Luxury Golf & Travel To New Zealand
Luxury Golf & Travel To New Zealand
A private club conveniently located just outside of the Wellington city-center, Royal Wellington is in rare air as the only New Zealand club to be granted Royal status by the British monarchy. And although a historic venue, this picturesque parkland course has undergone a recent 2-year redesign to now play at a modern lengths.
Located in a picturesque valley, Royal Wellington Golf Club, or Heretaunga to locals, is a serene sanctuary steeped in history. Founded in the late 19th century, this venerable club has long been a cherished part of New Zealand’s golfing heritage.
Originally established on leased farmland, Heretaunga found its permanent home in 1906 along the Hutt River. Sheep, a common sight on early courses, were used to keep the fairways trim. The club’s stately clubhouse, opened in 1908, remains a charming focal point, surrounded by lush greenery and a gentle stream.
In 2004, Royal Wellington received a prestigious honor, being bestowed with “Royal” status by Prince Andrew. This recognition solidified its place as a premier golfing destination.
Recent years have seen significant improvements to the course, thanks to a multi-million dollar renovation by Turner MacPherson. The redesign has enhanced the natural beauty of the landscape, incorporating streams and showcasing the majestic trees that have stood for centuries.
Beyond its stunning scenery, Royal Wellington is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to fostering young talent. The club has a long tradition of encouraging junior golf, offering coaching programs and opportunities for young players to learn and compete.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a newcomer to the sport, Royal Wellington Golf Club offers a truly unforgettable experience. With its rich history, beautiful surroundings, and commitment to excellence, it remains a timeless gem in the heart of New Zealand.
Lay of the Land
The course’s rolling terrain is a legacy of its former riverbed location in the Hutt Valley. Water is a prominent feature, with the Hutt River winding alongside and influencing ten holes. While the course is framed by trees, they generally don’t come into play unless wayward tee shots land in them. Wellington’s notorious winds can add a challenging element to club selection.
2nd: This 481-yard hole is a short par-5 but also demanding thanks to a tee shot over water that continues to run along the left side of the hole. Overcooking a draw will leave a nasty lie.
5th Par-4: This dogleg left 412 yard hole is one of the more difficult on the course. A drive for a right-handed player must take into account a large Totara tree that marks the bend in the fairway on the left side. Overcooking a draw and the ball will end up the water down the left side, yet driving the ball too straight will run the ball directly into the trees at the dogleg. Using caution, and hitting an iron to the bend for one’s approach will leave a longer iron approach that must account for a very large bunker on the right side of the green. Net: a well executed tee shot leaves a higher lofted approach while safety invites trouble on the approach.
15th: Par-3 surrounded by deep bunkers with a green that slopes front-to-back. If the tee-shot is in the bunkers an up and down, provided the sever slope, is a tough task.
18th, Par-5: As with many popular golf architecture designs, ending one’s round with a proper par-5 can be both fun and rewarding. RWGC’s 545-yard finishing hole offers both strategy and uniqueness thanks to bunkers that line the fairway and a large finishing green (allowing for a large range of pin placements). This hole plays straight up to the clubhouse, which is one of the best in the country to enjoy after-round drinks or lunch.
Please Contact Us for special pricing inquiries and golf package information
#11 in the New Zealand
(Golf Digest)
