Positioned along a pristine stretch of coastline in Tomarata, roughly ninety minutes north of Auckland, Te Arai Links is a public-access golf resort built around two exceptional 18-hole layouts. The South Course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, opens through forest and dune before unfurling along the headlands for a run of dramatic ocean holes. The North Course, designed by Tom Doak – architect of sister course Tara Iti – takes a different route, weaving inland through pine forest before returning to the coast for a spectacular finish. Both are fescue-turfed, walkable, and consistently ranked among the finest modern courses in the world.

Accommodation is spread across the property in three configurations: ocean-view suites near the clubhouse, two-bedroom cottages close to the South Course’s 9th hole, and four-bedroom villas lining the North Course’s 18th fairway. All are designed in natural, understated tones that echo the surrounding dunes. Dining ranges from the destination-worthy Ocean Restaurant, with its Pacific views and locally driven tasting menu, to the more relaxed North Clubhouse and Ric’s wood-fired pizza. Beyond golf, guests can while away time on the resort’s two-acre putting green, known as The Playground, or take up tennis, pickleball, surfing, and horse riding.