Waitara Golf Course ☆ Follow

Waitara Golf Club, known traditionally as the Airedale Links, is an 18-hole links course located on the west coast of Taranaki, approximately 18 kilometres from central New Plymouth. The course plays to a par of 67 and measures around 4,750 metres, featuring six par-3 holes and a single par-5, making it notably short but challenging. Established in 1956, the course is situated on a tight pocket of coastal land with spectacular views of the Tasman Sea to the north and Mount Taranaki to the south.

The layout consists of two returning nines, with the front nine routed through inland terrain and the back nine featuring the course's signature stretch of holes 11-16 that tightly hug the coastline. The course is characterized by firm and fast-playing conditions with sandy-soiled, rumpled fairways typical of links golf. Natural contours, dunes, and tumbling land create the primary defence, as the course features no bunkers. The back nine's coastal holes showcase dramatic terrain with short drivable par-4s featuring greens running off cliff edges, along with postage stamp, punchbowl, and double-tiered greens providing variety throughout the course.

Waitara regularly hosts regional tournaments as part of the Taranaki Golf circuit and is known for its accessible, welcoming approach to golf with minimal formalities and low green fees. The course accommodates golfers of all levels and provides an exceptional example of links golf design within New Zealand.