New Zealand Open?

It seems the currently homeless New Zealand Open has still not found a definite residence for 2011.  The event has been staged at the fantastic Hills course just outside Queenstown since 2007, but looks unlikely to be held there again in 2011.  Recently the favourite to hold the event has been Clearwater in Christchurch which is also a great course but not in such a beautiful setting.  We will await the final decision with interest and hope the event will actually go ahead.

The Hills Golf Club
The Hills Golf Club

Queenstown and Christchurch are both located on New Zealand’s South Island and offer some great courses in addition to the Open venues.  In Queenstown there is Jack’s Point Queenstown Golf Club (Kelvin Heights) and Millbrook; while in Christchurch there is Christchurch Golf Club (Shirley) and also getting into the foothills of the Southern Alps; Terrace Downs.  Either choice makes a great destination for a golf trip or the two can be combined with the inclusion a short flight.

For further details, click here.

By Alastair Niven.  Alastair has been with PerryGolf for over 9 years and is responsible for our South Pacific programs.

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New Zealand Super Lodges

Huka Lodge, New Zealand
Huka Lodge, New Zealand

I have previously blogged on how great Huka Lodge is, so I was delighted to see this great article on the Conde Nast Travel website – click here to view.  Under recommended hotel and “Super Lodges” I can confirm that both Huka Lodge & Cape Kidnappers are indeed super lodges and a definite must visit while in New Zealand; the service and accommodation are second to none!  The pictures just confirm how great these properties are…the best way to spend time and relax during your golf vacation.

By Denise McKee.  Denise has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and one of the members of staff responsible for our South Pacific programs

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Earthquake in Christchurch

With Christchurch being a popular destination for our clients visiting New Zealand, we were very concerned about the earthquake there this weekend.  Click here for the latest news.

After being in touch with our staff in New Zealand it was good to know there have been no fatalities and the damage to most of the hotels we use has been cosmetic.  The courses also seem to have been largely unaffected. It will take a while for things to be back to normal… but it could have been so much worse.

By Alastair Niven.  Alastair has been with PerryGolf for over 9 years and is responsible for our South Pacific programs.

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New Hilton hotel in Queenstown, New Zealand

Having spent some time in Queenstown, New Zealand at the end of 2008, I was interested to read that Hilton seem to be planning a new hotel there.

 I enjoyed my time there very much; from the wonderful scenery (where much of Lord of the Rings was filmed), to the great golf courses including the new Hills and Jack’s Point Courses…it is also the birth place of adrenaline sports like bungee jumping and jet boating.  However, if you prefer something more laid back, it is the perfect base to visit Milford Sound or some of the excellent vineyards…I certainly recommend the Pinot Noir.  

One thing I felt the area lacked was a decent choice of 4-5 star accommodation.  We find that the Millbrook Resort works well for PerryGolf clients; and for those looking for something extra special, there is Eichardt’s or the new Matakauri Lodge operated by the same owners as Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers.  For a more modest option at a standard you can trust, a new Hilton hotel would be a welcome addition.

For further details, click here .

By Alastair Niven.  Alastair has been with PerryGolf for over 9 years and is one of our agents responsible for the South Pacific Programmes.

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