Royal Wellington Golf Course
"New Zealand's first golf course to achieve Royal status."
Newly designed (2013), Turner MacPherson championship course in a stunning parkland setting, arguably one of the finest club courses and club house in New Zealand. The Heretaunga course is, arguably, New Zealand's finest private members parkland course and certainly one of its most beautiful. Sited on an ancient river bed it weaves its way over crumpled ground through cultivated parkland hosting thousands of mature native and exotic trees. Birdlife is abundant. Water in the form of several creeks and a large lake are all in play and present a true challenge for the adventurers and the unwary. Undulating greens complexes provide further challenge. Heretaunga is a true test of golf and the most beautiful walk in the park.
The par 5, 4th, (the signature hole) - exemplifies the Turner MacPherson approach and sets up as follows. From the tee, the fairway splits in two, either side of a stream. Over the stream, and past a strategically placed bunker, the fairway cambers towards a lake and narrows dramatically as it gets closer to the green. The sloping, wide but narrow green sits behind the lake, nearly at right angles to the line of play, making hitting the green with a long approach a tricky proposition. This hole is probably the best example on the entire course for demonstrating how the new layout can be played by golfers of all levels.
The club was founded in 1895 on a site on the Miramar peninsular, the then Wellington Golf Club moved to Heretaunga over 100 years ago. Situated on a parkland site adjacent to the Hutt River, the club has hosted seven NZ Open Championships since 1912 and in 2004 became the first golf club in the country to receive Royal status.
70 minute drive / 10 minute helicopter from Wharekauhau