Golf's Newest Bucket List Attraction: Te Arai Links
Situated along the stunning coastline of New Zealand’s North Island, Te Arai Links is a modern masterpiece that has redefined the golfing experience. Combining rugged natural beauty, world-class course design, and sweeping ocean views, it has quickly become a must-visit destination for golfers worldwide. Among its two exceptional courses—the North and South—the South Course, crafted by the renowned Coore & Crenshaw Group, stands out as a showcase of traditional links-style architecture paired with breathtaking scenery.
Fast Facts
Location: Te Arai, New Zealand
Accessibility: Public
Year Opened: 2022
Architect: Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw
Par: 72
Yardage: 6,843
World Ranking: #40 (Golf Digest World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses); #85 (GOLF.com Top 100)
Turning New Zealand's North Coast into a Golf Paradise
Te Arai Links is part of a bold vision to transform New Zealand’s coastline into a premier global golfing destination. This vision began in 2015 with the opening of Tara Iti Golf Club, located just 20 minutes north of what is now Te Arai Links. Designed by Tom Doak, Tara Iti quickly earned widespread acclaim, securing its place as one of the top courses in the world (#20 in GOLF.com’s World Top 100).
However, Tara Iti’s success was far from guaranteed. Its remote location posed a significant challenge, raising doubts about whether golfers would make the journey, regardless of the course’s quality and reputation.
Proving that world-class design and an unforgettable experience could draw golfers from across the globe, Tara Iti set the stage for further development. With this “proof of concept” in place, American Investor Richard Kayne—the visionary owner behind Tara Iti—expanded his ambition, leading to the creation of Te Arai Links and its two extraordinary courses.
Golf as it was Meant to Be
Kayne’s first move was to enlist the acclaimed design duo Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw to craft the South Course at Te Arai Links. The result is a stunning showcase of their signature design philosophy: minimalist architecture that harmonizes with the natural landscape. The course feels as though it was shaped by nature itself, with each hole seamlessly woven into the rolling dunes and dramatic coastline.
The South Course boasts sixteen holes with ocean views and eight that directly border the sea, creating an unparalleled visual and playing experience. This vast stretch of coastline has earned Te Arai Links comparisons to California’s famed Monterey Peninsula, with many in the golf world dubbing it the “17-Mile Drive of the Southern Hemisphere.”
Signature Hole
4th Hole - Par 4
Stepping onto the tee of the 4th hole at the South Course, it’s immediately clear why this hole is already being celebrated as one of golf’s newest crown jewels. Elevated high above the winding fairway, the tee box offers breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the coastline, creating a sense of awe before you even take your first swing.
This long par 4 stretches over 450 yards from the back tees, but the undulating fairways provide opportunities for additional roll off the tee, rewarding well-struck drives. The approach shot is equally captivating and strategic—you can play it short to take advantage of the natural slopes surrounding the green, allowing the contours to feed the ball toward the pin.
The 4th hole serves as the gateway to a stretch of holes that many consider some of the most visually stunning and memorable in the world of golf.
How to Get to and Play Te Arai Links
Te Arai Links is conveniently located about a 75-minute drive north of Auckland, making it accessible for travelers flying into New Zealand’s largest city. The journey to the course is part of the experience, with winding coastal roads and sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean setting the tone for an unforgettable round of golf.
While Te Arai Links boasts a global membership, welcoming players from all corners of the world, it also offers opportunities for the public to experience its exceptional courses. The North and South Courses rotate daily between being reserved for members and open to the public, ensuring a balance of exclusivity and accessibility.
Public tee times can be made up to 28 days in advance through the Te Arai Links website and greens fees range from $410 USD during the off-season (July 1 - September 30) to $500 USD during the rest of the year. Discounted rates are also available for both New Zealand and Australia residents.
Play the South Course at Te Arai Links on GOLF+!
Now, the breathtaking South Course at Te Arai Links is no longer just a dream destination—it’s a virtual reality. Golfers worldwide can experience the stunning design of Coore and Crenshaw, the rolling dunes, and the dramatic coastal beauty from the comfort of their own home in GOLF+.
Whether you’re preparing for a future trip to New Zealand or simply want to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most celebrated golf courses, GOLF+ makes it possible to play and explore the South Course like never before. Fire up your headset, grab your virtual clubs, and see why Te Arai Links is truly one of a kind.