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Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary – Clubhouse Café
We invite you to enjoy the warm welcoming atmosphere and friendly service of the Wairakei Clubhouse Café. Fully licensed, serving fresh and delicious food whilst overlooking the beautiful scenery of the golf course.
We can arrange packed lunches, after golf platters or private luncheons. If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact our Front of House manager, 07-374-8152.
Operating hours:
Peak season - 18th September 2024 to 11th May 2025, open 7 days a week from 8am to 3pm.
Off Peak season - 12th May 2025 to 16th September 2025, open Wednesday to Sunday from 8am to 3pm.
Daily menu (subject to change):
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s North Island, the Taupō region is a place of extraordinary natural beauty – a vast, sparkling lake, trout-filled rivers, ancient forests, steaming geothermal zones and towering snow-blanketed mountains. With welcoming resort towns, lakeside villages and world-class luxury lodges to stay in, adventure, discovery and wonder lie just outside every door.
The crystal-clear freshwater of Lake Taupo draws visitors to the town’s boutique and luxury lodges, lakeside hotels, motels and guest accommodation year-round, to swim and sunbathe, kayak, fish, enjoy family activities or soak up the atmosphere in the town’s many lakeside restaurants and bars.
In Taupo town centre, the streets are lined with boutique shops, cafes, craft galleries, art sculptures, public spaces and one of the country’s best children’s playgrounds. Further out, there are national and forest parks, natural hot springs, and adventure activity bases, including whitewater rafting, sky-diving and bungy-jumping.
Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary is located 10 minutes’ drive north of Taupo, set in the Wairakei Tourist Park. The park boasts the popular and well-known natural features of Craters of the Moon and Huka Falls. New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato, runs through it. Clustered around many natural attractions are tourism ventures and businesses that can keep visitors busy, amused and relaxed for days.
18 hole championship golf course - Par 72, 6460 metres from the championship tees, skilfully designed to blend with the natural surroundings of bush, prolific bird song and picturesque scenery.
Pro shop – fully stocked with leading brands like Callaway, Kjus, Peter Millar, Harlestons, IBKUL, Sunderland, Footjoy, Oakley, and more. An excellent selection of mens and ladies Wairakei branded clothing, caps, beanies and visors. A variety of shoes, golf balls, putters, bags and accessories are also on offer. Everything a golfer needs.
Hire carts – golf carts (two seaters) available for hire. Bookings advised.
Hire clubs – we offer an executive range of hire clubs that include the latest models from Callaway and Titleist. Bookings essential.
Hire trundlers – complimentary three wheel trundlers available upon request.
Club repair services – our PGA professionals can help with your club repair needs. Please note depending on the repair requirement some components may need to be ordered or sent away.
Clubhouse – Fully licensed, serving fresh and delicious food whilst overlooking the beautiful scenery of the golf course, with a warm welcoming atmosphere and friendly service.
Practice areas – full swing practice tee, short game bunker area and putting green.
Professional coaching and lessons – we have a dedicated coaching area where our PGA professionals can pin point the area of your swing that needs the most work and discover the best way of correcting it. Please click here for coaching options.
Corporate golf days and tournaments – we host a number of extremely successful events, as the course, facilities, service and location make it the perfect venue for golf tournaments. We are able to cater for a wide variety of golf events that can be tailored to suit your needs.
Imagine the experience of playing golf on a world class championship course, immersed in the natural beauty of a wildlife sanctuary. The ambitious project is the brainchild of owner Gary Lane and has seen a dedicated five kilometre ‘Xcluder’ fence installed around the entire course perimeter. The fence stands more than 2 metres tall and has been specially designed to keep out predators like rats, mice, stoats, weasels, hedgehogs, feral cats and possums.
Around 25,000 native trees and five thousand exotics have been planted to encourage bird life and further improve the park like surroundings. Mixed colour pheasants, guinea fowl, pekin ducks and fallow deer have also been released on to the property.
In 2012, an agreement was established between Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary and the Department of Conservation to work cooperatively together to make the most of conservation and restoration opportunities within the sanctuary. That includes using the predator free environment as a crèche for kiwi chicks, a safe place for them to "find their feet" and grow. Wairakei has been home to many kiwi chicks since.
Since 2015, Wairakei has been home to retired takahē. For the takahē, the Wairakei retirement opportunity is an escape from competition while clearing vital breeding space for younger takahē pairs on their pest-free home bases. Over the years some of the takahē at Wairakei have come out of retirement and have produced healthy chicks. Once they’ve grown, these chicks are moved back to the founding population in Murchison. As at June 2024 we have 8 pairs of happy adult takahē and 1 chick loving the sanctuary we provide.
There are also two kārearea (New Zealand falcon) that return annually to nest, they've had numerous chicks and enjoy making the most of the predator free environment for raising their young.
