About this trip
Discover some of the Waikato’s Premier Golf Experiences
This short golf break showcases some of the finest courses in the Waikato region—an area known for its lush landscapes, geothermal wonders, and relaxed rural charm. Whether you're flying in from overseas or traveling within New Zealand, Waikato is an easy and rewarding destination to reach.
Tìeke Golf Estate, just 10 minutes from Hamilton Airport (or a 90minute drive from Auckland Airport) is the tour’s starting point. With its central location and excellent transport links, Waikato makes the perfect base for a seamless and scenic golf getaway.
Inclusions
- Green fees and cart hire at Tìeke Golf Estate, Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary and Taupo Centennial Golf Club
- 2-nights Premium accommodation at The Hilton Lake Taupo in a King Guest Room
- Daily breakfast
Locations and Courses
1. Tieke Golf Estate
72 Lochiel Road, Rukuhia 3881, New Zealand
2. Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary
527 Wairakei Drive, Thermal Explorer Highway, Wairakei, Taupō 3377, New Zealand
3. Taupo Golf Club - Centennial & Tauhara Courses
32 Centennial Drive, Tauhara, Taupō 3378, New Zealand
4. Accommodation - Hilton Lake Taupo
80-100 Napier Road, Hilltop, Taupō 3379, New Zealand
Tieke Golf Estate
Day 1 Overview: Tìeke Golf Estate & Travel to Taupo
Today you will play golf at Tìeke Golf Estate. Following golf, it is an approximately 2-hour drive to Taupo where you will stay for the next two nights.
Tìeke Golf Estate, located near Hamilton in New Zealand’s Waikato region, is a bold and modern reimagining of classic golf architecture, carved from the ancient river terraces of the Waikato River.
Key Details:
- Established: 2021 (following the redevelopment of the former Lochiel course)
- Location: Rukuhia, Hamilton, Waikato
- Course Designers: Brett Thomson (RBT Design) & Phil Tataurangi (Mahi Tahi Golf Projects)
Course Features:
- The 18-hole championship layout blends links-style characteristics with private valley golf, offering firm, fast playing conditions across sandy riverbed terrain.
- The design emphasizes ground-game strategy, with fine fescue fairways, creeping bentgrass greens, and expansive sandy waste areas replacing traditional rough.
- The course was developed after the merger of Lochiel and The Narrows courses, and the subsequent sale of land for a new expressway, allowing for a complete redesign.
- Over 1,000 trees and shrubs were removed to expose the natural contours and sandy subgrade, creating a layout inspired by the Golden Age of golf architecture.
- Named after the Tīeke (North Island Saddleback) bird, the course reflects a strong ecological focus, with over 30,000 native plants reintroduced and a partnership with Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari to support biodiversity.
- After your round, relax at the clubhouse’s excellent restaurant with a well-earned drink or bite to eat. From the terrace, enjoy views of the 18th green and watch fellow golfers finish their rounds in this stunning setting.
Accommodation:
King Guest room, includes breakfast
Day 2: Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary
Today you will play golf at Wairakei Gol & Sanctuary. Depending on the tee time, you have the option to sightsee some of the amazing geothermal features of this area before or after golf.
Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary, located just north of Taupō in New Zealand’s central North Island, is a pioneering golf destination that uniquely combines championship golf with native wildlife conservation. And very much a favourite with the Vivid Golf team.
Key Details:
- Established: 1970
- Location: Wairakei, Taupō, Waikato
- Course Designer: Peter Thomson (five-time Open Champion) and Michael Wolveridge
Course Features:
- The 18-hole par 72 championship course is set across rolling geothermal terrain, surrounded by native bush, streams, and waterfalls.
- In 2011, Wairakei became New Zealand’s first predator-free golf sanctuary, enclosed by a 5.5 km pest-proof fence and home to endangered species such as kiwi, takahē, and fallow deer.
- The course is known for its strategic bunkering, natural water features, and peaceful ambiance, offering a tranquil yet challenging experience for golfers of all levels.
- Signature holes include the short par-4 8th (“Farmer’s Folly”) and the long par-5 14th (“The Rogue”)
Cap off your experience with a well-earned drink at the clubhouse and a browse through the well-appointed on-site gift shop. No visit to Wairakei is complete without a little something to remember it by.
Accommodation:
King Guest room, includes breakfast
Day 3: Taupo Golf Club, Centennial Course
Check-out of the The Hilton after breakfast and head to Taupo Golf Club where you will play their Championship 18 - Centennial Golf Course.
Taupo Centennial Golf Course, located just minutes from the center of Taupō in New Zealand’s central North Island, is a scenic and welcoming championship course set amidst geothermal landscapes and native bush.
Key Details:
- Established: 1973
- Location: Taupō, Waikato, New Zealand
- Course Designer: Ernie Southerden
Course Features:
- The 18-hole par 72 course offers a classic parkland layout with gently rolling fairways, mature trees, and volcanic soil that ensures excellent drainage and year-round playability.
- Unique geothermal features, including a steaming fumerole near the 15th hole, add a distinctive Taupō touch to the golfing experience.
- The course is known for its strategic bunkering, well-guarded greens, and a layout that caters to both casual golfers and seasoned players.
- The final hole is considered one of the most memorable finishing holes in New Zealand golf.
Tour Pricing
- Twin share from $NZD1049 per person
Book your tour today.
New Zealand golf experiences run by golfers who understand golfers needs.