What airports should I plan to fly in and out of?

You’ll want to schedule your flight to arrive into Queenstown International Airport and depart from Auckland Airport. Auckland would likely be your layover airport upon arrival and where you will pass through Customs.

Please note: You will need to depart the US / North America TWO days prior (January 3, 2025) as you cross the International Date Line for arrival on January 5, 2025.

Upon arrival into Auckland, after collecting your luggage, you’ll meet one of our team in the International Terminal, and be escorted to the Domestic Terminal. Contact information will be provided the week prior.

Please contact the Concierge Team if we can be of assistance with arranging alternative airport transportation or assist with booking flights. We are partnered with Air New Zealand and can offer competitive quotes through our ticketing agent.

Additionally, if you are looking to extend your stay to explore more of New Zealand, neighboring Australia or even Tasmania, please let our Experience Team know as we can plan a Pre- or Post-Experience for any number of Guests.

Are there any entry requirements for New Zealand?

Yes, as a US Citizen, you will need to apply for a travel Visa, specifically the NZeTA. You can find the application by clicking here. Please see the note below regarding cleaning your equipment prior to travel.

What will the weather be like during our stay?

A typical day in January is similar to the height of Summer on the West Coast of the US, with warm sunshine for most of the country, especially in the semi-tropical regions. In Auckland, the average temperature is in the low to mid-70’s F and in The Bay of Islands, the average temperate is closer to the mid-70’s. Always pack layers while traveling between the two islands.

Are there Club Hires or Rentals Available throughout New Zealand?

Club Rentals are available at each of the courses, and an additional cost to the Golfer, payable directly to the Pro-Shop.

Please remember to clean your shoes and equipment, free of all dirt, grass and debris. The MPI, similar to our Homeland Security in the US, are very strict about bringing foreign soil into New Zealand. It could delay you through Customs.

Please let the Experience Team know if you would like to request hire clubs.

What currencies are used in New Zealand?

The currency utilized in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). The New Zealand Dollar is currently trading at .60 USD to 1.00 NZD.

Will I be able to get cash and use credit cards while in New Zealand?

You will find that most major credit cards and debits cards are nearly universally accepted in New Zealand. The same is true of Travelers checks, which should be in New Zealand Dollars to avoid extra exchange rate charges. ATMs are ubiquitous throughout New Zealand so you will have easy access to cash. It should be noted that American Express is not as widely accepted in New Zealand as Visa and MasterCard.

How much cash should I bring?

We recommend bringing minimal US dollars, i.e. $75-100, with you and then accessing the local ATM’s upon arriving in New Zealand. The ATM’s will dispense the local currency and your bank will automatically calculate the exchange rate. Your own bank will typically provide the most favorable exchange rate available to you.

Is Tipping or Providing a Gratuity Customary in New Zealand? 

Tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand, primarily because a service charge is often included in the bill, and the minimum wage is livable with many benefits and paid time off.

Unless stated otherwise (Caddies, perhaps above-and-beyond Day-Tour drivers, Dedicated Concierges): If the service or experience you encountered was exceptional and you wish to reward someone for a job well-done, an expressive Thank You and compliment goes a long way. In the tourist-driven areas, some may round up to the nearest NZ$ and as of last year, if the Credit Card machine asks if you wish to provide a tip, you are welcome to bypass the option, guilt-free.  If you really feel the desire to tip, there are no set amounts or percentages, it’s usually a case of ‘have a beer on us’ calculation.

How many meals are included?

Breakfast is included daily.

At the Rosewood properties: Breakfast, Lunch, Pre-dinner Drinks, Dinner (excluding wine and liquor) and complimentary non-alcoholic minibar are included.

The GG Concierge Team can assist with making any reservations and recommendations for the group for additional meals not included in the Experience

Is there a Gym or Spa available?

Access to the Resort Spas and Fitness Facilities are included in your Experience, however if you are interested in booking a service, our team would be happy to check availability. Services such as facials, massages & wraps to name a few, are at individual cost and can be charged to your Suite.

What is the cancellation policy for this Experience?

All deposits and final payments are non-refundable. However, we highly recommend purchasing a travel insurance program through Travel Guard and we will be happy to provide a quote or you can browse below

Can I upgrade my accommodations? 

Absolutely! We have confirmed junior suites as a minimum, however if you were interested in upgrading to more space, please advise your concierge.

What if I want to play additional and optional golf?

There are plenty of noteworthy courses around the areas you’ll be staying at in New Zealand! If any Guest wants to play additional golf, even at the spur of the moment, your GG Concierge or Driver Concierge can arrange optional golf for you. Optional golf can be arranged well in advance of your departure as well. Please consult the GG Concierge Team for golf options.

Can I play 36 holes a day if I want to?

Absolutely! Please let a member of our Concierge Team know and we will be happy to set up additional tee times for you.

Can I arrange to ship my golf clubs to New Zealand?

Yes! We partner with Ship Sticks, the leaders in golf club shipping, and can arrange for your golf clubs to be shipped directly to your hotel in Queenstown to await your arrival and home from Te Arai. This is a great option to help ease the hassle of traveling with your clubs.

