PHOTO:⛳✨ Taupō’s Iconic Hole in One Challenge. Golf Industry Central.
🏌️♂️💥 The famous Taupō Hole in One Challenge is back — bigger, better, and bolder than ever!
After a three-month break and a $1 million-plus refurbishment, this lakeside icon has officially relaunched with a stunning new look — complete with a sleek café, six all-weather golf bays, and a brand-new attraction set to make a splash: the “Ball Blaster.”
🌊 A New Era for a Lake Taupō Legend
Owned by Taupō Moana Group Holdings — the commercial arm of the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board (also owners of Taupō Parasail and Chris Jolly Outdoors) — the revitalised Hole in One Challenge combines contemporary design with cultural roots.
💬 “The new structure enhances its lakefront position with an architectural design that reflects the significance of this special place, while honouring local iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa,” the group said in a statement.
With sustainability at its heart, the operation now includes a team of divers who retrieve golf balls from the lake — ensuring fun doesn’t come at the environment’s expense. 🌱🌏
The iconic Taupō Hole in One Challenge is back after a $1m refurbishment.
🎯 Introducing the “Ball Blaster”
Group Director Hayden Porter describes the Ball Blaster as an “innovative cannon-like machine that offers another level of fun for all ages” — part of the attraction’s ongoing $10,000 Hole in One Challenge 💸.
🏠 The addition of a roof over the bays and the brand-new café means Taupō’s favourite golf spot is now a year-round, all-weather experience — perfect for locals, tourists, and corporate groups alike.
☕🍦 New Café and Classic Taupō Views
The soon-to-open café (launching early December) will serve Little Lato Gelato, Halo Coffee, and a delicious range of cabinet food, giving guests the chance to enjoy “the best view in town” while taking a swing.
Hospitality expert Alexandra Williams has been appointed as site manager, bringing extensive experience to the locally owned and operated attraction.
The iconic Taupō Hole in One Challenge is back after a $1m refurbishment.
🏞️ Community Buzz and Local Impact
Destination Great Lake Taupō GM Patrick Dault says the revamped experience is a win for visitors and local businesses.
💬 “It’s fun, welcoming, and such a great part of the Taupō lakefront. It brings fantastic flow-on benefits for nearby cafés, shops, and tourism operators,” he said.
Just in time for Labour Weekend, the soft launch of the golf bays has already drawn visitors — with the full official opening planned for December 2025.
Jono and Ben from The Hits Breakfast spent two days trying for an elusive Hole in One at Lake Taupo in 2022. Photo / NZME
🔔 Key Features Recap
🏗️ $1M+ architectural redevelopment
☕ On-site café (opening December 2025)
🎯 Six all-weather golf bays
💥 New “Ball Blaster” experience
🌱 Sustainability focus with diver team
👩💼 Locally managed by Alexandra Williams
📸 Still One of Taupō’s Must-Do Experiences
From kids to pros — and even radio duo Jono and Ben, who famously tried their luck in 2022 — the Hole in One Challenge remains one of New Zealand’s most beloved lakeside attractions.
SOURCE: NZHERALD