Golfing Region New Zealand

New Zealand offers a stunning landscape that not only provides the perfect backdrop for the golf courses, but should also be visited without playing golf.

The best time to visit New Zealand

The best time to visit New Zealand, which has the opposite seasons to Europe due to its location in the southern hemisphere, is from the beginning of October to the end of April. Temperatures of generally 15° to 28° Celsius await visitors, with temperatures rarely reaching 30° Celsius. Rain showers do occur, but due to the oceanic location and the associated winds, it usually clears up quickly. The sun's rays are much more intense than in Europe, so sun protection with a high sun protection factor is essential.

Clean your golf bag meticulously before your trip

New Zealand and Australia are very concerned about protecting their biodiversity. For golfers, this means that they must provide truthful information on the entry form to be completed on the plane that they are carrying outdoor sports equipment. This is because the unannounced introduction would ultimately be noticed during the obligatory X-ray check of luggage and result in severe penalties. When entering the country, you have to queue up separately and answer questions about the cleanliness of your outdoor luggage. I recommend that you "clinically" clean your golf clubs and especially your golf shoes and present them if necessary. As grass residue is particularly difficult to remove from the spikes of golf shoes, you should consider taking a new pair of golf shoes with you for such a trip. If the equipment is not clean, it will be collected at short notice, ultrasonically cleaned and then returned, but this only delays things unnecessarily.

Two weeks is a must, better plan three weeks

If you only want to visit the North or South Island in combination with a golf trip, you should plan at least 14 days. For both islands together and above all to have time for the beauty of the country, at least 21 - 28 days are recommended.

Jochen Zirfas is the Golf Post expert for golf trips to New Zealand

Jochen Zirfas runs the travel agency SouthernGlobeGolf and is happy to advise you on all matters relating to golf trips to New Zealand.