Playing Around New Zealand
Playing Around New Zealand
Playing Around New Zealand
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Golf in New Zealand - Playing Around New Zealand has been providing golf tours since 2004. Join us in New Zealand for a day trip to your choice of our world class golf courses including Tara Iti, Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers, Kinloch or Jacks Point. If you have more time join us on our escorted tours or allow one of our professional Auckland based itinerary planners to customise the perfect New Zealand golf tour.
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5.0
34 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Fearless 808
Honolulu, HI35 contributions
Jan 2023
We just finished a 14 day fabulous golf experience on New Zealand's North Island. While we drove ourselves, much of the tour details were developed in conjunction with Will Owens, owner of Playing Around New Zealand. We started our planning almost 18 months ago, and due to Covid regulations we had to reschedule the tour once.
Through all of this Will (and his team) has been extremely responsive and cordial. Communications were always clear and precise and there were no misunderstandings nor any hiccups. Any problems that we encountered were promptly addressed and corrected.
His pricing appears reasonable and designed for repeat business.
He made various recommendations for activities and restaurants that were spot on.
In summary, I would recommend Playing Around New Zealand without hesitation, whether your planned tour includes golf or not!
Through all of this Will (and his team) has been extremely responsive and cordial. Communications were always clear and precise and there were no misunderstandings nor any hiccups. Any problems that we encountered were promptly addressed and corrected.
His pricing appears reasonable and designed for repeat business.
He made various recommendations for activities and restaurants that were spot on.
In summary, I would recommend Playing Around New Zealand without hesitation, whether your planned tour includes golf or not!
Written 29 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan B Allenby
1 contribution
Mar 2023
My wife and I just got back from a spectacular 2 weeks on the North Island. Will and his team made everything easy. Throughout the entire process, from initial contact with questions through the final drop off at Auckland Airport communication was quick and responsive. Each move from venue to venue was handled with ease. Nevwer had to lift a suitcase or our golf travel bags. We stayed at Kauri Cliffs, Huka Lodge and Cape Kidnappers. Accomodations were world class and the golf was breathtaking and spectacular. Only problem was the 2 weeks went by two quickly.
Also, might add that we flew both ways on the new, direct flight from JFK to Auckland. Was daunting to think about but the reality was a joy.
Can't say enough good things.
Also, might add that we flew both ways on the new, direct flight from JFK to Auckland. Was daunting to think about but the reality was a joy.
Can't say enough good things.
Written 5 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Austin230
87 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Will Owen put together an amazing 3 week trip for us in both the North and South Islands. He gave us good advice as to when to make the trip, which golf courses to play, and gave us several options regarding where to stay. He recommended spectacular tours - wine tours, helicopter to Milford Sound, then a cruise of Milford Sound, and the Cape Reinga Half Day Fly and Drive to the top of New Zealand. And the restaurant suggestions were also great. The most incredible thing is that he got us to our South Island domestic flight after a bit of a delay coming in from LAX. That was something to behold! He was a joy to work with and we would highly recommend him for anyone wanting to do a golf trip to New Zealand. He is the best.
Written 8 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LawrenceH18
San Jose, CA21 contributions
Feb 2023
Playing Around New Zealand
Auckland Central
Playing Around New Zealand is the best golf company
879221264
Will and Becky Owen of Playing Around New Zealand planned our entire marvelous three week NZ golf trip. This included all hotels, transportation, breakfasts, and recommendations for dining and adventures other than golf. Will went above and beyond our expectations helping us as we had numerous changes required due to some unexpected weather conditions i.e. Cyclone Gabrielle. Due to Will's contacts, we were able to play all nine scheduled rounds of golf on our trip. The pricing was very fair as well. We cannot thank Will enough for his help and plan to use his services on a future golf vacation to NZ.
Auckland Central
Playing Around New Zealand is the best golf company
879221264
Will and Becky Owen of Playing Around New Zealand planned our entire marvelous three week NZ golf trip. This included all hotels, transportation, breakfasts, and recommendations for dining and adventures other than golf. Will went above and beyond our expectations helping us as we had numerous changes required due to some unexpected weather conditions i.e. Cyclone Gabrielle. Due to Will's contacts, we were able to play all nine scheduled rounds of golf on our trip. The pricing was very fair as well. We cannot thank Will enough for his help and plan to use his services on a future golf vacation to NZ.
Written 18 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Golftraveler123
Honolulu, HI21 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
Just got home from a small group tour with Tolan, our guide. We played the world famous Cape Kidnappers as well as five other fabulous courses. I would recommend this trip to anyone who loves golf. The trip also provided us with the opportunity to go sightseeing where we got to see kiwi birds as well as the thermal springs. We dined in vineyards and stayed in great hotels. All in all, it was a five star trip!
