Huka FallsHuka Falls

Together Taupo & Napier in New Zealand's north island make for a wonderful short golf and sightseeing destination. Three world class golf courses ensure this is a 'must do' golfing destination:

1. Wairakei International

2. Kinloch

3. Cape Kidnappers

 

Taupo

Taupo is located in the centre of the north island on Lake Taupo- New Zealand's largest lake. The lake discharges through the Waikato River which flows over the spectacular Huka Falls a short distance north of town. Taupo is also a centre of volcanic and geothermic activity and hot springs suitable for bathing are lcoated at several places in the vicinity.

Taupo is famous for boating, skiing and other lake activities. As a tourist hub Taupo has plenty of accommodation options available to The Travelling Golfer including a very nice Hilton Hotel, and the world renowned Huka Lodge for those wanting the very best, and who are prepared to pay for it

Huka LodgeHuka Lodge

Golf in Taupo

There are two world class courses in the Taupo area:

Wairakei International is a parkland course set in a wildlife sanctuary. The course was at one stage rated in the world's top 100 best courses, and is a lovely place to play golf

Wairakei International GCWairakei International GC

20km down the road the new kid on the block is Kinloch GC, a Jack Nicklaus 'signature course' like you have not seen before. Routed through black volcanic pumice, Jack has built a tough course that has lots of appeal. Some regard it as the best course in New Zealand.

Kinloch GC

I loved it, although I worry that the course is not forgiving enough for longer handicappers.

It is a thrill to play though, and I rate it highly

Napier

Napier is located in Hawke's Bay on the eastern coast of the north island, and is approximately 141km from Taupo by road. It is a popular tourist city with a unique concentration of 1930's Art Deco architecture, built after much of the city was razed in the 1931 earthquake. Napier has also become an important grape and wine production area, and is now home to a number of popular wineries.

One of my favourites is the Craggy Range winery!

Craggy Range WineryCraggy Range Winery

And the Napier area is now home to the fabulous Cape Kidnappers GC, generally rated in the top 40 courses in the world, and surely one of the most spectacular...

The Dramatic 16th Tee at Cape KidnappersCape-Kidnappers GC

Accommodation at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is truly 6 star.

 Travelling Golfer organised trips to Taupo & Napier can include golf at Wairakei, Kinloch & Cape Kidnappers, a visit to the Craggy  Range winery, quick introduction to the Art Deco architecture in Napier, a visit to Huka Falls, and depending on your budget, 6 star accommodation at Huka Lodge & The Farm at Cape Kidnappers.

Beat that for a quality short golfing trip!

 

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The Travelling Golfer can tailor a  golf trip to New Zealand to suit you! 

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