Spread out over 450 acres of rolling terrain, Wairakei International Golf Course is a parkland marvel. Serene natural topography within a heavily forested area, combined with geothermal activity underfoot create a harmonious golf complex at Wairakei golf and sanctuary. Residing just 10-minutes’ north of Taupo in New Zealand’s North Island, Wairakei golf course doubles as a sanctuary of local flora and fauna. The Wairakei golf course lies near Taupo Golf Club and The Kinloch Club. It is believed that the Wairakei golf and sanctuary complex has achieved a world-first by having a golf facility complemented by a flora sanctuary. The rolling countryside and lush surrounds make the golf course one of the most pleasant rounds of golf you can experience.
The full experience at Wairakei is immersive in an ecological sense and outstanding from a golfer’s perspective; it must be experienced to be believed. Halfway between Auckland and New Zealand’s capital Wellington, Taupo and Wairakei golf course is a picturesque destination with many local attractions including nearby geothermal parks and Lake Taupo. The Wairakei golf course and sanctuary is owned by Gary Lane, whose desire for golf and the environment has turned many heads in the golfing world.
Wairakei golf course was initially built using Government funds to increase the attractiveness of Taupo as a holiday-making destination. England’s Commander John Harris, one of the more prominent golf architects of the time, designed the course before its 1970 opening. With dreams of creating New Zealand’s best golf course in mind, Commander Harris attempted to utilise the natural geography and topography to its advantage. The result is an entirely immersive parkland course set amongst rolling hills and heavily forested terrain.
The course looks from above as if it was carved into the forest. Various shades of green from trees, fairways and bush are pockmarked white sand bunkers and waterways. Pot bunkers, circular lakes and treed doglegs form the course challenges at Wairakei golf course. It bears a resemblance to England’s Sunningdale Old Course, where Commander Harris had a hand in design and construction. It is similar in topography to the nearby Kinloch Club. The course has all the hallmarks of a championship golf course, and its sheer beauty makes it popular with serious golfers and amateurs alike.
Practice Facilities
Golfers can utilise all practice facilities at the Wairakei golf course and sanctuary. A full-length driving range, short game area with practise bunker and a putting green are maintained to the same quality as the 18-hole championship golf course.
Pro Shop & Clubhouse
The Pro Shop at Wairakei is fully stocked with the best golf brands including Footjoy, Oakley, Peter Millar, Travis Matthews, Nike and more. Inside, you will find a wide variety of golf apparel, equipment and accessories. All rental equipment including golf carts, trolleys, clubs and shoes can be organised through the pro shop’s knowledgeable staff. The clubhouse features a fantastic restaurant that serves fresh food while overlooking the golf course and sanctuary.
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