Te Arai Golf Course Review: Public Access, Fees & Rankings

Few things frustrate a traveling golfer more than finding a stunning course that’s reserved for members only, but Te Arai Links, a public-access golf complex on the New Zealand coastline, flips that script entirely with two pure links layouts — the North and South courses — earning a reputation as one of the most welcoming world-class destinations in the country. Here’s what you need to know before you book.

Courses: Two pure links courses (North and South) · Location: New Zealand coastline · Public Access: Yes, public-access golf complex · World Ranking: Three courses in Top 100 in the world (Facebook)

Five key facts about Te Arai Links, one pattern: the complex is transparent about access but opaque about pricing.

Can the public play Te Arai?

Is Te Arai golf public?

Yes — Te Arai Links is a public-access golf complex. The official site states that both the North and South courses are open to green-fee players, not just members. Visitors can book tee times online up to 28 days in advance, though play is restricted during green aerification periods. Golfweek confirmed that the resort offers both public-access play and private memberships, making it one of the few world-class links that doesn’t require a club tie.

The implication: public access is real, but the exact mix of member-only vs. public tee times is not spelled out on the site. Check the booking calendar for the course you want.

How much does it cost to play golf at Te Arai?

How much is a membership at Te Arai?

How much does it cost to join Te Arai Golf Course?

Green fees at Te Arai Links are not explicitly listed on the official site, though several sources provide estimates. The Golfweek article reported that international green fees range from about $400 to $650 depending on season. Where2Golf lists high-season international visitor green fees at NZ$650 and New Zealand resident fees at NZ$400 for 18 holes. 1Golf.eu quotes NZD 850 for both courses, though that figure may include extras. The official site confirms that rates are quoted in NZ dollars and include 15% GST, and that an AU/NZ rate is available for residents with proof of residency.

Membership pricing is not publicly disclosed. The official site offers no membership page, and neither Golfweek nor Where2Golf provides figures. The website’s FAQ states there is no “all you can play” rate, but same-day play includes a 50% discount on a second round, and a third round is complimentary — though concessionary green fees are excluded from the second-round discount.

The trade-off: you pay a premium for the public-access privilege, but the same-day replay discounts make a full day of golf more affordable.

Who is the owner of Te Arai golf course?

Owner information is not publicly available from the provided sources. The official site does not disclose ownership, and no editorial source (Golfweek, Where2Golf, 1Golf.eu) names the entity behind the development. The complex is managed by Te Arai Links Limited, but corporate ownership remains opaque. For context, many New Zealand golf resorts operate as private companies or trusts without public filings; this is not unusual.

The pattern: when a resort doesn’t broadcast ownership, it’s often because the developer chooses to stay private. For the golfer, it doesn’t affect play — but it means there’s no single point of contact for inquiries beyond the booking team.

How many golf courses are there at Te Arai?

What are the names of the courses?

Te Arai Links has two 18-hole courses: the North Course and the South Course. Both are pure links layouts, designed to sit on the coastal dunes. The North Course was designed by Tom Doak and opened in 2023, while the South Course (also by Doak) opened earlier. The official site describes both as “pure links.” Where2Golf notes that visitors are welcome on weekdays and weekends, but resort guests and green-fee payers cannot play both courses on the same day — a policy that forces a choice unless you stay overnight.

“Fun golf, on steroids.”

— UK Golf Guy, reviewing the South Course

What this means: two distinct experiences, but you can’t combine them in one round. Plan accordingly.

What is the world ranking of Te Arai golf course?

Te Arai golf course scorecard and map

Te Arai Links claims on its Facebook page that three courses are ranked in the Top 100 in the world — presumably the North and South Courses plus a third (possibly the nearby Tara Iti, though separate). The South Course has drawn particular praise for its fun design. Top100GolfCourses.com lists the complex among the world’s best, though exact positions are not specified in the provided research. No official scorecard or course map is published on the Te Arai Links site, a gap noted by many golfers searching for yardages and hole layouts.

“Te Arai Links is a world-class public golf destination on the New Zealand coastline.”

— Te Arai Links, official site

Why this matters: the ranking adds credibility, but the lack of a published scorecard means you’ll have to rely on on-course markers or third-party apps to plan your game.

For a destination that markets itself as transparent, the missing details on fees and facilities are a notable gap. The upside: the public-access policy is genuine, and the golf itself earns top marks from those who’ve played.

For the traveling golfer planning a New Zealand trip, the implication is clear: book early, budget generously, and decide which course you want to play before you arrive, because you can’t play both in one day. For New Zealand residents, the discounted rate and proof-of-residency scheme make it a more accessible option, but the lack of published membership pricing means the “join” path remains a mystery.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading: New Zealand North Island Map · Car Rental New Zealand