Featured Activities
Adventure seekers looking to experience the ultimate in golfing, hiking, skiing, and biking can find themselves nowhere better than Wānaka. With Mt. Aspiring National Park serving as a spectacular backdrop, for those always at the ready who like to keep their golf clubs in their trunk in anticipation of a quick round, the Wanaka Golf Club is one of the more charming golf courses that you will find anywhere in the world.
The spectacularly picturesque eighteen holes are surrounded by the epic mountains overlooking beautiful Lake Wānaka.
Opened in 1922 as a nine-hole course down on the common, it was moved up the hill extending to Faulks Terrace in the 1930s. It was then expanded to a full eighteen hole course in 1967. Wānaka is often considered a must-play in the circuit of popular Queenstown courses; with its position high up on the hillside, the course affords spectacular views of the nearby alpine scenery. Today, the club boasts the largest membership on the South Island with over 1050 members.
Working through the front nine there are views over the Lake Wānaka township and the mountains beyond. With its open fairways, these holes are more of an alpine, undulating style play. But making the turn to the back, players are welcomed with more of a parkland style and feel, with tree-lined fairways and striking views of nearby Mt. Iron, Mt. Gold, and the Cardrona Valley. Even with the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps during the winter months, the climate in Wānaka ensures the course is playable year-round.
At just over 5400 meters (6200 yards), the course isn’t particularly long, and is set up for a golfer who can target off the tee, so only the confident should pull the driver from the bag. But caution is needed on the approach as well, as the greens are built for an easy roll-off.
The fairways, greens, and adjacent property is meticulously maintained, and the club takes tremendous pride in its condition. Maintenance standards are always kept at the highest level, creating a year-round paradise for those looking for a first-class New Zealand golf experience, with each season providing unique opportunities to enjoy the colours and scenery.
The Wānaka Golf Club has everything golfers need to just roll up and play – club hire, ride-on carts, resident professionals for lessons, fully stoked pro shop, new upgraded practice range, chipping and putting areas and a café and bar. The club is quite busy, so it is recommended that players book in advance.
The natural beauty of the mountains, forests, and lakes offer visitors the perfect setting for anyone looking to venture into the outdoors and experience the beauty of the Southern Alps of New Zealand.
So, no matter what the activity is on the list, from enjoying fine dining and cuisine to heading outdoors to enjoy boating, fishing, or golfing, the Lake Wānaka area has the answer with more than enough to keep everyone busy and make for an enjoyable trip.
