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airway to the fairway
Mark Twain once famously remarked that golf was a good walk spoiled. But then, of course, the father of modern American literature had never been on a golfing holiday with Island Escape Cruises.
Because arriving at some of New Zealand’s finest courses by helicopter is just part of this high-class golfing adventure.
Island Escape is running an eight-day, seven-night cruise around the Bay of Islands from January 29 to February 5 next year. Only 16 lucky passengers will get to board the 10-cabin Island Passage on this luxury golf trip that begins and ends in Auckland.
Staying in private en-suite accommodation, passengers will feast on meals prepared daily by the onboard chef. All green fees, carts and helicopter transfers are included in the cost of a ticket.
Peter Bissett, CEO of Island Escape, told Golf Vacations the company operates cruises in some of New Zealand’s most spectacular regions, including the iconic Bay of Islands.
“Famous for stunning beaches, excellent wines and fabulous, world-famous golf courses made these golf trips a logical trip.”
The journey begins with a private transfer from Auckland airport to the Sebel Suites, a four-star hotel overlooking Viaduct Harbour in the centre of the city. After an overnight stay, a private luxury coach will whisk passengers late afternoon to Whangaroa Harbour to join the Island Passage for a night onboard.
Waking up in Matauri Bay, one of New Zealand’s natural treasures with sheltered white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, golfers board the five-seater helicopter for a short flight to Kauri Cliffs.
Described as “Pebble Beach on Steroids” (Golf Vacations, Oct-Dec 2009), Kauri Cliffs is one of the most spectacular courses in the world. Practically every hole has stunning views but the stretch from 14 to 18 is particularly memorable.
Designed by David Harman, the course measures 6,510-metres off the back tees (5,560 off the front) and has a par of 72.
Michael Campbell is a hero in these parts and the 510-metre, par-five fourth is named after him. ‘Cambo’ is described in the excellent yardage book as “one of the great par-5s in golf”, which may seem a little presumptuous. But it’s hard to argue when you stand on the elevated tee and watch the hole snake away in front of you.
Avoid the bunkers left and right and you’ll face a mid-iron lay-up into a narrow landing area just short of the two-tiered green, which is tucked away to the right.
Once the golf is over, the afternoon is free with optional shore or fishing excursions. This is where the Island Passage’s three seven-metre tenders come into their own, allowing those on board to go snorkeling, kayaking, beachcombing or swimming. They can also be used for sport fishing trips using onboard equipment, including lures and advice from onboard fishing experts and guides. All of this is provided free of charge.
Day Four finds the ship sailing from Kari Kari to the Bay of Islands and another chopper flight to Carrington Golf Club. The Northland course provides a variety of stunning vistas, located as it is between sweeping ocean views to the north and east, and the hillside vineyards of Karikari Estate to the south.
The championship standard 18-hole course opened in 2003 from a design by American Matt Dye. It measures 6,417 metres off the back tees (5,357 off the front), has a par of 72, and encompasses a variety of terrains, from rolling vales to challenging water holes. But it’s also designed to accommodate golfers of all abilities and offers great variety: from one of the longest par-5’s in New Zealand (the 14th at 569-metres), to one of the shortest par 3’s (the 7th at 113 metres) that plays almost entirely over water.
The final helicopter ride comes on day five when the venue is the Waitangi Golf Club, which was established in 1947.
Like all the courses on this trip, Waitangi offers breathtaking scenery, with a glorious panorama of sea and island views over the Bay of Islands and Russell, river and estuary views over Waitangi and Opua, and rolling bush and forest views inland over Mount Bledisloe and Puketona.
These views are complemented by well-groomed greens and fairways surrounded by areas of flowering native trees which provide sanctuary for many varieties of native birds. The course itself is gently undulating and makes for easy walking.
After three solid days golfing, most of the passengers will probably need a rest and day six provides just that. Free options include a gourmet picnic ashore, beachcombing and exploration trips, and the usual kayaking, swimming or sport fishing options. A farewell dinner will be held before the ship departs for Pahia and the final round at Gulf Harbour.
Gulf Harbour is a 6,400 metre, par-72 course located on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, just north of Auckland. It meanders through native grasses and vegetation and has a natural look and feel from start to finish.
Spectacular finishing holes, ocean views, rolling terrain and classic, traditional values combine to make it one of the most exciting courses in New Zealand.
Bidding farewell to the Island Passage will be hard, but a private transfer takes golfers back to the Sebel Suites for a final night in Auckland before passengers fly out the next day.
at a glance
Island Escape Expedition Series.
Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
Jan 29 – Feb 5, 2011.
Prices: Expedition Cabin (channel class). Twin Share $AU4,875; Single $AU6,950.
Stateroom (promenade deck). TS $AU5,595; Single $AU8,100.
Owners Cabin (promenade deck). TS $AU5,950; Single $AU8,700.
Bridge Deck (cape class). TS $AU6,250; Single $AU9,250.
Contact: Directions Marketing.
Call 0414 996 896
e:mail: directions_marketing@msn.com.au
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