Video:
Green
Fees:
10
10
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Pongaroa Golf Club
Manawatū-Whanganui
Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Tararua District, Pongaroa Golf Club is one of those hidden gems that captures the spirit of true country golf in New Zealand. Surrounded by farmland and native bush, the setting is quiet and scenic, giving players a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere to enjoy their round. The course sits just outside the small rural township of Pongaroa — a close-knit farming community that takes great pride in keeping the club alive and welcoming.
Despite its rural location and volunteer maintenance, the course layout itself is surprisingly engaging. The land naturally rolls and dips, creating holes with subtle elevation changes, blind shots, and some beautifully sloped greens that keep things interesting. The fairways might not be manicured like the big-city clubs, but that’s all part of the charm — this is golf stripped back to its roots, where creativity and shot-making matter more than perfection.
With a local diary and pub in town for refreshments, and green fees sitting at just $10, Pongaroa offers one of the most authentic, enjoyable, and affordable rural golf experiences in the country.
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Yes Life Review
Pongaroa Golf Club
6
/ 10
Condition
Pongaroa Golf Club sits deep in beautiful rural countryside and carries that true country charm. The course can get soft underfoot during the wetter months, but it dries out nicely through summer. With no paid greenkeepers, the members and volunteers do a great job keeping it playable year-round. Sheep help maintain the fairways, and the greens roll reasonably well for a country course.
Challenge
The course offers a great variety of holes with some nice elevation changes throughout. It’s tight and demanding in places, yet open enough for newer golfers to enjoy without too much pressure. Small, sloping greens add plenty of character and make scoring well a real challenge. It’s a fun layout that keeps you thinking from start to finish.
Facilities
There aren’t many facilities at Pongaroa Golf Club, keeping with its true rural charm. The clubhouse opens on club days and offers a friendly spot for locals and visitors to gather. For food or a drink, the nearby diary and pub in town are your best options. There are no card facilities on site, so make sure to bring cash for green fees (as of August 2025). It’s simple, honest country golf at its best.
Value for Money
At just $10 a round, Pongaroa Golf Club is an absolute gem for the price. Sure, it’s a little rough around the edges, but that’s part of the charm. With driveable holes, fun pin positions, elevation changes, and stunning rural scenery, it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours enjoying true country golf. For the cost, it’s hard to find better value or a more authentic experience.