Written 1 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vivek R
New Delhi, India11 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
We thought it would be fun to plan a self-drive golfing holiday in New Zealand, but when confronted with such a plethora of choices, realised that it might be better to have the logistics planned professionally by someone local. A search of the net threw up the intriguing name, 'Playing Around New Zealand', amongst others and perusal of their website made it clear that they knew their business better than the others.
Our email enquiry received a prompt and encouraging response from the good Tolan Henderson, with a suggested itinerary outline. It took only a few more email exchanges to finalise plans: domestic flights, 17 nights at excellent hotels, midsize Hertz rental (with tour pack including emergency phone and GPS) and 7, pre-booked carting rounds at some of the most iconic NZ golf courses.
Tolan met us personally on arrival in Auckland, charmed us completely, gave us the local's tour of the city, cleared all remaining doubts and filled us with a sense of confidence that we were in good hands. And so it turned out. The logistics were impeccably planned, with not a single glitch throughout what turned out to be the most wonderful driving holiday we've ever had.
New Zealand is glorious and despite winter rains that put a damper on some of the golf outings, we had an amazing visit, which I attribute to the excellent guidance received from Playing Around New Zealand and their seamless logistical planning.
These people know their stuff and Tolan Henderson's personalised brand of unobtrusive but friendly interaction made the planning so easy and the trip itself so very satisfying. I am very pleased to heartily commend their services to anyone wishing to visit New Zealand - even if you are not golfers.
Our email enquiry received a prompt and encouraging response from the good Tolan Henderson, with a suggested itinerary outline. It took only a few more email exchanges to finalise plans: domestic flights, 17 nights at excellent hotels, midsize Hertz rental (with tour pack including emergency phone and GPS) and 7, pre-booked carting rounds at some of the most iconic NZ golf courses.
Tolan met us personally on arrival in Auckland, charmed us completely, gave us the local's tour of the city, cleared all remaining doubts and filled us with a sense of confidence that we were in good hands. And so it turned out. The logistics were impeccably planned, with not a single glitch throughout what turned out to be the most wonderful driving holiday we've ever had.
New Zealand is glorious and despite winter rains that put a damper on some of the golf outings, we had an amazing visit, which I attribute to the excellent guidance received from Playing Around New Zealand and their seamless logistical planning.
These people know their stuff and Tolan Henderson's personalised brand of unobtrusive but friendly interaction made the planning so easy and the trip itself so very satisfying. I am very pleased to heartily commend their services to anyone wishing to visit New Zealand - even if you are not golfers.
Written 6 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allison N
2 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
Wow what a time we have had travelling around North Island. Met off the plane by Tolan when we arrived made us feel special. Everything we needed was ready for us and the pre set sat nav was amazing we didn’t get lost once ! Hotels, motels and golf courses were great. To finish the trip knowing we loved Rugby Tolan and his wife took us to Eden park to watch Blues v Chiefs and a lovely meal. Thank you so much we will never forget our time South Island next !
Written 2 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ppdesai
Orlando, FL5 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
We planned an 8 day golf/excursion visit. Tolan was our full time guide throughout. Everything was seamless and as hassle free as we could have imagined. We had the trip of a lifetime and recommend this company to you highly!
Written 26 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ira R
9 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
My wife and I just returned from New Zealand after spending 26 days on both the North and South Islands. We asked Playing Around New Zealand to plan the tour, determine the best golf courses to play, make accommodations, rented a vehicle and recommended other tour activities. They did an outstanding job on all counts. Both Will and Tolan were there to assist us both prior to and during our stay. As this was a self driving tour they also provided us with an in country phone and GPS to assure that we were able to get around. They also made connecting airline reservations to allow us to go back and forth from the North and South Islands. Everything worked out to perfection. The golf course recommendations were top-notch. The room accommodations were excellent and provided us with some spectacular views. Their recommendations for other activities were excellent. It allowed us to see the entire country and experience the friendliness of the people of New Zealand. When we return we will certainly work with Playing Around New Zealand again
Written 23 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hikeithko
Honolulu, HI2 contributions
Feb 2019 • Friends
We were 9 golfers within a larger group that has internationally golfed over 20 years. We have golfed most every place on Earth where there are great golf courses. And if you are a well traveled golfer, you know some of the world's best scenery and real estate happens to be on a golf course. Will at Playing Around NZ was terrific in every regard. Very communicative, easy to deal with, extremely fair, attention to detail, competitively priced and well organized. We established a 9 day golf itinerary on both the North and South Island and everything went without a hitch. His recommended places to stay within a budget was excellent, and in fact, exceeded our expectations. We would utilize Will and his company again, in a heartbeat. Thanks Will for making our trip one of the best.
Written 2 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience