On the cusp of triumph or disaster — mini golf

By Peter Thornton

It all comes down to this. I am standing on the 16th tee in a share of the lead in our annual family mini golf challenge. I hit my first putt solidly and it goes up and over the hump, past the hole and over another hump into no man’s land.

It takes a further three strokes until my ball finds the bottom of the cup and my hopes are dashed. I know what this means. I am shouting the after-match ice creams, but worse still, I will be hearing about this moment for a long time to come.

There is no other game quite like mini golf. At any time on the course, you are on the cusp of triumph or disaster.

For many families, mini golf is just a fun summertime activity. For others like mine – who take it way too seriously – it means bragging rights around the dinner table at Christmas. I am happy to say we have got better, but what will always remain is our love of the game.

Whether it is whacking a ball through a windmill, navigating a narrow pass or weaving through a water hazard, mini golf appeals to that big kid in all of us. Playing a mini golf course for the first time is always a special experience.

The New Zealand Mini Golf Federation says there are 95 miniature golf courses across Aotearoa. From Action World Paihia in the Far North to Jump `N' Fun in Invercargill, there is something for everyone across the summer months.

Taupō is a favourite holiday destination for many New Zealanders over the summer break and we take a tour of three of their best mini golf courses.

1. Taupō Mini Golf

An aerial view of the Taupō Mini Golf course which has been part of the local tourism landscape for 32 years and has been owned by the same family for that time.

An iconic mini golf course of the New Zealand landscape. Taupō Mini Golf is located in the heart of Taupō overlooking the lake. On a fine day, you can take in a stunning view across the lake to the snow-capped Mt Ruapehu. This is a must play course if you are staying in Taupō or travelling through to your holiday destination and need to get the restless kids out of the car. The Taupō Mini Golf course has been part of the local tourism landscape for 32 years and has been owned by the same family for that time.

“We are still one of Taupō's iconic attractions for visitors and locals alike,” said manager Kate Reed.

“Customers who enjoyed Taupō Mini Golf when they were children, are now returning with their own families, which is special.”

And you can see why. Kate was great to our family on our visit – even putting up with our out-of-control three-year-old and made us feel very welcome. The course is a great layout and an awesome challenge.

https://www.taupominigolf.co.nz/

2. Southern Lake Taupō Adventure Mini Golf (Turangi).

The mini golf in Turangi is a brilliant layout that mirrors the terrain of the Central Plateau with volcanoes, canyons and rivers

On the other side of the lake, this is a brilliant layout that mirrors the terrain of the Central Plateau with volcanoes, canyons and rivers. It’s an old school course with features that are imbedded into the landscape. There are significant changes in elevation throughout the layout and it is a popular spot in the local Turangi community. Like Taupō, this is a quintessential New Zealand mini golf course and has been around for a long time. There is something nice about the established feel of this place. Turangi is a place you often drive through but with this mini golf course and the main golf course down the road, it is a great spot for a few days on your holiday. There are a large number of people who have provided feedback on TripAdvisor on Southern Lake Taupō Adventure Mini Golf and they all recommend making the stop and giving this course a go. Some of the holes will test really test your ability to putt under pressure.

3. Swingers Putt Putt (Taupō)

Swingers Putt Putt in Taupō has made quite an impression since opening two years ago. Photo
credit: Robinson Studios.

One of the newest and perhaps most innovative mini golf courses in the country. Swingers has made quite the impression since opening two years ago. On a warm sunny afternoon, there aren’t many places better than having a quiet pint on The landing deck surrounded by an artificial wonderland. Like the Turangi course, the layout highlights many of the attractions of the local tourism landscape. You’ll putt up and over Mt Ruapehu – complete with mini skiers on the mountain and on a chairlift, over the iconic Huka Falls, alongside Lake Taupō and down Desert Road, and many more features.

The attention to detail is incredible. If you are coming to the Central Plateau this summer, it is a place you have to experience for yourself.

One of the best holes on the course is Mount Doom which has a big dragon that roars above your head.

Jeremy Smith, the manager of Swingers Putt Putt, said the things that makes his courses special is each hole represents something in the Taupō region.

“My advice for people playing our course for the first time is make sure you go for the dwarf tunnel it gives you a better chance of a hole in one.”

Each hole gives you facts and information about the Taupō region and its attractions. You can play as a family and answer the questions with your scorecard to go in to win prizes. Once you've played during the day, they suggest you come back to play round two under the multi-coloured LED lights once it’s dark. You can then enjoy a meal or a drink at Mavericks Gastropub that overlooks the course. It’s a great addition to Taupō.

The Landing Swingers Putt Putt. Photo credit: Robinson Studios

https://www.swingersputtputt.co.nz/

Special thanks to Love Taupō for the images and their help to coordinate this story.