If you’re a keen golfer, you should be familiar with the unique and remarkable golf offering that the Taupō region boasts - nine courses catering for all levels, featuring country to championship, charming to enchanting, adventure or accessible.
At the sharp-end, Taupō’s golf offering is highlighted by two renowned and highly contrasting high-calibre 18 hole courses, The Kinloch Club, a Jack Nicklaus Design demanding masterpiece; and Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary, a magical predator-free wildlife sanctuary and lush parklands challenge. These two distinct courses alone are good enough reasons to get to Taupō, but now with the Supervolcanics, it’s time to pack your bags.
What’s the Supervolcanics you say? The Supervolcanic Trail Network is a network of over 30 mountain bike trails, catering for riders of all levels, whether you're a full strength thrill-seeking adventurer, a medium trail connoisseur, or a family pack scenic explorer, it's the ideal activity to compliment your next golf trip, for all kinds of golfers or riders!
Before we get to the dream pairings, let’s survey the land and get under terra firma for a moment. It’s no secret that Taupō boasts a perennial playability that other neighbouring regions could only dream of, and that’s all thanks to the pumice-rich, free-draining soils of the region, year-round golfing and riding is calling! Crisp mornings, bluebird days, firm fairways and stable trails - what more could you ask for.
Okay, now for the dream pairings, how to plan a golf trip where you can pair your round with some rides on the trails. Now, before you think you need to rush out and buy mountain biking equipment, put your worries to rest, we Taupō is full or specialist services and operators such as equipment hire, transfers and everything you need to know to ensure you can be as prepared for riding as you are for a round of golf.
DREAM PAIRINGS
GOLF COURSE: The Kinloch Club
SUPERVOLCANIC TRAIL: Great Lake Trails [several trails]
GOLF: The Kinloch Club, is New Zealand’s sole Jack Nicklaus Design Signature Course. With 18-exhilarating holes, The Golden Bear’s gem is globally recognised and widely considered the country’s most demanding golf course. With landscapes reminiscent of seaside links courses, Kinloch offers challenging holes and stunning views of the Great Lake, providing a bucket-list golf challenge. For families of less advanced golfers, Kinloch also has you covered, the Kinloch Village Golf Course is short, charming, welcoming and friendly on the pocket - a little gem for Sometimes Swingers.
RIDING: After a morning round of golf, the trails are calling and you’re in the right neighbourhood for riding utopia. Kinloch is the gateway to the Great Lake Trails - one of 23 Great Rides of New Zealand. With rides heading east and west, Kinloch is a cornerstone to the Supervolcanics, boasting mountain biking trails for everyone, and services to get you on them with ease.
The Great Lake Trails are made up of a collection of rides: Orakau, Otaketake, K2K, Headland Loop - or for the adventurous, the Waihaha Section. Consistently rated highly for rider experience, the Great Lake Trails boast exhilarating downhills, fun switchbacks, and cambered berms to deliver true singletrack heaven for riders. The trails were built by mountain bikers, for mountain bikers, realising the pipedream of a community that lives and breathes cycling.
GOLF COURSE: Mangakino Golf Course
SUPERVOLCANIC TRAIL: The Waikato River Trails [several trails]
GOLF: Mangakino is a country-style golf course on the banks of the scenic beauty of Lake Maraetai. It’s a unique course with a honesty box in operation during quiet times, across a flat and undulating terrain, providing a 9 holes or an 18 for those keen for a second loop. Conveniently, the charming course provides a perfect access point to relaxed Supervolcanic riding…
RIDING: The Waikato River Trails are divided into five sections, each offering a unique adventure. You'll find everything from gently rolling paths to steeper, more rugged trails. The trails are graded from 3 (Intermediate) to 4 (Advanced). While most are wide and smooth, some, particularly in the Waipapa section, feature trickier single-tracks. A mountain bike is recommended for the best experience, ensuring you can handle the varied terrain and enjoy the scenic beauty to the fullest. Be inspired as you cycle past magnificent hydro dams, over suspension bridges, significant wetlands, while soaking up expansive lake and river landscapes. Click here for more information on the trail sections and maps.
GOLF COURSE: Tūrangi Golf Course
SUPERVOLCANIC TRAIL: The Tongariro River Trail[plus more adventurous options]
GOLF: Nestled on the lower slopes of Pihanga Peak and near the iconic flowing water of the mighty Tongariro, The Tūrangi Golf Course offers a delightful golfing experience just 45 minutes from Taupō and nearby world-class Supervolcanics riding. With stunning twilight views, challenging holes, enchanting birdsong, and a welcoming atmosphere, 9 or 18 holes at Tūrangi is a treasure chest of surprises for all kinds of golfers.
RIDING: Trails accessed via Tūrangi represent contrasting rides for all abilities. The Tongariro River Trail - a scenic loop ride, relatively flat for family fun; The 42 Traverse - a remote, rugged rush; and an eBiking Wilderness Adventure for those seeking escapism. There’s a bunch of options right here to complete a great weekend of golf and riding.
NOTABLE MENTIONS:
GOLF COURSE: Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary
SUPERVOLCANIC TRAIL: Huka Trails 9 [or Craters MTB Park]
GOLF COURSE: Taupō Golf Club [two courses]
SUPERVOLCANIC TRAIL: Great Lake Pathway
