Nine hole mini golf opens in Tokoroa

Tokoroa’s latest attraction may be mini but it’s promising huge amounts of fun.

Local Ronnie Banfield has recently opened the nine hole Tokoroa Mini Golf course next to BP in Logan St.

The firewood merchant said it’s been a long time in the making and he was pleased to now be sharing it with others.

‘‘I have always wanted to open up a mini golf and I’ve been working on getting it set up in between working so it has taken me a little while but I have finally got here and I think it’s going to be really good for this town,’’ he said.

‘‘When people are coming through Tokoroa they will be able to see it off the main road so it’s fantastic for the town’s image and I have been getting excellent feedback from those who have come and given it a go.’’

Banfield has lived in Tokoroa all his life and said Tokoroa was the perfect spot for such ventures.

‘‘I’ve played mini golf in Whangamata, Rotorua, and Taupo¯ so I just thought well Tokoroa needs a mini golf too,’’ he said.

‘‘I really think Tokoroa is underrated as it is central which makes it a good place to live and do anything like this.’’

He said mini golf was also an activity the whole family could partake in.

‘‘It is a great thing for families because older generations can enjoy a game with younger generations and spend time together as a family while having fun,’’ he said.

‘‘It also encourages children in Tokoroa to play sport. You can start off with mini golf and then start going out to golf ranges.’’

‘‘You have to inspire young generations to go out and do something and this is a good place to start for a sport,’’ he said.

Banfield said he was looking forward to seeing more excited faces giving it a go.

‘‘I have two teenage daughters and they and all their friends love it,’’ he said.

‘‘I didn’t have a lot of space here to be able to do this but I think I have used everything the best I can. Everyone likes the bright colours and I have a huge sign up which catches people driving on the road and you can even see it from Colsons Hill.’’

‘‘It gives people something to do and I am hoping it will be a long-term thing because it is simple and good fun,’’ he said.

Tokoroa Mini Golf is open seven days from 9am until late.

Adults $10, children and seniors $6, family pass $25.