Royal Wellington

Founded in 1895 and awarded Royal status in 2004, Royal Wellington Golf Club is one of New Zealand's most prestigious private clubs. Located just 25 minutes from central Wellington in Upper Hutt, the club combines rich heritage with contemporary championship golf, centred around the acclaimed 18-hole Heretaunga Course, complemented by a nine-hole Terrace Course and exceptional practice facilities.

Comprehensively redesigned by former New Zealand Open champion Greg Turner and reopened in 2013, the par-72 Heretaunga Course blends classic parkland golf with a modern strategic philosophy. Mature tree-lined fairways transition seamlessly into more open, links-inspired holes bordering the Hutt River, creating a layout that is both visually appealing and highly playable while rewarding thoughtful shot-making.

Among the highlights is the outstanding par-five 4th hole, where a split fairway winds around a meandering stream before narrowing towards a beautifully contoured green protected by water. Throughout the course, imaginative bunkering, generous driving corridors, and superbly crafted green complexes provide a challenging yet enjoyable test for golfers of all abilities. The greens, in particular, are widely admired for their movement and subtle complexity, demanding precision and creativity on every approach and putt.

Although Royal Wellington lacks the dramatic coastal vistas of some of New Zealand's newer resort courses, it offers something equally compelling: a timeless member-focused atmosphere, impeccable conditioning, and strategic architecture that continues to reward repeat play. If you're playing nearby Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, this is the perfect addition.