A hole in one guide to Wellington’s Golf Courses

Putt the perfect green tucked away in a misty valley, drive a par five over coastal dunes, and chip for the pin between the grapevines. Wellington is a golfer’s paradise, with everything from luxury clubhouses to relaxed country fairways. You can even play 9-holes before you board your plane. It’s almost tee time, so here’s a tasting of what’s on offer. 

Boasting 27 pristine holes, Royal Wellington is one of the region’s finest courses. The Heretaunga 18-hole course sits on the flats of Te Awakairangi/Hutt River. The course is cut by two water courses, one of which is the Māwaihākona Stream. With large deciduous trees dotted around the course, the colours in autumn are nothing short of spectacular. Testament to its quality, the Royal Wellington Golf Club was selected to host the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship.   

Another of the Hutt Valley’s courses, Boulcott, is a fantastic option that’s just a 25-minute drive from the city. Boasting a large modern clubhouse, Boulcott has a fantastic community feel to it. You’ll find perfectly groomed fairways on the 18-hole course and magical frosts in winter. It also has a 6-hole short course and extensive practice facilities, which make it a great option for those new to the sport.   

At the heart of the Wairarapa wine region sits the Martinborough Golf Club, an 18-hole course amongst the grapevines and world-class cellar doors. While it’s an 80-minute drive from the city, Wairarapa has a different climate, so it can be a great option if the weather isn’t playing ball. The fairways are well-kept and flat, and the clubhouse is brand new. In winter, the snow-capped Tararua Range adds a dramatic aspect.  

Just 25 minutes from the city, Karori is a charming 18-hole country club that will make you feel like you’ve well and truly escaped the city bustle. Dotted with tall pines and surrounded by the rugged Wellington hills, the Karori Golf Club works closely with Capital Kiwi, an initiative returning Kiwi to the area. If you’re out playing during the change at light, you might even be lucky enough to glimpse one of these birdies. 

With mini golf, a two-tier driving range and a brand spanking new club room under construction, Miramar is scrubbing up nicely. But that shouldn’t take away from its well-established 9-hole course, which, at just 15 minutes from the CBD, is open for business. You’ll find blooming Pohutukawas and rolling green hills. Situated right next to the airport, you can plane spot while you walk the fairways.  

Set amongst the sand dunes, Paraparaumu Beach is the ultimate coastal course. Flax and cabbage trees line the undulating fairways. Views of Kapiti Island and the Tararua Range link the mountains to the sea. The club has hosted 12 New Zealand Opens over the years. It is listed among the top 100 courses in the world by Golf Digest and currently ranks second best in New Zealand. Tiger Woods also famously played this 18-hole course. 

With its mixture of authentic dune lands, native wetlands, and meandering creeks, Waikanae Golf Club’s identity is closely tied to its location. Just a few hundred metres back from the Kāpiti coastline, this 18-hole course is flat or gently undulating. It’s a 50-minute drive from the city and well worth the trip. With incredible bird life and salt in the air, you’ll feel like you’re on holiday.