Firstly, a very warm welcome to Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary is a complement to the golf course and was born out of a natural ecological canvas and the passion of the owner, Gary Lane.

You are within 180 hectares of native flora and fauna amongst which is nestled one of New Zealand’s finest golf courses.

Whilst researching ways to enhance the natural habitats of our wildlife we concluded that a fence that excluded all pests and predators was the only effective way to achieve our objective. Hence a 5.5km boundary fence was erected which is 2 metres high and prevents both climbing and burrowing animals from the property. Our Game Keeper monitors the integrity of the fence as well as new and existing dwellers to the sanctuary and he can be seen most days scouring the boundaries for signs of any break ins.

Navigate your way through 18 testing holes of exceptional beauty and listen to the cacophony of birdlife, the meandering streams, the delightful waterfalls …

The golf course was built by the New Zealand government and is set midway between Auckland and Wellington, in the heart of the spectacular scenery of the Lake Taupo region.

Officially opened in 1970, the course lies on 180 hectares of natural rolling countryside and was developed to meet the rigorous design standards required for world class championship competition. The architecture was assigned to Commander John Harris, England’s leading and most travelled golf course architect, whose family had been involved in the construction of Moor Park, Wentworth and Sunningdale. Combined with Michael Wolveridge - an Englishman, and Australian Peter Thomson - 5 times winner of the British Open, they produced New Zealand’s first internationally recognised golf course and there is little doubt in any New Zealanders mind that this trio exceeded all expectations.

Worldwide acclaim has been given to the sprawling golf course that uses natural contours to the fullest and features 6460 metres from the championship tees, and 108 large well placed bunkers. In 2010, Wairakei was voted New Zealand’s #1 golf course by Golf Update readers and also in a survey of golf industry leaders. It is the natural beauty and sheer experience of the property that makes Wairakei a must for both serious and casual golfers.

Green Restoration Project 

We were deeply affected by the damage inflicted upon our greens in May 2019, the messages of sympathy and support has been overwhelming, thanks to all our faithful customers. During these months we have intensively researched a variety of remedial plans, focusing on the best solution for the future of our greens and we decided on resurfacing the greens.

This resurfacing project was completed in November 2019 and we are now operating from a provisional course layout with 18 temporary greens and two temporary tees until med to late March 2020, when our new greens are ready for play.

Due to the logistics surrounding the green restoration programme the decision has been made to reduce operating hours and course use.  Please take note of the list of dates below the course and all facilities will be closed.

December 2019 - Tuesday 10th, Monday 16th, Tuesday 17th, Wednesday 25th, Thursday 26th

January 2020 - Wednesday 1st, Thursday 2nd, Monday 6th, Monday 13th, Monday 20th, Monday 27th

February 2020 - Monday 3rd, Thursday 6th, Monday 17th, Monday 24th

March 2020 and beyond to be confirmed

We are very confident that the new greens will elevate the product we offer and enhance the exceptional we provide.

Reduced green fee rate for the green restoration project/ provisional course layout (18 temporary greens and 2 temporary tees):

NZ registered player $95 per person

NZ registered player replay round  (within 7 days) $75 per person

International registered player $120 per person

International registered player replay round  (within 7 days) $95 per person

Please note that the provisional course will not be NZ golf rated therefore rounds here are not eligible for handicapping.

These rates include GST and are valid until our new greens are in play, date to be confirmed but we anticipate sometime in March 2020.