Tieke Golf Estate: A story of transformation
From humble beginnings as the sheep-maintained Lochiel Golf Club in 1938, our story took a dramatic turn in 2014. Lochiel and The Narrows, two Waikato clubs separated by a mere par five, united to become Riverside Golf Club. This exciting merger paved the way for Tieke Golf Estate, born from the complexities of the new Waikato Expressway development.
In 2018, Brett Thomson and Phil Tataurangi were approached to produce a truly unique design. Their ambitious plan involved a dramatic transformation: clearing over 1,000 trees and shrubs, enhancing the natural riverbed landscape, and exposing the sandy soils that had been hidden for over 25,000 years.
The result? A flexible and adaptable course unlike any other in New Zealand.
Our commitment to exceptional playing surfaces extends to the fine fescue and creeping bentgrass putting greens – a rarity in this region. These grasses, combined with the free-draining soils, create a ‘links-style’ experience despite being located more than 50km from the coast, rewarding the ground game as much as the aerial attack. The striking, expansive sandy wastelands add a distinctive character, a nod to the land's rich history.
Tieke Golf Estate isn't just about golf; it's an experience. We offer coaching, training, custom club fitting, a fully stocked golf store with premium brands, and top-notch practice facilities. Designed for players of all skill levels, Tieke is destined to be among New Zealand's best. Come experience the difference – book your tee time today, just 90 minutes from Auckland. Haere Mai...Welcome.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
The Tieke Story: A symbol of resilience
"Tieke," the Māori name for the North Island Saddleback, a member of New Zealand's unique wattlebird family, resonates deeply with our land. This area along the Waikato River was once a stronghold for these remarkable birds, so much so that local Māori named it "Tieke."
The introduction of predators and deforestation led to the Saddleback's disappearance from the mainland, however, thanks to conservation efforts, the Tieke is now recovering. We are proud to honour this national icon at Tieke Golf Estate and support the ongoing preservation of this special species.
We are committed to working alongside the Department of Conservation, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari Trust, and the New Zealand Fieldays Society towards a predator-free future, with the hope that one day, the call of the Tieke will once again grace our course.
