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.