Luxury Golf & Travel To New Zealand
Luxury Golf & Travel To New Zealand
Ever wondered where history, natural beauty, and world-class golf converge? Nestled beside the Hutt River in Heretaunga (Upper Hutt), Royal Wellington Golf Club blends more than a century of tradition with modern course design. You’ll stroll under native trees, navigate gently rolling fairways, and step into a legacy shaped by championship history. In this post, you’ll journey through its storied past, understand its evolving design, experience its standout holes, and get inspired to tee off at this elegant gem.
Learn more about Royal Wellington Golf Club here.
Royal Wellington began its journey in 1895 at Miramar, before relocating to its current site in Heretaunga in 1906. Since opening its first 18‑hole course in 1908, it has welcomed generations of golfers through its iconic clubhouse, which the Prime Minister officially opened that same year. In 2004 the club earned “Royal” status from Queen Elizabeth II, making it the first in New Zealand to receive this honor. This acknowledgment continues to reflect both its prestige and enduring legacy.
The course has transformed gracefully over time. Starting with a classic parkland layout, designers Sloan Morpeth and J.S. Watson modernized the fairways in the 1970s. Then, in 2013, Greg Turner and Scott Macpherson reimagined the championship course almost entirely—changing only three holes while restoring the natural beauty along the Hutt River. Today golfers enjoy 27 holes: a championship 18 and a more casual 9. Together they offer both challenge and variety with a par of 72.
Royal Wellington has hosted seven national Opens and repeatedly welcomed top amateurs from across the region. In 2017 it staged the Asia‑Pacific Amateur Championship, drawing global attention and affirming the club’s standing on the world stage. This tradition continues with high‑level amateur tournaments and memorable events that highlight both its competitive spirit and scenic grace.
When you step onto the course, you feel embraced by native podocarp forests, winding waterways, and mature tree corridors. Many fairways border the Hutt River, adding a peaceful yet strategic edge to your game. The signature par‑5 fourth hole stands out with its split fairway over a stream, narrowing toward a lake, and a sloping green tucked behind natural contours. From championship tees it stretches nearly 6,600 meters and invites golfers of all skill levels with varied tee placements. On top of that, the clubhouse, pro shop, driving range, tennis courts, swimming pool, and café make every visit active, social, and relaxing.
Royal Wellington acts on its commitment to the environment. It earned GEO Certification in 2017 and later secured Golf New Zealand’s Environmental Club of the Year award in 2021. While it remains a private members club, it opens its doors to visitors and fosters a thriving community through social memberships and junior programs. This spirit balances rich tradition with forward-looking inclusion.
Royal Wellington Golf Club takes you on a journey where golfing history, scenic parkland, thoughtful design, and sustainable care all meet. Every round there allows you to engage with living heritage and contemporary excellence. Whether you play the championship 18 or enjoy the Terrace course, you’ll leave inspired.
If this makes you want to tee up your next visit to a remarkable course, contact us today to start planning your golf getaway!
