New Zealand’s Coastal Escape: Finding Luxury, Adventure, and Serenity at Te Arai Links

After exploring Australia, we made our way across the Tasman Sea (which locals refer to as “The Ditch” to New Zealand, flying into Auckland. We rented a car for the one hour and 45-minute drive north to Te Arai Links.

For someone who usually spends road trips answering emails from the passenger seat, I barely touched my computer. Instead, I found myself completely mesmerized by the emerald-green rolling hills, sprawling cattle pastures, and unique trees that lined the winding two-lane roads. There were even a few charming one-lane bridges along the route. It felt like we had stepped into a gallery of paintings.

Having seen photos of Te Arai (pronounced T-R-I) online, I expected endless sand dunes and ocean views. So it surprised me that nearly the entire drive was through lush farmland. Then, about five minutes before arriving, everything changed. The landscape transformed dramatically into windswept dunes, native grasses, and spectacular coastline. 

That dramatic transition perfectly sets the tone for Te Arai Links—a destination that feels wonderfully secluded. 

Our two-bedroom cottage (June-Sept $2800/night NZD) overlooked the championship golf course with the South Pacific Ocean stretching beyond it. It was modern yet incredibly cozy, and beautifully designed.

One of my favorite features was the outdoor electric fire pit. Even when we weren’t sitting outside, we’d switch it on simply to enjoy its warm glow through the floor-to-ceiling living room windows.

The two king bedrooms mirrored one another, with one offering the added convenience of a work desk. Both bathrooms were spacious and beautifully appointed, but the true luxury was hidden beneath our feet. Heated bathroom floors may sound like a small detail, but once you’ve experienced them, it’s a lux creature comfort that’s hard to describe.

Between the bedrooms sat a welcoming living room, dining area, kitchenette, half bath, and a combination washer-dryer unit I’d never seen before. Since we were traveling for over a week, having laundry facilities inside the cottage turned out to be one of those little conveniences that made a difference.

After settling into our cottage, we were invited to enjoy cocktails at The Bunker, an intimate bar tucked beneath the dunes. During most of the year, it’s reserved exclusively for golf club members, but during the winter months, cottage guests are welcome. Designed to feel like an elegant living room, it was a fun space to sip a dirty martini made with New Zealand gin and local whiskies. It was the perfect introduction to the relaxed sophistication that defines Te Arai Links.

Breakfast and dinner at Ric’s pair fresh local flavors with beautiful golf course and
ocean views. Video Marika Flatt.

Dinner that evening was at Ric’s, the resort’s casual restaurant overlooking both the golf course and the ocean. One pleasant surprise was finding restaurant prices remarkably reasonable compared to what we’d experienced in Australia.

We shared creamy risotto, a broccoli dish topped with buffalo stracciatella, crispy truffle fries, and chicken Milanese, which reminded us of a perfectly executed schnitzel. 

Ric’s also became our breakfast destination each morning. The breakfast burrito packed with a bacon relish, chorizo, scrambled eggs, and potato paired beautifully with a flat white. We also enjoyed their creative take on eggs Benedict, which swapped the traditional English muffin for a crispy hash brown.

Another dinner took place at the North Clubhouse, whose cozy atmosphere made it feel like dining in someone’s luxurious coastal home. We enjoyed fresh snapper, crispy Brussels sprouts, and a classic wedge salad while looking out over the course.

Spending Time

I had the fitness center (gym) completely to myself and spent about 45 minutes stretching before heading to the spa when it opened at 10 a.m. The gym was beautifully equipped, and I especially loved the self-serve water station offering chilled, still, or sparkling water on tap—a small luxury that somehow felt very New Zealand.

The highlight of my stay was spending a half day at the spa. I appreciated the calming neutral palette that extended throughout every detail—from the walls and robes to the therapists’ uniforms and even the linens. 

Before treatments, guests receive a refreshing welcome drink made with strawberry, basil, and sparkling water. I also appreciated that the intake form allowed me to choose exactly how much pressure I preferred, with options ranging from light to medium, firm, or deep tissue.

The hydrotherapy garden was impressive, featuring two hot tubs, a cold plunge pool, and a spacious dry sauna. Even thoughtful details like including a bath mat inside each locker demonstrated the level of care that had gone into every aspect of the spa experience.

The spa uses skincare products sourced from both New Zealand and Australia, allowing guests to experience local wellness traditions during the treatments.

The Heart of the Resort

While the luxurious accommodations and spa are reason enough to visit, golf is undeniably the heart of Te Arai Links. Ranked among the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World, it’s a destination that draws golfers from every corner of the globe. The course feels like stepping back in time, reminiscent of Scotland’s legendary links courses. 

One of the club’s most recognizable members is New Zealand native and 2026 Open Championship winner Ryan Fox, a fitting ambassador for a course that has quickly earned international acclaim. Accessible only on foot, every step rewards golfers with breathtaking views, from dramatic holes perched above the Pacific Ocean to peaceful inland fairways framed by rolling dunes and native landscapes.

Hanging Ten

We ventured off property for a surf lesson with Aotearoa Surf at a quiet beach about 20 minutes away. The lesson began with something I truly appreciated: safety. Before anyone touched a surfboard, our instructor thoroughly explained how to identify rip currents, what to do if caught in one, and the various ocean hazards beginners should avoid.

Then, they moved onto the sand to practice proper positioning and the all-important “pop-up.” Once in the water, the instructor held the board steady until the perfect wave arrived, then released it while offering calm, encouraging coaching that helped build confidence with every attempt. It was an outstanding introduction to surfing.

Stunning Sunset

One evening, we followed a sandy path from the green down to the deserted beach just in time for sunset. Soft pastel colors stretched across the sky while waves rolled onto the shore. Standing there, with only the sound of the ocean and the cool New Zealand breeze, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly grateful.

Te Arai Links may have international acclaim for its spectacular golf courses, but I treasured the peaceful cottage, family dining, restorative spa, beautiful coastline, and quiet moments that reminded me why travel continues to inspire me. Te Arai Links invited me to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate just how beautiful the world can be.

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Cover photo Marika Flatt

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News product showcase and Spectrum News Travel (airs statewide), Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime (airs statewide), and Studio 512! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.