In 2019 we welcomed a dedicated kiwi incubation, hatching and brooding centre, known as the the Gallagher Kiwi Burrow. This facility is managed by Save the kiwi and unfortunately not open for the public, but keep an eye on our facebook page here for updates.
Green Fees until 30th September 2025
NZ affiliated player $260 per person. NZ affiliated player replay round (within 7 days) $225 per person
NZ affiliated group rate: 12 to 23 players = $10 discount, 24 players or more = $15 discount.
NZ resident non affiliated player $320 per person. NZ resident non affiliated player replay round (within 7 days) $270 per person
Australian affiliated player $295 per person
International affiliated player $345 per person
Australian & International affiliated player replay round (within 7 days) $270 per person
Junior player (Under 18yo) $80 per person
Hire Equipment
Golf cart: $70.00 for two people sharing.
Executive Club Hire (Callaway and Titleist) 18 holes incl. trundler: $75.00
Trundlers: Complimentary
Prior bookings and hire equipment arrangements are essential to avoid disappointment
Proof of club membership may be requested.
Gift Vouchers
We are happy to offer gift vouchers for 'Goods and Services to the Value of $XXX' (any dollar denomination) which can be used toward green fees and lessons as well as in the Pro Shop and Clubhouse/Sprig Bar. Vouchers will have an expiry date of 12 months from the date of purchase.
If you would like to purchase a gift voucher, please contact us and provide the following:
- Value of voucher requested
- Name of the recipient(s)
- Your name and contact details
- Credit or Debit Card details (or request our bank details for a direct credit)
- Preferred form of voucher (physical or emailed digital copy)
- Email or postal address to where we can send the voucher
Dress Standard
ALL PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS must be dressed in appropriate golf attire. Neat and tidy at all times with collared shirts, dress trousers or shorts to be worn. For example no denim, trackpants, jandals or boots.
Please note we are a SOFT SPIKE only course, ALL METAL SPIKED golf shoes are not permitted.
We are able to change spikes or hire shoes are available at the pro shop.
We invite you to become a member of the Wairakei Tui Golf Club, enjoy a superb golf course skilfully designed to blend with the natural surroundings of bush, prolific bird song and picturesque scenery. Wairakei golf course is the first of its kind providing a unique pest proof sanctuary and haven for fallow deer and many birdlife including pheasants, guinea fowl, ducks, kiwi and takahe, which are all free to roam around the course.
Membership benefits:
- Entitled to play without paying any green fees (subject to availability)
- Registered with an official NZGA handicap
- Use of all the practice facilities (subject to availability)
- Discount on cart hire
- A reduced green fee for three guests playing with you (applies to Full Adult, 9 Hole and Young Adult Wairakei members only)
- Full Adult members are permitted to play in a haggle competition twice a week, Wednesday and Sunday
Cost Overview
|
Membership Type |
Subscription Fee |
NZ Golf and BOP Fee |
Tui Club Fee |
Total |
|
Full Adult |
$4,350 |
$65 |
$50 |
$4,465 |
|
9 Hole |
$2,225 |
$65 |
$25 |
$2,315 |
|
Young Adult (20-25) |
$2,175 |
- |
- |
$2,175 |
|
Junior (16-19) |
$1,087 |
- |
- |
$1,087 |
|
Junior (Up to 15) |
$435 |
- |
- |
$435 |
Click here for the 2024 - 2025 Wairakei Tui Club Membership Application.
For general enquiries please contact the Pro Shop 07-374-8152 or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Company policy - if you apply after 1st October, you will be invoiced for the balance of the current year and the following 12 months.
More...
Whatever your playing level we have a coaching option to improve your game. Our NZPGA approved professionals are available for both private lessons and golf schools.
Please phone the Pro Shop for appointments Phone: 07-374-8152 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MEET OUR COACHES
Steven Jessup (Head Professional), pictured above with a few rising stars from a Wairakei School of Golf. Steve is a member of NZPGA, he’s been coaching at Wairakei since 1995 and runs the very popular Wairakei School of Golf.
Grace Senior (Golf Professional), once a junior golfer under Steve’s coaching. Grace is now a member of NZPGA, she’s been coaching at Wairakei since 2019 and is passionate about golf.
Individual Lessons
One to one format, full shots on the practice range focusing on key points of your swing. A great way to pinpoint the area of your swing that needs the most work and discover the best way of correcting it.
Short game lessons on putting, chipping, pitching or bunkers are also available on our excellent practice facilities. Just what you need to sort out those frustrating scoring shots.
Steven Jessup - 30 minutes for $55 or 60 minutes $100.
Grace Senior - 45 minutes for $75.
Lesson Series
A prepaid lesson series gives you the opportunity to have the repeated guidance of your own coach, ensuring you stay on track. A series also enables you to work on all aspects of the game with someone who knows it best.
