. Every tour is custom-designed based on your interests — from relaxed golf getaways to adventure-packed itineraries.

South Island Golf Tours