Honestly wouldn’t have a clue. @Zac would probably have a much better idea…
South has incredible views, unbelievable golf holes and is a really enjoyable walk. North is certainly the more difficult of the two, with equally as good holes, just a harder walk, just due to the limited flat lies.
Depends what you’re after really, but if you want to have a relaxing walk and enjoy your time, while still playing one of the best courses in the world, I would go south 
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Te Arai South > kauri cliffs?
Have not been up to Kauri yet. Sounds like playing both Te Arai courses, and staying the night in between would be a special part of your trip!
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I should say, and I’ve cross posted to the Tara Iti thread, that for a small fee (beer, sleeve of ProV1s, cool souvenir from your home club) I am more than happy to make phone calls, bookings or any other nonsense on behalf of any Nest members planning a trip down here. Most stuff can be done via websites these days but if you run into a wall like @chrisisoutrunning with his Titirangi booking, and with international phone rates and time differences being a bit of a pain, I can easily make a call. Just drop me a DM.
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Will definitely be seeking help.
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Looking for some feedback on this proposed itinerary. Is this the best logistics if these are the courses I’d like to see and this is the # of days I can visit? Am I missing anything obvious?
Day 1 - land in AKL, play Muriwai Sands
Day 2 - drive up to Tara Iti and play in the afternoon
Day 3 - play Te Arai 2x18, then stay in Waipu
Day 4 - play Waipu, then drive to Mangonui
Day 5 - play Kaitaia, then drive back to Mangonui
Day 6 - play Kauri Cliffs then fly to Napier
Day 7 - play Kidnappers then drive to Paraparaumu
Day 8 - play Paraparaumu, drive to Wanganui and play
Day 9 - drive to Waverly, play, then drive to Waitura and play back 9
Day 10 - drive to Kinloch and play
Day 11 - drive to Rotura, play, then drive to Auckland
Day 12 - play Titirangi then fly home that night
Thanks for any advice. I’m looking forward to visiting in a couple of months.
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Looks like a fun itinerary and you’re getting a great mix of top tier and classic NZ country courses. There’s a couple of different ways you could do the second half (from Napier south) but the way you’ve proposed is as good as any.
You might consider Wairakei in Taupō - it’s a polar opposite from Kinloch and only 20 minutes or so away. Personally I don’t really rate the golf in Rotorua, so I’d be tempted to ditch that part and do two days in Taupō instead - and you can do all the thermal stuff there as well as Rotorua.
As ever I would be more than happy to host at Royal Wellington if you had the time, or just catch up for a beer - just let me know.
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Similar to my planned itinerary. I am worried I have bitten off too much this time.
Looks like an incredibly fun itinerary! Would strongly recommend Wairakei, some seriously impressive scenery / holes. Other than that, you have crossed off most of the must plays!
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Also if the timing works, would love to caddy for you at either TA or TI
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Wairakei is definitely on our radar for an afternoon round on the day we’re playing Kinloch in the morning. It’ll be a TBD based on how we’re feeling in the middle of a couple of long drives and 36 hole days.
Thanks for confirming it’s worth the stretch.
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I know this is probably a longshot - but are there any bookstores that sell old golf books that I’ll be near during my trip?
Any of the clubs I’ll be visiting have notable museums or libraries that I should set aside time to enjoy?
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Feb 7th at Tara Iti in the afternoon. Feb 8th at Tei Ari. But be careful what you wish for - I’m a generationally bad driver of the golf ball.
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Have you got a foursome lined up at Paraparaumu? Would love to join you there or at Waverley if you’re up for a tag along
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I believe Titirangi has a few bits and pieces - I think they lean pretty hard on the good Doctor’s work, such as it was.
Still working on the old golf books thing. There are lots of secondhand bookshops around the place but I am sniffing out a few leads for you so you don’t waste a lot of time!
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Ohope Golf club was very good fun
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Will have to circle back with you once we have planning finalized. Two of our foursome may be departing early for Oz
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I have been home from NZ for about a week. 4 weeks and 5450 km (3387 miles) driven. I got sick ~1 week into the trip and that really put a damper on things. Let me know if there’s any questions. Here are my thoughts:
Golf
- Highlights: Te Aria South, Kauri Cliffs, and Jack’s Point
- Let downs:
- Te Arai North - Greens and surrounds are too much (I have pictures). Props to that ZStar XV for going all 36 with me that day.
- Cape Kidnappers - I had built this one up too much in my head and the views from ground level were just okay.
- Biggest surprise: Wairakei - Great scenery and interesting holes. Ended up going back for a replay.
- I received the best complement of my life at Titirangi
- Kiwis take their time on the course.
Travel / Other
- Driving was easy. I didn’t find that journeys take longer in NZ.
- Yaris Cross sucked.
- More public toilets than public rubbish bins.
- Several restaurants in AKL (domestic and international terminals) accepted Priority Pass. 42 NZD per person is really good.
- McDonalds is better.
- The second half (going down) of the Tongariro crossing was a slog.
- Really enjoyed the hikes on the south island.
- It was light out until 9pm - 10pm, but most things were closed by 4pm. Last tee times seemed to be 2pm or 3pm.
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