Luxury Golf & Travel To New Zealand
Luxury Golf & Travel To New Zealand
Te Arai Links may be best known for its world class coastal golf, yet focusing solely on the fairways misses much of what makes this Northland retreat so special. Set between sweeping sand dunes, native bush and the Pacific Ocean, Te Arai Links offers a diverse range of experiences that appeal to far more than golfers alone.
Whether you are travelling with a non golfer, planning a longer stay, or simply looking to slow down and explore the region, Te Arai Links delivers a well balanced mix of relaxation, adventure and nature.
To begin with, wellness plays a central role in the Te Arai Links experience. Guests can book private yoga or pilates sessions tailored to suit all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. These sessions can take place in the comfort of your accommodation, on the lawn near the sports courts, or on the beach when conditions allow.
In addition, in-room massage therapy allows guests to fully unwind without leaving their lodge. Options include relaxation, deep tissue and sports massage, as well as Hawaiian lomi lomi treatments. Beauty therapies such as facials and advanced skin treatments further enhance the sense of restoration.
As a result, Te Arai Links feels as much like a wellness retreat as it does a luxury resort.
Even when golf is not the main focus, Te Arai Links still offers relaxed and accessible ways to enjoy the game. PGA professionals provide private lessons tailored to individual needs, whether you are picking up a club for the first time or refining your technique.
Meanwhile, The Playground offers a more social approach. Spanning two acres beside Ric’s Restaurant, this is the largest putting green in the world. Here, families and friends gather for casual competition, practice sessions or simply to enjoy the late afternoon light as the sun sinks behind the dunes.
Beyond the clubhouse, the landscape itself invites exploration. Fat tyre mountain bikes make it easy to ride along the beach, through rolling dunes or into forested areas. For those who prefer to walk, a network of property trails caters to all fitness levels, from gentle beach strolls to more energetic inland routes.
At the same time, guests can take advantage of onsite sports courts, including tennis, pickleball and basketball. Equipment is available through concierge, and private coaching sessions can be arranged for those looking to improve their game.
One of the greatest advantages of staying at Te Arai Links is its proximity to the ocean. A short walk across the dunes leads to expansive white sand beaches ideal for swimming, surfing, and long coastal walks.
Surf lessons suit both beginners and confident surfers, while kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding tours explore calm river systems rich with birdlife and mangroves. For a more independent experience, equipment hire allows guests to explore the waterways at their own pace.
For those seeking something truly memorable, Te Arai Links also offers a range of elevated experiences. Horseback riding treks take guests offsite to explore nearby beaches and native bush from a unique perspective, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.
In addition, private boat and fishing charters head offshore to island groups such as the Mokohinau and Hen and Chicken Islands. These full day adventures combine exploration, fishing and spectacular coastal scenery.
For an even more dramatic view, helicopter tours open up the wider Northland region. From winery lunches in the Bay of Islands to scenic coastal flights and golf excursions, these experiences showcase the region’s natural beauty from above.
Finally, Te Arai Links serves as an ideal base for discovering nearby attractions. Guests can visit boutique wineries, artisan chocolate makers, outdoor sculpture parks and local museums. Scenic hikes lead to cliffs, caves and waterfalls, revealing the diverse landscapes that define this part of New Zealand.
These excursions add depth to any stay and encourage guests to connect more deeply with the region.
Ultimately, Te Arai Links is not defined by a single activity. Instead, it offers freedom of choice. Guests can shape each day around their own pace and interests, whether that means yoga by the sea, a morning surf, a leisurely winery lunch or a sunset walk along an untouched beach.
In doing so, Te Arai Links proves that it is far more than a golf destination. It is a luxury coastal escape designed to be experienced in many different ways.
Want help planning your New Zealand golf trip? Reach out to our team! We’ve walked these fairways and know how to make every round count.
Photo Credits: Te Arai Links
