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Explore the Top 6 Golf Courses in Rotorua & Nearby

2 March 2023

Gondola

Rotorua

Stratosfare restaurant

You may know Rotorua is home to the sights, smells and sounds of hissing geysers, bubbling mud pools and boiling lakes.

But, what if we told you there’s more to Rotorua than just spectacular views? We’re not just talking about scenic walks, MTB bike trails, incredible coffee, food and adventure activities you can do for free!

In fact, Rotorua is also home to some outstanding, world-class putting greens. Rotorua fairways combine stunning scenery and geothermal landscapes to produce incredible tournament-worthy courses.

If you’re a keen golfer, you’re going to love playing a few rounds on some of the best courses in New Zealand.

Rotorua Golf Club (Arikikapakapa)

Image credit: Arikikapakapa Golf Rotorua

Come and have a swing at one of New Zealand’s oldest golf courses located in Rotorua. Close to major hotels and motels in Rotorua, Arikikapakapa is located in the picturesque Whakarewarewa.

Ranked as one of the best on the North Island, Rotorua Golf Club is a unique, 18-hole, par 70 course offering an invigorating challenge packed with variety.

This all-weather, links-style easy walking course offers many holes played across dormant and active thermal areas – because it’s right next door to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve.

Visit the golf shop for club, trundler and electric cart hire.

Springfield Golf Club

Image credit: Springfield Golf Club

How would you like to try beating your personal best score at a course that has hosted some of the top amateur championship tournaments in New Zealand?

Springfield Golf Club is known for challenging but rewarding play. Also, it’s where former world amateur number one Danny Lee developed his golf game. And that game took him to the US PGA Tour, alongside golfers like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods.

The course is set in park-like surroundings with many tree-lined fairways. The strategically placed greens and tight sections offering golfers a great challenge across this par 70 course.

Springfield Golf Club is located at Devon Street West, central Rotorua.

Lakeview Golf Club

Image credit: Lakeview Golf Club

Breathe in the clean alpine air at Lakeview Golf Club, sitting 1,000ft above sea level. Enjoy the brilliant vistas of Lake Rotorua, Mokoia Island and the surrounding countryside.

Boasting undulating fairways and challenging greens, golfers need to keep an eye out for hazards such as bunkers and bush-clad gorges. Visitors of all golfing abilities can enjoy a unique 18 hole, par 72 course, with a delightful chorus of native birds cheering you on. The golf club offers carts, clubs and trundlers for hire.

Wairakei International Golf Course + Sanctuary

Image credit: Wairakei Golf Course

The prestigious US Golf Digest Magazine rated the Wairakei Golf Course rated as one of the top 20 courses in the world beyond the USA. The sanctuary is an ecological restoration and the first of its kind in New Zealand. The course was developed to meet the meticulous design standards for a world-class golfing experience.

In under an hours’ drive from Rotorua, Golfers can putt through 18 holes in a pristine, natural environment. Enjoy the harmonies of surrounding birdlife, bubbling brooks, and gushing waterfalls.

The Kinloch Club

Image credit: The Kinloch Club

Another great option under an hours’ drive from Rotorua is The Kinloch Club – a luxury estate housing an 18-hole, par 72 classic link course, designed by golfing legend, Jack Nicklaus. His Signature Golf Course provides a championship fairway for golfers to set themselves against unique challenges and stimulating contests.

Enjoy stunning views of Lake Taupo and rugged, rural farmland in this truly unique golfing experience.

Mini Golf Rotorua

Image credit: minigolfrotorua

Challenge your friends and family and practice your short game at one of the quirkiest mini-golf courses in NZ. But be warned, the worse you are at mini-golf, the more fun you’ll have!

This 18-hole course provides hours of fun for the whole family. Navigate your way around cascading waterfalls while enjoying the sounds of local birdlife – plus the company of the course’s friendly resident rabbits.

Come relax at Skyline Rotorua!

Image credit: Skyline Rotorua

At the end of a day of golf, take the scenic Skyline Rotorua Gondola up to our Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar. Here you can delight your taste buds with incredible food and a glass or two of award-winning fine wines. Then, why not head out with the family and experience Rotorua’s incredible offerings at night. We hope to see you soon!

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