The 5 Best Golf Courses in Taupo District, North Island

Wairakei golf course has been skillfully designed to blend with the natural surroundings of native bush, prolific bird song and picturesque scenery. Being the first of its kind with the uniqueness of the pest proof sanctuary, Wairakei has been recognized as New Zealand’s number one golf course. The predator free sanctuary that we have at Wairakei, offers a safe haven to fallow deer and many birdlife including mixed colour pheasants, guinea fowl, pekin ducks, takahe and our nation’s icon, the kiwi, which are all free to roam around the course. Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary is a truly unique golfing experience that cannot be missed.

Designed by one of the games best strategic thinkers, Kinloch is New Zealand’s only Jack Nicklaus designed golf course. With panoramic views of New Zealand’s largest fresh-water lake, Lake Taupo and the natural beauty of rugged rural farmland, this world-class championship Par 72 course is a hybrid between a links and a Parkland course although it is often compared to the classic link courses of Scotland and Ireland. The design philosophy behind Kinloch was to enhance the natural environment – and allow the surroundings of the stunning Taupo region to shape each hole. But beware, it’s tough. The only flat lie you will have is on the tee box, so be prepared. Extensive bunkering guards the front of the greens and you’ll have to think carefully of every single hole shot. As Kinloch’s Director of Golf Tom Long states ‘’If you don’t come out of Kinloch mentally exhausted, your scores going to blow out.’’

Most visitors are pleasantly surprised at the quality of Turangi Golf Course. Built in the heyday of the Tongariro Power Scheme it has matured into a hidden gem. While the course is far from flat there is only one hill which makes one puff. Your peace will only be disturbed with birdsong and the occasional curse. No matter what your golf is like on the day, you can't fail to enjoy this course.