Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary – A Unique New Zealand Golf Experience

The Course: World-Class and Wonderfully Natural

Designed by the legendary Peter Thomson (a five-time Open Championship winner), alongside Michael Wolveridge and John Harris, Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary was the first New Zealand course built to international standards.

Since opening in 1970, it has been consistently ranked among the top courses in the country—and with good reason.

Set across 180 hectares of rolling countryside, the course blends beautifully with the surrounding nature. Mature trees, native plantings, and meandering water features line the fairways, offering both visual appeal and strategic shot making.

Playability and notable holes

Par: 72

Length: 6,460 metres (7,065 yards) from the championship tees

Tees: Multiple options for all skill levels

As mentioned earlier, the charm of this course is how it’s built into rolling countryside, with natural streams, man made lakes, mature trees, and heaps of strategically placed bunkers that offer an on-going challenge. This course (even off the whites) was tricky but enjoyable. Most holes required a well thought out plan from the tee to the green, with different carries or lay ups, trumping brute strength and luck. Come up short… bunker…miss left or right…probably bunker. Stray off the tee? Water or trees…at least that’s how it felt in my round. The fairways had beautiful checks mowed throughout and had generous run. The tee blocks are varied in placement and elevation. The greens are big, manicured immaculately with changing layouts and undulations. Some raised like a table top and most guarded by bunkers. The green speeds were as fast as I’ve ever played. If you can’t get your speed right with your putting stroke or even more so, if you can’t get your chips to stop…lookout 😅With that in mind these are true rolling greens which reward the bold.  

Notable holes include:

Hole 8: A 349m par-4 dogleg right with a layup hitting straight or try to carry the water on the right and cut the hole, followed by another short iron water carry onto a challenging two-tiered green.
Hole 11: A seemingly straight short Par-4 with an elevated Tee box. Gives the illusion that if you hit it clean you could carry the stream in front of the green which would be 270 odd metres.

Hole 14: A long 549m par-5 dogleg right with an elevated massive green, and bunkers in all the spots you wish they weren’t.

Hole 18: Is a Par-5 at 480 odd metres, which really showcases the course nicely. There are fairway bunkers on either side that create challenges for the long hitters. There’s quite a large  picturesque lake on your right which shouldn’t be a problem but there’s also a body of water on the left hand side of the green for that wayward 2nd or 3rd shot…

Facilities & Clubhouse Hospitality

The clubhouse café is relaxed and welcoming, with panoramic views of the final hole—an ideal place for a cold drink, a flat white, or a hearty lunch. (I had the burger and it was delicious!) 

The Pro Shop carries premium golf gear and clothing from brands like:

Callaway

Peter Millar

Greyson

Kjus

FootJoy

You’ll also find Wairakei-branded polos, caps, and accessories—perfect mementos or gifts.

Equipment Hire Available

Wairakei makes it easy for travellers or casual players, with a full range of gear for hire:

Golf clubs (including premium sets)

Golf carts (with GPS)

Trundlers / trolleys

Golf shoes

Walking the course is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the sanctuary setting, however carts are available as well.