Taupō Mini Golf
We have played mini golf while on holiday in several places and Taupō has one of the best maintained courses we have come across. The gardens are always well maintained and the surface is good. The 18-hole course opened in 1992 on its current site between Northcroft Street and Lake Terrace a couple of hundred meters from the main area for restaurants on the lakefront. Its in front of the Suncourt Motel.
The opens everyday apart from Christmas Day at 9.00am. In winter it closes at 5.30pm but in summer it closes later depending on weather and demand. Charges are currently $12 (adults), $8 (5-14 year olds) and $2.50 (4 years and under).
The first mini golf courses were developed in the 1910s and there was a big boom in building courses and playing in the 1920s in the United States. However, the great depression of the 1930s brought this to an end. After World War II the game had a resurgence although most courses, like the one at Taupō, are associated with holiday destinations.
Most players treat a game as a bit of fun with friends and family with a minor competitive angle. However, there is a much more competitive side to the game. This is run by the World Minigolf Sport Federation based in Sweden. New Zealand has a body affiliated to the federation. There are international tournaments and four recognised categories types of courses. The world record for a European-style grass putting course is 18 strokes for the 18 holes. Many players have achieved this on this type of course. However, for courses with felt or concrete surfaces and obstacles, like the one in Taupō, no official 18 stroke rounds have been recorded only unofficial ones. Something to aim for.
To see the Taupo Minigolf website click this link . The phone number is 07 377-1086.