Steven Jessup – five x 30-minute lessons for $245
Grace Senior – three x 45-minute lessons for $210
Trackman Launch Monitor/Silicon Coach
The use of technology adds another dimension to the lesson environment.
We use both Trackman Launch Monitor and Silicon Coach computer analysis as tools to gain more information on your game. This technology gives us the best opportunity to get the most out of your game.
A minimum of 60 minutes is required for the use of this state of the art equipment.
Playing Lessons
Play a round under the experienced eye of our resident professional. While you're on the course your professional will guide you through swing adjustments and course management.
A playing lesson is an ideal way to learn how to think your way around the golf course. Choose the right club and style of shot for each occasion, in a way that can't be taught or learnt on the driving range.
Steven Jessup – 9 hole playing lesson $175 (plus green fee)
Grace Senior – 9 hole playing lesson $175 (plus green fee)
Wairakei School of Golf 3 Day Programme
Now’s your chance to be professionally coached on all aspects of your golf game and play New Zealand’s finest golf course.
The Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary invites you to join the Wairakei School of Golf. Resident N.Z.P.G.A. professional Steven Jessup will guide you through a professionally designed 3-day programme which covers tee & fairway play, short game and bunker play. The school also teaches the student course management, you will also receive a personal recording (saved to USB drive), so those vital points are not forgotten.
The School fee includes:
- Breakfast and lunch daily.
- All range and green fees, as well as electric cart hire.
- An instructional recording of you and your coach(saved to USB drive), so that you have a visual record of swing changes and improvements that have been made to your swing over the three days of tuition.
- Steve will guide you during two rounds of 9 holes and one round of 18 holes, coaching you through your game and course management. Question him on rules and using them towards your advantage.
Areas covered in the school are:
- Full Swing
- Pitching
- Chipping
- Bunker Shots
- Putting
- Odd Lies
Wairakei School of Golf fee $1250 (per person) - includes all coaching, USB drive, green fees, cart hire, range use, two breakfasts and three lunches.
Steve Jessup, our head professional, would be happy to consider organising a private golf school for you if you are able to arrange your own group of 4 – 6 people, and find a mutually agreeable date.
For more information please contact the Pro Shop at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kia ora, 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.
Within 180 hectares of native flora and fauna sits one of New Zealand’s finest golf courses.
Whilst researching ways to enhance the natural habitats of our wildlife it was concluded that a fence excluding all pests and predators was the only effective way to achieve the objective. As a result, the 5.5 km boundary fence was erected which is 2 metres high and prevents both climbing and burrowing animals access to the property.
In addition to the fence and sanctuary sits a kiwi egg incubation facility, hatching over 100 kiwi chicks a season.
The golf course was built by the New Zealand government and 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 recognized golf course, and there is little doubt in any New Zealanders mind that this trio exceeded all expectations.
Navigate your way thru 18 testing holes of exceptional beauty and listen to the cacophony of birdlife, the meandering streams, the delightful waterfalls . . .
The end result is a course that sprawls over the property using the natural contours to the fullest. This coupled with the 6460 metres from the championship tees and 108 large well placed bunkers, has lead to worldwide acclaim. It is the natural beauty and sheer experience of the property that makes Wairakei a must for the golf enthusiast.
Many find sanctuary on a golf course, but it is rare to find a golf course that is a sanctuary - Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary is thought to have scored a world first! Skilfully designed to blend with the natural rolling countryside and developed to meet the rigorous design standards for world class championship competition.
Officially opened February 1970 by the Tourist Hotel Corporation. Special guests including the Minister of Tourism Hon. H. J Walker were invited to an exhibition match followed by a celebratory luncheon. Today, the basic layout of the golf course remains true to the original design of Commander John Harris, Michael Wolveridge and Peter Thomson. Ownership has changed but the drive to provide a world class golfing experience continues. There have been many enhancements to the golf course environment including a strong focus on conservation and providing a predator free sanctuary for wildlife.
Since 2012, Wairakei has worked closely with the Department of Conservation to develop conservation and restoration opportunities for native birds and wildlife to thrive. This includes using the predator free environment as a creche for kiwi chicks and a retirement home for retired breeding takahe. The takahe pairs have enjoyed sanctuary life so much there have been takahe chicks in the last few years. A variety of wildlife flourish within the sanctuary, mixed colour pheasants, guinea fowl, pekin ducks, fallow deer and a pair of karearea (NZ Falcon) that have nested and raised their chicks for many years.
Early 2020, Wairakei celebrated 50 years and the completion of a robust green restoration project. The magnificent putting surface of the new greens complement the beauty of the course and sanctuary environment. Navigate your way through 18 testing holes of exceptional beauty. Listen to the cacophony of birdlife, the meandering streams, and delightful waterfalls …
Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary is a truly unique golfing experience that cannot be missed.