Did you know one of Auckland’s oldest mini golf courses, Lilliputt on Tāmaki Drive, has been part of Auckland Council’s property portfolio for several decades? Following a significant upgrade, the site now offers improved facilities for the community to enjoy.
When their lease expired in 2022, the operators indicated they wanted to stay long term and reinvest in the site. Having been tenants for 18 years, they saw the redevelopment as an opportunity to leave a legacy for Auckland. After iwi engagement and public consultation — both showing positive support for the proposal — the Ōrākei Local Board approved a new commercial ground lease in early 2024. This certainty gave the operators the confidence to proceed with the project.
The redevelopment delivers benefits for everyone: it provides ongoing income for Auckland Council, reducing the burden on ratepayers and supporting strategic priorities; it allows the operators to run a sustainable business; and it gives the community access to an upgraded attraction and open space. Auckland Council’s Property Department worked closely with all parties to enable the project.
As part of the upgrade process, the operators visited entertainment expos and leading mini golf courses in the United States to gather ideas and inspiration. The resulting development has created a fun and welcoming space for Aucklanders to relax and play. The site now features New Zealand’s first links-style mini golf course, a new café and bar, playground, upgraded public bathrooms, bike parking, and a dog-friendly area.
For those wondering about the dinosaurs and safari animals that once roamed the greens — all have been sold. Some became quirky garden ornaments, and the camel even made an appearance at a cricket match with the Alternative Commentary Collective team.
