WAIRAKEI

Wairakei International was built by the New Zealand government's Tourist Hotel Corporation in 1970. Spreading over 450 acres of natural rolling land the design was overseen by one of the most impressive combination of golf course architects ever seen at that time. Commander John Harris, Michael Wolveridge and 5 times British Open winner, Peter Thompson all combined to produce New Zealand 's first internationally recognised championship course.

Wairakei International golf course is set in the heart of the scenic Wairakei Tourist Park. The beautiful landscaping and magnificent tree lined fairways make a golf experience not to be missed.

This layout is so impressive, that in 1996 it was rated the 17th best golf course in the world outside of America by US Golf Digest magazine and is also featured in the exclusive World Atlas of Golf.

Although blessed with many beautiful and challenging holes the 14 th hole is the most famous and outstanding. Measuring a solid 548 metres in length from the championship tees this gently upsloping hole is further complicated by a huge tree ["the Rogue"] which must be negotiated by choosing the fairway on either side. The approach shot is uphill to an elevated horseshoe shaped green guarded by bunkers, making a par a great result.

There is something special about Wairakei, you can smell it in the fresh air and feel it from the adjoining forests, this is a magnificanet golf course in a very special place.