Tara Iti at Tara Iti Golf Club

Tara Iti emerged from windswept dunes north of Auckland as a challenge to both the golfer and the notion that championship caliber golf couldn't thrive on pure sand. Built for strategy more than brute force, the course meanders in two loops along the coastline with wide fairways encouraging aggressive lines into the green, and penalizing misses into the native grasses. This is a thinking man's links where imaginative shot-making is rewarded over sheer power.

Designed by Tom Doak, the modern era course showcases his minimalist approach, working with, rather than against, the dramatic landscape. Undulating fairways and strategically placed bunkers—often cut directly into the dunes—define the course, demanding precision from tee to green. While not having hosted any major professional events, its reputation among discerning golfers has solidified its position as a premier destination.

Though located at the tip of the North Island, Tara Iti has garnered global attention for its unique blend of rugged beauty and challenging play. Its exclusivity fosters a tight-knit community; members and their guests often recount tales of friendly competition and shared appreciation for the landscape over a meal of locally sourced seafood. A round at Tara Iti is not merely about the score, but the immersive experience of golf at its purest, played in harmony with the elements.