If you’re the kind of golfer who dreams of playing golf with the sound of crashing waves as your backdrop, then New Zealand’s high-end golf resorts—The Hills, Te Arai Links, and Tara Iti—are your ultimate playgrounds.
These exclusive courses aren’t just about perfecting your swing; they’re about living the elite golf lifestyle.
Whether you’re an investor looking for a slice of paradise or a golf enthusiast ready to become a member, the opportunities here are as vast as the ocean views.
The Hills: A Queenstown Jewel with a Visionary Revamp
First, let’s talk about The Hills, Queenstown’s luxurious gem. Founded by Sir Michael Hill, this private course isn’t just any 18 holes; it’s where nature meets art.
Since its debut in 2007 on a former deer farm, The Hills has set the standard for golf resorts with stunning sculptures dotting the landscape, and it’s hosted several New Zealand Open tournaments.
But now, The Hills is undergoing a multimillion-dollar transformation.
Jim Rohrstaff and Ric Kayne, the masterminds behind Te Arai Links and Tara Iti, have teamed up with Sir Michael and his daughter, Emma Hill, for a spectacular redevelopment.
The course will be completely redesigned by Ogilvy, Cocking & Mead (OCM), one of Australia’s top golf course design firms. In addition to a new, walkable layout, the renovations will include a golf training facility, fitness centre, luxurious real estate, and an interior remodel of the clubhouse, complete with a new golf shop.
By 2028, The Hills will emerge as an exclusive, equity-based golf club—meaning limited membership for those lucky enough to secure a spot.
Renovations kick off in 2026, and once complete, this course will set a new benchmark for luxury golf experiences in New Zealand.
Te Arai Links: Where Luxury and Links Meet
Just a scenic 75-minute drive from Auckland lies Te Arai Links, New Zealand’s new world-class golf destination that’s taking the global golf scene by storm.
With two spectacular links courses—designed by Tom Doak and Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw—Te Arai Links is a paradise for serious golfers.
Both courses have secured spots in Golf Digest’s World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses for 2024, with the South Course ranking No. 40 and the North Course at No. 36.
That’s not just luck—that’s world-class design meeting unparalleled coastal beauty.
Te Arai Links is much more than just golf. Guests can enjoy the largest putting green in the world, luxurious accommodations designed by Jenni Kayne, and activities ranging from pickleball to beachside massages.
A gym and spa are expected to open by late 2025, adding to the top-tier amenities already available.
The real estate opportunities at Te Arai Links are equally enticing, offering stunning homes in one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking locations.
Whether you’re a serious golfer or someone who just wants to relax in style, Te Arai Links is where you’ll find your slice of paradise.
And let’s not forget those scenic coastal views—imagine waking up to the sight of white sand surf beaches every morning.
It’s an opportunity for membership, investment, and pure leisure wrapped into one.
Tara Iti: The Pinnacle of Golf Exclusivity
Finally, if exclusivity is what you crave, look no further than Tara Iti Golf Club. Also designed by Tom Doak, Tara Iti is New Zealand’s No. 1 golf course.
This members-only haven is located north of Auckland, nestled between towering sand dunes and the Pacific Ocean. With 11 kilometres of ocean frontage and 225 acres of dunes, Tara Iti isn’t just a golf course—it’s a natural masterpiece.
Playing here is like stepping into a golfer’s dream. The rugged, seaside layout, combined with the sheer beauty of the surrounding landscape, makes every round unforgettable.
But don’t expect to waltz into Tara Iti; membership is highly exclusive, and it offers a unique blend of elite golfing and secluded luxury. If you’re looking for a private escape, Tara Iti might just be the perfect fit.
Real Estate and Investment Opportunities
For investors, these courses offer more than just tee times. The real estate surrounding Te Arai Links and The Hills presents rare opportunities to invest in prime properties.
Whether it’s a beachfront villa or a mountainside estate, these properties offer not just a place to stay but a chance to be part of an exclusive community. Plus, the allure of New Zealand’s pristine environment and strong property market makes these developments a savvy investment for the future.
A Golfing Lifestyle Like No Other
The draw of The Hills, Te Arai Links, and Tara Iti goes beyond golf. These resorts are where you can enjoy world-class sporting facilities, luxury accommodations, and unrivalled scenery.
Whether you’re sipping fine wine after a day on the links or enjoying a beachside massage, the lifestyle offered by these clubs is second to none.
For golf enthusiasts, investors, or anyone seeking an elite lifestyle, these courses represent the pinnacle of what New Zealand has to offer.
The developments planned at The Hills, the unique offerings of Te Arai Links, and the exclusivity of Tara Iti make them some of the most sought-after golf experiences in the world.
Te Arai Links & Tara Iti Team NZ Project: Optimizing for the Future
As Rohrstaff and Kayne continue their ambitious work on Te Arai Links & Tara Iti Team NZ Project, it’s clear that New Zealand’s golf scene is evolving into a global destination for high-end enthusiasts.
These clubs aren’t just courses—they’re comprehensive experiences combining the best of sport, luxury, and natural beauty.
Whether you’re dreaming of membership or considering a real estate investment, now is the time to explore what these prestigious resorts have to offer.
