North at Te Arai Links whispers of a rugged, windswept challenge, carved into the dramatic coastal dunes north of Auckland. This modern links, born from the vision of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, embraces the raw beauty of the Te Arai landscape, a place where the Tasman Sea relentlessly shapes the terrain. Wide fairways often belie the strategic bunkering and subtle undulations, favoring players who can creatively navigate the ever-present wind. This course isn't about brute force; it's about understanding the nuances of links golf and coaxing the ball through the air and along the ground.
While not steeped in championship history, North at Te Arai Links provides a stern test for any level of player and the discerning golfer will certainly enjoy the challenge. Its pedigree and design, though, place it firmly among the elite courses in New Zealand and a destination worthy of the most ambitious golf itinerary.
The members here embrace the camaraderie of the game, with a relaxed atmosphere permeating the clubhouse. While formal traditions are respected, a genuine sense of connection and shared appreciation for the course’s design and natural setting is the true hallmark of its appeal. The region, once largely farming country, has transformed into a haven for golf enthusiasts, drawn to the authentic links experience and the unpretentious warmth of the locals. A round here, followed by a hearty meal and a local brew, is as much a part of the Te Arai experience as the golf itself.
Reviews
I was floored by how much I loved Te Arai North. It opened only 2 years ago but already in such impressive conditioning form. It has width but no rough and all holes sit abutted with sand dunes on either side, sometimes jaw-droppingly so. The first 3 holes set the stage well along the ocean, but my favorite stretch of the course actually opens up as the course moves into the trees around hole 4. For a variety of skill levels, the course is so engaging and breeds creativity to challenging pin locations on characterful green complexes. Lots of devilish chips due to thoughtful green surrounds. One of those courses that immediately made me thrilled by certain holes and is way way up there in terms of the setting and shots required. Reminds me a lot of Sand Valley but the setting by the ocean is so so much more varied and compelling.
Greens are diabolical and a bit gimmicky. But well worth a visit. Their sister course (south) is better.
The newer Doak designed Te Arai North is a different experience than what you get on South. The course has only a few holes that are set on the coast, but the majority of the hills run you through this beautiful wooded forest. The greens are some of the craziest greens I’ve seen, not super fast, but crazy undulations and different ways to play any given shot. The north course has a halfway hut/restaurant that is a pretty cool stop between rounds. Overall a bit trickier than the north, but a unique challenge in an unreal setting
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
North at Te Arai Links has a Course Vaults score of 9.3 out of 10 based on 12 explicit golfer ratings.
North was designed by Tom Doak.
Yes. North at Te Arai Links is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at North is 72.
North is a 18-hole course.
