Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary

Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary

Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Wairakei golf course has been skillfully designed to blend with the natural surroundings of native bush, prolific bird song and picturesque scenery. Being the first of its kind with the uniqueness of the pest proof sanctuary, Wairakei has been recognized as New Zealand’s number one golf course. The predator free sanctuary that we have at Wairakei, offers a safe haven to fallow deer and many birdlife including mixed colour pheasants, guinea fowl, pekin ducks, takahe and our nation’s icon, the kiwi, which are all free to roam around the course. Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary is a truly unique golfing experience that cannot be missed.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles66 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
3
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1

Elocker
Auckland, New Zealand31 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
Unfortunately, las year I had to cancel a round at Wairakei due to their greens being damaged. So it was with super excitement that I played a round there last Friday. The day started cold but clear. By the time I teed off though, the sun was shining on the course and Wairakei revealed all its beauty.
It's such a magical golf course and time after time, you drive up to a tee box and think, "This is another signature hole!"
The fairways are in excellent condition and have plentiful birdlife wandering around. Including the three grumpy geese who chased my cart - you've been warned. The greens though are where the course comes alive for any golfer. All I can advise is bring your 'A' putting game. The greens are super fast, but true when you get online. The shapes and various angles are clever, so take your time looking at your putt from a couple of viewpoints. And be prepared for a few three-putts!
I absolutely loved my day at Wairakei. It's a must-play for any golfer.
Written 1 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good afternoon Elocker We are so glad that you enjoyed your round at Wairakei, our team work very hard to produce a quality product and we thank you for taking the time to offer praise. The greens have been a labour of love but completely worth all the work that went into resurfacing, we are over the moon with the result. Terribly sorry about the grumpy geese we will try to work on their customer service. Look forward to your next visit. Regards the team @ Wairakei G + S
Written 4 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

jaycee77777
Wellington, New Zealand2 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022 • Friends
Amazing layout. The course really challenges you to think your way around it. Had an absolute cracker of a time getting beaten up by it. Unfortunately the greens were in pretty average condition, which isn’t great when you’re paying over $250 for a round. The rest of the course was in top top shape though, which made the greens condition all the more peculiar. Would hope it’s down to the time of year. Needless to say though a little disappointed for an establishment of its type.
Written 5 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dan M
Christchurch, New Zealand17 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Friends
From reception to practice range to course to clubhouse, this is the best golf experience you'll have in NZ.
The course is perfectly maintained, but unlike alot of resort courses it has kept its rugged beauty, and created 18 memorable holes using the streams and other natural qualities.
The added bonus is the abundance of birdlife and occasional deer, all contained safely within the predator free fence
Written 10 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Departure23506557576
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Friends
The course isn’t in great condition, the practice range is based on artificial tuff, but there is a lot of groomed grass but you were not allowed to use it.
A lot of the fringes around the greens were in extremely poor condition, horrific lies.
The round was extremely slow, the course Marshall was visible but didn’t step up hence the round was over 5 hours.
Personally I will alway pay the $80.00 price difference and play Kinloch …it’s in a different league .
Written 28 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good afternoon Departure23506557576 Thank you for taking the time to provide a review. We are sorry to hear you were unhappy with your experience at Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary. We take great pride in providing excellent facilities and presenting a beautiful golf course, we're sorry your recent visit did not meet your expectations. It is rare for us to receive negative feedback but we appreciate you sharing your concerns, thanks again for your feedback.
Written 4 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Judie R
Auckland Central, New Zealand46 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021 • Couples
If you love golf, this golf course is a must to play. Beautiful kept fairways and greens. Very challenging course but beautiful scenery and wildlife. Easily one of the best golf courses in New Zealand especially now with their new greens
Written 16 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

124Chequeplease
Flinders, Australia93 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Couples
Visited after 2023 floods; cyclone Gabrielle and earthquake which took out 1500 trees; 80 on course.
A challenging and rewarding course full of surprises if you hit a long or short ball-tees to suit all levels. more often, you can find your ball on the trajectory where you thought it went👏🏻. It is also a wildlife sanctuary for many birds incl a hatchery for native kiwis.
I would definitely recommend adding this to your golf tour.
Written 12 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ElsaMiro
275 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
Had lunch here today, can't believe we've holidayed here for so many years unaware of this magnificent cafe/restaurant.
Such a superb setting especially on a sunny day, however the outlook would be wonderful any sort of day. Sat outside, attentive friendly service, food excellent and good choice of both food and drinks.
Such a relaxing spot, out of the BUSYness of Taupo.
Will be back!
Written 9 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Taupoite
Port Vila, Vanuatu10 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Friends
I must stress we did NOT play golf so am not commenting on the golf and sanctuary - only the restaurant.

Just went there for lunch and it was without a doubt the worst lunch I have had in years. Soggy, tasteless, mass produced deep fried frozen food. Service was appalling, slow and careless. Coffee was good.

Won’t be back.
Written 5 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

K8brooks
Christchurch, New Zealand135 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2020 • Couples
Played on a drizzly November morning.
What a beautiful course. The course was in amazing condition, greens ran true.
The wildlife there is fantastic.
Thoroughly enjoyed our game
Well stocked pro shop.
Friendly staff
Lovely, well priced food
Written 29 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lisa G
Taupo, New Zealand46 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
Holy cow! Next level AMAZING cafe that i didnt know even existed even though i live here. Nice to have word of mouth! Our new go to! 11/10 for the eggs Bene, cant rave about this more. Staff were very friendly and setting was lovely for a change!
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking time to review your Wairakei experience. We're so glad you enjoyed the food, the service and the setting. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Written 23 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

…
Showing results 1-10 of 62
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

WAIRAKEI GOLF AND SANCTUARY (2025) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

All Taupo HotelsTaupo Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in TaupoHotels near Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary
All things to do in Taupo
Amusement Parks in TaupoZoos & Aquariums in Taupo
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday HomesTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire