Wairakei International Golf Course

Overview: Wairakei International is an 18-hole, par-72 course near Taupo, set within a volcanic landscape of trees, streams, lakes and broad undulating fairways. Commander John Harris, Michael Wolveridge and Peter Thomson shaped the layout, which is listed at 6,460 metres from the championship markers, approximately 7,070 yards. Its 108 white bunkers are a defining visual feature, but the course is not only about hazards: the movement of the land, native vegetation, water and changing lines of play create a spacious inland test with a strong New Zealand identity.

History: Wairakei opened in 1970 and quickly became one of New Zealand's most internationally recognised courses. The design brought together Harris's architectural experience, Wolveridge's work on the ground and Thomson's influence as a five-time Open Championship winner. The course was developed beside the Taupo resort and later became part of a broader sanctuary project, allowing the golf property to connect its playing landscape with native birdlife and habitat. Wairakei's history is therefore tied both to championship golf and to the careful stewardship of its volcanic setting.

Did You Know? Wairakei is described by its current operator as New Zealand's only golf course inside a wildlife sanctuary. The predator-free environment provides habitat for species including kiwi and takaha, while a separate nine-hole layout offers a shorter way to experience the property. The championship course's 108 bunkers and long volcanic views make it easy to recognise, even before the first tee shot.