Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
The Takeaway: Located in a sanctuary, Wairakei feels like you are playing through an aviary and totally secluded into nature. The setting is beyond charming and the golf course delivers with some great holes as well. It may not be one of the big headliner courses in New Zealand, but it is absolutely worth playing. Grade B+
Quick Facts
Designer: John Harris & Michael Wolveridge & Peter Thomson 1970
Cost: Varies Click for current rates
Phone Number: +64 7 374 8152
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 527 Wairakei Drive, Thermal Explorer Highway 3377 – NEW ZEALAND
Photos: See additional photos of Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary
What to Expect: Located just north of Taupo, Wairakei is a 450 acre ecological sanctuary beaming with native birdlife, dense ferns, and geothermal mist rising in the morning light. An impressive number of trees, 25,000 native and 5,000 exotic, are found throughout the layout and deliver a feeling of seclusion that many courses aren't able to when close to civilization. Built in 1970 by the trio of John Harris, Michael Wolveridge, and the legendary Peter Thomson, the course features generous fairways, contoured greens, and excellent turf conditions. Thermal creeks carve through the property as a hazard to contend with along with over 100 bunkers that are there to test your merit. There is 145 feet of elevation change throughout the property, the most dramatic change occurring from the elevated 6th tee down to the green below while the greatest ascent happens on the 14th hole. The diversity of birdlife and feeling of seclusion is what makes Wairakei a unique and special experience, and with over 7000 yards to cover, it delivers plenty of challenge as well. With a memorable closing hole awaiting at the conclusion of the round, a day at Wairakei is time well spent.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | 72 | 7065 | 74.3 | 145 |
| White | 72 | 6400 | 70.7 | 121 |
| Red (Ladies) | 72 | 5562 | 70.2 | 119 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 18th Hole – 566 Yard Par 5 – The closing hole at Wairakei is a risk/reward par five that provides a memorable finale. The elevated tee offers a straight forward view with no reveal of what is awaiting on the second shot of this dogleg right. When players reach their tee ball they are afforded a view of the approach shot which features a creek crossing the fairway 25 yards short of the green's front edge, a pair of ponds on the left side, and a trio of bunkers on the right. With the practice green on the opposite side of the pond of the 18th green, plenty of onlookers are ready to witness whether you have the guts, and talent, to reach the green in two with a chance to finish the round with an eagle.
Best Par 3: 10th Hole – 192 Yards – The 10th is a beautifully framed one-shotter that demands a precise strike. Surrounded in the rear by native vegetation and then a trio of bunkers on the left and a single bunker on the right, there aren't many safe misses. With a pond essentially out of play on the right and a wide selection of tree species framing the surroundings, it is a serene setting and a beautiful way to start the back nine.
Best Par 4: 6th Hole – 475 Yards – The most extensive view on the course is afforded from the 6th tee that sits high above the fairway and delivers a beautiful vista of the surrounding mountains and land. Stretching to 475 yards, the 6th is a superb test of length and placement. The tee shot should have no problem carrying the bunker on the left and should be aimed at the trio of bunkers on the right side of the undulated fairway. From there, a demanding approach shot is required to a raised green that is defended by cavernous bunkers and a putting surface that is quick to send balls to the right where a run-off awaits. It is a beautiful hole that can quickly wreck a scorecard if it is given the respect it deserves.
Best Par 5: 14th Hole – 599 Yards – Tipping out at nearly 600 yards, the 14th is a big par five that runs to the eastern edge of the golf course, bending left to right along the way. The tee shot is framed on the left side by a substantial hill that is covered in foliage and features long, skinny pines near the end of it. The hole gets really strong and interesting with the approach shot that plays to a raised green site with the putting surface boomeranging around a trio of bunkers. The uniquely shaped green creates some killer pin locations where you could be happy with a three-putt at times. It was easily my favorite green site on the property and is perfect for a lengthy par five.
Birdie Time: 12th Hole – 324 Yard Par 4 – The shortest par four on the course, the 12th gives players an opportunity to take a stroke back from Old Man Par. Long bombers may utilize the elevated tee to get some extra distance and take a run at the green, but any drive that clears the creek meandering across the fairway will set up a nice little wedge shot into the green. The green is fronted by a pair of bunkers, but is very receptive with manageable contours, so it is a great opportunity to go pinseeking and give yourself a good look at birdie.
Bogey Beware: 2nd Hole – 235 Yard Par 3 – Early in the round, the formidable 2nd hole reminds players that Wairakei is no pushover. At 235 yards, this long one-shotter requires a high quality tee ball to find the putting surface. A bunker well short of the green needs to be covered in the air before it can hit the ground and chase up onto the putting surface that has three bunkers protecting the sides and requiring players to remain accurate the full distance to the green. If you need a couple of holes to warmup in a round, you are going to get kicked in the teeth here. Ironically, I managed to birdie this hole, but don't ask me to do it again!
Recommended Accommodations
The Retreat Lake Accommodations at Taupo - Located with convenient access to Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary, The Retreat enjoys a delightful setting on Tapuaeharuru Bay at the north end of Lake Taupo. The chalets are welcoming, well cared for, and deliver an incredible morning view across the water. The space is well appointed with everything you would need for a short or long term stay, and ownership take great pride in caring for the facilities. With direct access to the water, quick access to the golf course, and convenient access to entertainment and food around Taupo, The Retreat is absolutely the place to stay near Wairakei. Contact: +64 21 174 4088 or info@theretreat.co.nz
