NZ Tiger Tour Returns in 2013 with Private/Commercial Jet Options

The Tiger Tour, one of golf's most intriguing and expensive itineraries, will return for 2013 with an upgrade: private jet service between venues all across New Zealand's North and South islands.

Incorporating the best of New Zealand's many attractions - including two of the top-rated golf courses in the world - the Tiger Tour features nine nights at three award-winning lodges and access to dozens of out-of-this-world destination options, including the famous glaciers of Milford Sound.

The Tiger Tour is the vision of Julian H. Robertson, Jr., the American hedge-fund legend whose Tiger Fund inspired the Tour's name. Robertson's 30-year love affair with New Zealand inspired him to develop the three luxury lodges and two world-class golf courses that form the Tiger Tour's core.

"The Tiger Tour is really Mr. Robertson's invitation to see and experience this country as he sees it, and discover as he has the immense charm of New Zealand's landscape and people," said Ryan Brandeburg, director of golf at Kauri Cliffs GC in Bay of Islands, NZ, and its sister course, Cape Kidnappers GC in Napier.

"Mr. Robertson is a golfer, and he has experienced first hand the advantages and practicalities of traveling about the country by private jet. Accordingly, for 2013, we're offering two separate Tiger Tour itineraries, one with flights provided by Air New Zealand, and another where guests travel by private jet and EC-130 helicopter."

The Tiger Tour by private jet, limited to a maximum of four couples, kicks off in Napier at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers on 11 March 2013. From there the Tour moves south to the alpine lake village of Queenstown, where guests stay at Matakauri Lodge, before proceeding to the subtropical far north and The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs. Pricing for this itinerary is NZ$24,900 per person (+15% NZ goods & services tax).

The Tiger Tour conducted via commercial airline begins at Matakauri Lodge on 15 April 2013, before moving to Cape Kidnappers and concluding at Kauri Cliffs. The price tag for this option is NZ$13,900 per person (+tax) and space is limited to eight couples.

Both itineraries are inclusive of all meals, green fees and ground transport between lodges, airports and excursions. It also includes air transport between the three lodges, though guests are responsible for delivering themselves to the initial property at the start of each tour.

"This is the same way we ran the Tiger Tour in 2012," said Brandeburg, "as we found it provides a lot more flexibility for people who want to add nights or other destinations within New Zealand and Australia."

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, Interviews, Pictures, Sports Tourism, Videos, New Zealand, Golf