| Club Name | Wairakei Golf Course |
| Designer | Commander John Harris |
| Par | 72 |
| Type | Parkland |
| Length | 6,460 Yards / 5,907 Metres |
| Website | |
| Club Address | Wairakei Drive, Thermal Explorer Highway, Wairakei 3377, New Zealand |
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.
BOOK YOUR GOLF TRIP WITH VOYAGES.GOLF
Planning a golf trip shouldn’t be harder than playing the course itself. Voyages.golf is an International specialist golf travel agency, built by golfers for golfers who want access to the world’s best courses without the booking headaches. Our services go well beyond golf, with curated travel services creating the best package to suit your needs as described by our thousands of travellers.
Our Approach
We handle the details so you can focus on your game. Every itinerary is custom-built around the courses you want to play, with accommodation, transfers, and logistics coordinated to maximise your time on the greens. No budget stay-and-play, no minimum group sizes, no automated responses – just personalised service from golf travel specialists who understand what makes a great golf trip.
Our Services
Every Voyages.golf package starts with a minimum of two nights’ accommodation paired with your golf rounds, then builds from there based on your needs. Our comprehensive services include:
Tee Time Access
Championship courses – worldwide. We’ve built relationships over 10+ years that secure tee times many can’t access.
Hand-Picked Accommodation
Every hotel, resort, and lodge is selected based on three criteria: location near your courses, genuine comfort after 18 holes, and whether we’d stay there ourselves. No endless scrolling through reviews – we’ve done the research and know what works for golfers.
Complete Logistics Management
Golf clubs on flights. Vehicles with proper storage. Multi-course routing that doesn’t waste your day driving. Caddie requests. Optional additions like wine tours, golf lessons, or non-golfer programs. We coordinate everything so your trip flows seamlessly from arrival to departure.
No Minimum Numbers
Solo traveler? Foursome? Corporate group of 20? We welcome bookings of any size. Every golfer deserves exceptional service regardless of party size.
Real People, Real Expertise
Contact Voyages.golf and you’ll speak with experienced golf travel specialists – not call centers or chatbots. We’re golfers who’ve played these courses, understand seasonal conditions, and genuinely care about creating trips you’ll remember. We’re available to answer questions, refine itineraries, and provide support before, during, and after your journey.
Ready to Play?
Whether you’re targeting Australia’s championship courses, planning an international golf pilgrimage, or organizing a weekend escape with friends, Voyages.golf transforms your golf travel plans into reality. Contact our specialist team today to start designing your perfect golf experience.
How to Book Your Golf Trip
Every Voyages.golf experience is custom-made to your specifications—no two itineraries are identical. To ensure we secure the best tee times and accommodation, especially at high-demand courses and destinations, we recommend starting the booking process well in advance. We will advise you on the best booking windows for in-demand locations.
Before reaching out, it helps to have clarity on your preferred travel dates and confirmed group members (who’s definitely in, who’s still deciding). This allows us to move quickly when availability opens at sought-after courses.
Our 5-Step Booking Process
1. Enquire
Contact our team with your ideal travel window, preferred courses or destinations, group size, and any special requirements. The more detail you provide, the better we can tailor your itinerary. Keep in mind that popular courses and travel periods book out months in advance; early enquiries give you the best selection.
2. Book
Once we’ve designed your perfect itinerary and you’re ready to proceed, we’ll send a detailed invoice. We accept multi-currency payments via credit card or direct bank transfer, making both domestic and international bookings straightforward and secure.
3. Travel
Experience the golf trip we’ve meticulously planned for you. Our team remains available throughout your journey for any support, adjustments, or assistance you might need with the latest digital travel app to support your group throughout.
4. Share Your Experience
We’d love to hear how your trip went. Share your experience on social media (tag us @voyagesgolf), leave a review, or send us photos from your trip to be featured. Your feedback helps us continually improve and helps fellow golfers discover their next great adventure.
5. Stay in Touch
Once you’ve traveled with Voyages.golf, you’re part of our community. We’ll keep you informed about new course partnerships, exclusive travel opportunities, and seasonal recommendations for your next golf getaway.
Ready to Start Planning?
Contact Voyages.golf today. Let us know when you’re thinking of traveling and which courses are on your bucket list—we’ll take care of the rest.
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