Please contact the Garmany Golf Concierge Team at Experience@garmanygolf.com if we can be of any assistance to you.

DETAILS

• Final Balance Due within 120 Days prior to departure.
  
• This Experience is priced in U.S. Dollars.
  
• This Experience is priced at the exchange rate of $0.57USD to $1.00 NZD.
  
• Due to the volatile nature of the exchange rate, any increase exceeding 2% of this rate on the date of payments using the rates shown on www.oanda.com will result in a corresponding adjustment in price, which will be applied to all payments.
  
• All Ground Transportation with respect to airport arrivals and departures included are based on the fact that all Guests will arrive and depart from agreed upon airport. Additional charges may be incurred for airport transfers that occur from any other airport as well as multiple arrivals and/or departures requiring additional ground transportation services will incur supplementary charges depending upon the additional services required. Additional charges may be incurred for any airport transfers that occur on other arrival or departure days.
  
• Domestic Flights from Queenstown to Hawke’s Bay, & Hawke’s Bay to Auckland (Total 2 Flights) are included, based on Commercial Bookings in Economy. If wishing to upgrade to private flights, there is certainly time! Arrival and Departure Airports must be booked with International travel to ensure airlines are able to assist in delays, cancellations and unforeseen instances.
  
• Daily Breakfast is included in addition to select meals at The Rosewood Lodges (Cape Kidnappers): Breakfast, Lunch, Pre-dinner Drinks, Dinner (excluding wine and liquor) and complimentary non-alcoholic minibar are included.
  
• Golfers: Caddies and/or carts may be arranged at the request of the Guest, provided such services are available.
  
• Golfers: All caddie fees and gratuities, rental fees and cart fees are the responsibility of the Guest, unless advertised otherwise.
  
• Golfers: A current handicap certificate from a bona-fide golf club may be required for all Guests who are playing golf during the Experience. Play could be denied if a valid handicap is not presented.
• Non-Golfers: Included Tours include but are not limited to: Half-Day Guided Tour of Arrowtown and Surrounds on 6th January, and Half Day Guided Tour: Encounter Glenorchy on 7th January. 
  
• If planning to ship your clubs, we recommend ShipSticks and you are welcome to schedule your shipment and print labels through our ShipSticks Website. We recommend shipping to your hotel in Queenstown and from Te Arai, due to ample storage space and 24 hour staffing. We are happy to help schedule!

TRAVEL GUARD, TRAVEL INSURANCE

Garmany Golf strongly recommends for your protection that you take out insurance to cover you in case of forced cancellation, loss or damage of luggage, personal injury, accident, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances, none of which Garmany Golf can be liable for.

Garmany Golf is a licensed representative of Travel Guard, the recognized leader of travel insurance options. A Garmany Golf Concierge will be happy to provide a quotation or you are welcome to explore a quote below.

CANCELLATIONS AND CHANGES

Once tee times and accommodations have been booked and confirmed, and the requisite deposits have been placed, there are no refunds of any deposits or final payments made by Guests or the representative club.

Garmany Golf strongly recommends travel insurance to protect any Guest against any unforeseen circumstances that may cause a Guest or club to cancel participation in any Experience.

ADDITIONAL AND OPTIONAL BOOKINGS, AND PAYMENTS

At the request of a Guest, a Garmany Golf Concierge will be happy to book any non golfing tour, activity or additional round of golf before or during the Experience. Please be aware that an administrative or booking fee may be added to any such booking. In the event of such a fee, the Guest will be notified in advance of the fee and have the opportunity to decline the booking confirmation.

All Guests agree to provide a valid credit card in advance of the Experience that may be used for payment for any additional tour, activity or additional (non included) round of golf booked during the Experience for the Guest.

RESPONSIBILITY 

Garmany Golf, as the tour operator, and its selling agents, act only as agents in securing and booking the hotel accommodations and other land tour services provided by others as independent contractors. Garmany Golf, its selling agents or the specified air carriers assume and accept no liability for injury, loss, damage, accident, delay, changes or inconvenience caused by: any force majeure – health risks – reason of war or threat of war – riots – civil strife – terrorist activity – industrial disputes – acts, omission, neglect, delay or default of any person engaged in providing any tour services including transportation and accommodation – technical problems to transport – closure or congestion of airports or ports – building work – extended hotel closure – cancellations or changes of schedules by airlines – interruption or failure of public utilities outside the control of the hotel and  similar events beyond our control, including storms, tempests and hurricanes.

Garmany Golf is not liable for loss, damage or theft of luggage or personal belongings, for personal injury, accident or illness on any vehicle or at any place throughout the tour. Garmany Golf reserves the right to cancel an Experience if circumstances so require. In the event of such, Garmany Golf will make a full refund to travelers of all payments received in respect of the Experience. Such a refund of payments will be the full extent of Garmany Golf’s obligation and liability to travelers. Garmany Golf is not responsible or liable for any property damage caused by a Guest. The Guest assumes all responsibility for incidental charges, damages and any necessary replacements needed that may have been caused by the Guest’s visit.