Second phase of 'The Dunes' development unveiled for Mount Maunganui Golf Club

Second phase of ‘The Dunes’ development unveiled for Mount Maunganui Golf Club

August 6, 2025

Golf New Zealand has advised that Mount Maunganui Golf Club, located in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand's North Island, has officially opened the second phase of its ambitious redevelopment project, unveiling an innovative driving range as part of its new ‘The Dunes’ facility.

The project follows the introduction of a new practice putting green this year.

General manager Michael Williams described the renovated facilities as "some of the best practice facilities in Australasia."

The Dunes has been a two-staged redevelopment: the 6,000m² putting green with 18-hole mini-course, which opened in April, and now the driving range, opening in July.

Williams explained that the previous driving range of the club had proven to be not fit for purpose noting "The club's previous driving range area became too small and had golf balls off the property, presenting problems.

“Out of this came the chance to develop the Dunes green and now the Dunes driving range."

The new practice green, opened in April, provides members with an expansive putting surface and features an 18-hole practice course across its 6,000m² of land space, providing the club's 1,400 members ample space to sharpen their short game.

The new driving range itself has 15 outside hitting bays alongside two state-of-the-art simulators with the most advanced ball tracking and analytics systems designed to future-proof the club and regional golf operations. The new range and the green collectively give a total golf experience to members and the public.

Williams said the facility will cater to not only members but the wider golfing community and advised “a key design was to ensure it was capable of hosting the latest ball tracking technology and providing an interactive experience for all the users. The users will be everyone from school kids through to members, wider community and corporate groups.”

At a regional level, the development has been welcomed by Golf New Zealand. Regional support manager for Bay of Plenty, Mark Webb, praised the project as an innovation that supports Golf New Zealand’s vision for participation.

Webb added "any construction of golfing facilities, whether driving ranges, mini-putts, or indoor simulator golf ranges, all offer an increased level of accessibility and create alternative golf experiences that are targeted towards a greater participation market.

"They have looked to a facility that will be relevant and sustainable for many generations to come.”

Webb said while new facilities are one way to attract new and provide for existing golfers, there are a multitude of mechanisms clubs can call on to connect with their local communities.

“This facility will certainly assist the Mount Golf Club in achieving their goals of getting those outcomes, however there are a multitude of ways we can attract and retain players across the Bay of Plenty that are applicable to those that don’t have the current capacity to invest in facilities like a new driving range.

“Golf in New Zealand has such a diverse and varied landscape that makes it difficult for one model to work across the motu. However, the desire to connect to our communities, to make golf accessible to all and to give a variety of golfing experiences is something all can aspire to and achieve in their own applicable way.”

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