Golfing in New Zealand

Green Posse

Wairakei

  The North Island of New Zealand’s third world class golf course, Wairakei rests in the picturesque backdrop of the Lake Taupo Region, amid breathtaking volcanic cones that capture the imagination and make it stare in wonder.  Rated by the Prestigious US Golf Digest Magazine to be one of the top 100 golf courses in the world in 2005, Wairakei International Golf Course is laid out on 450 acres of effortlessly undulating landscape and has been designed to meet the rigorous design standards golf’s governing body requires for world class competitions.

  Designed by former British Open Champion Peter Thompson, Michael Wolveridge, and Commander John Harris, Wairakei is a 7,050 yard, par 72, golfing wonderland that takes you through a dense forest set among rising cinder cones on the first of New Zealand’s golfing challenges to gain international acclaim.

  You’ll text your buddies back home when you step upon the breathtaking “Rogue”, a 600 yard 14^th hole that will have you scratching your head and beating the tee.  You’ll need three intelligent, well thought out shots to reach the green, “Rogue” you’ll wake up every night from your nightmares, covered in sweat.

  The tee fees are reasonable, there is a strict dress code, so leave the sweats at the hotel, and no metal spiked footwear is allowed, but they have appropriate footwear you can hire.  Equipment is available for hire but book ahead to avoid complications and don’t forget to bring proof of golf club membership; they will probably ask to see it.

  Private lessons with golf pros are available, along with video lessons, playing lessons and even a Silicon Coach Computer Analysis Lesson to help you identify problems.

18 hole championship golf course
– 20 bay, covered driving range
– Fully stocked golf shop
– 3 on-course N.Z.P.G.A. Golf Professionals
– Full fleet of electric golf carts
– Hire clubs, shoes and trundlers
– Clubhouse and fully licensed bar
PO Box 377
State Highway One
Taupo

Phone 64 7 374 8152
Facsimile 64 7 374 8289
Email wigc@globe.net.nz
Website www.wairakeigolfcourse.co.nz

Golf Eden in New Zealand

Green Posse

Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers

  American golfers seeking new challenges often cross the Pacific Ocean to play on the majestic sun-belt courses of Australia.

   In recent times, New Zealand has become a golf paradise that can compete with the most challenging golf courses in the world.  Golfers on the west coast tired of long flights to Scotland for cold, windy golfing and challenged chefs, can now bask in the warm winds and sunshine of New Zealand’s outstanding weather as they challenge themselves on three of the world’s truly breathtaking golf courses.

  Kauri Cliffs sits on the north eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island.  Wall Street tycoon Julian Robertson’s opening bid to make New Zealand a golf destination for challenge seeking golfers from around the world.  Kauri Cliffs sits majestically upon a spectacular setting overlooking the warm Pacific Ocean and was designed by renowned golf course architect David Harman to be one of the world’s top golf challenges.  Kauri Cliffs is a 7,119 yard, par 72 golfing Eden featuring a number of eye-catching gorges that will weaken the knees every time you’re forced to carry the ball over one.

  The quality of Kauri Cliffs will become apparent when you step upon the tee of “Cambo”, the 4^th hole named after local hero Michael Campbell.  “Cambo” is an outstanding risk/reward challenge, with lurking ravine on your right and treacherous bunkers short left.  Holes 10 and 11 are par 4s requiring precise approach shots to land in the right spot for your next shot.  A birdie is makeable with a properly placed shot to the green.  Stay away from the cliffs during the four-hole stretch from 14-17; the wind direction may have you thinking about throwing the clubs into the Pacific, to join the balls you put there, so bring a truck load of balls and maybe a spare set of clubs.

  Kauri Cliffs is New Zealand’s playground for west coast golfers preferring to fly less and golf more, a 18 hole challenge that will demand you play through for another 18 holes, every day, as long as you bring enough balls that is.

  Once you defeat Kauri Cliffs treacherous holes or if you need a break from knocking balls into the warm Pacific, you can travel across the island to the south eastern tip of New Zealand’s North Island and try your luck on Cape Kidnappers.  Ranked No. 41 on Golf Magazines Top 100 Courses in the World, Cape Kidnappers will thrill you if you’re a little intimidated by heights, so you probably want to pack your little pills for this trip.