Luxury Golf & Travel To New Zealand
Luxury Golf & Travel To New Zealand
Somewhere on the wild west coast of Horowhenua, a patch of coastal duneland is being transformed into what may become the finest links course in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Douglas Links broke ground in February 2026, and golf tourists visiting New Zealand now have a very good reason to plan their trip around 2028.
Located at 765 Muhunoa West Road in Ōhau, just north of Wellington, this $50 million project does far more than add a course to the landscape. It sets out to strip golf back to its purest form while restoring one of New Zealand’s most rugged and beautiful stretches of coastline.
The Douglas Links is the brainchild of Hamish Edwards, co-founder of Xero, whose family has called the Wellington and Kāpiti regions home for over 100 years. The name “Douglas” honors his father and the longstanding family tradition of naming the firstborn son of each generation after him.
Edwards shared his motivation clearly during the planning process: “I have a huge respect for the land at Ōhau. I see this as much an ecology and sustainability project as I do about building a world-class golf experience.” That ethos drives every decision on site.
"I have a huge respect for the land at Ōhau. I see this as much an ecology and sustainability project as I do about building a world-class golf experience."
Edwards is working alongside world-renowned golf course architect Darius Oliver to transform Campbells Farm into a Top 100 global golf destination. Their guiding philosophy centres on minimal intervention, allowing the deep beds of free-draining coastal sand to shape the course as naturally as possible.
Oliver explains the approach: “We have an opportunity to use some beautiful natural features and restore large swathes of degraded coastal land.” The development brings together three major initiatives that reflect this commitment.
Nearly 200,000 native plants will be planted across the dunes, actively restoring the coastal ecosystem.
Much of the $40 to $50 million capital spend flows directly into the local economy, with regional contractors handling everything from earthworks to the removal of large exotic pine and macrocarpa trees.
The site will include modest, sustainably designed accommodation for up to 40 guests, built to sit quietly within the natural landscape rather than dominate it.
Oliver’s routing weaves through duneland, riverfront, and beachfront terrain, creating a layout that rewards creativity and ground-game shot-making. Several standout features set this course apart.
Holes 4, 14, 16, and 17 all play directly alongside the beach, offering dramatic coastal views and genuine links challenge.
Firm fescue playing surfaces replicate the bouncy, running ball flight that defines traditional Scottish and Irish links golf.
To preserve the natural character of the land, the course operates without carts and keeps man-made infrastructure to a minimum.
The Douglas Links deliberately moves away from the exclusive private-retreat model that defines so many destination golf courses. Edwards has been clear about his intention: “We will not build an exclusive golf course for wealthy overseas tourists.” Instead, the course will carry fair pricing and welcome players of all backgrounds.
The clubhouse will reflect a laid-back Kiwi beach atmosphere. The dress code is relaxed, and the message to golfers is simple: keep your hat on, wear a t-shirt, and bring your jandals. The food offering will draw on locally sourced produce, from Horowhenua olive oil to regional wines, giving guests a genuine taste of the area alongside their round.
Community consultation and cultural partnership sit at the foundation of this project. The team worked closely with Ngāti Kikopiri, Ngāti Tukorehe, and the Muaūpoko Tribal Authority throughout the planning process to ensure the history and sense of place of the land are respected and meaningfully shared with every visitor who walks the course.
With preliminary shaping now underway, led by Oliver and lead shaper Lindsay Richter, the course follows a two-year construction and grow-in timeline. The Douglas Links targets a 2028 opening, at which point it will make its case as one of the finest and most distinctive golf experiences in the Southern Hemisphere.
Keep an eye on this one. New Zealand golf is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
Best of New Zealand Golf
Whether you’re planning your first golf trip to New Zealand or adding another course to your bucket list, we’re here to help. Get in touch or keep exploring, there’s plenty more to discover.
Arrowtown Golf Club is short by modern standards, but its narrow gullies, small greens, and complete lack of bunkers make accuracy more important than distance. A worthwhile stop for golfers planning a trip through the Queenstown region.
📸 Gary Lisbon / Arrowtown Golf Club
#newzealandgolf #queenstown #arrowtowngolf #luxurygolftravel #bestofnzgolf
https://www.bestofnewzealandgolf.com/spotlight/arrowtown-golf-club-a-queenstown-hidden-gem/
Mountains on one side, Lake Wakatipu on the other, and eighteen holes trying to decide which view deserves your attention more. Jack`s Point remains one of the most stunning tests in golf, and one of our most requested tee times in Queenstown. ⛳🏔️
Read more through our link in bio
📸 Jack`s Point
#jackspointgolf #queenstowngolf #golftravel #luxurygolf #bestofnzgol
https://www.bestofnewzealandgolf.com/uncategorized/jacks-point-golf-queenstowns-lakeside-test-with-mountain-views/
Something special is taking shape on the New Zealand coastline 🌿⛳
The Douglas Links in Ōhau is set to become one of the finest golf courses in the Southern Hemisphere. Designed by world renowned architect Darius Oliver, this stunning eco links course sits just north of Wellington and opens in 2028.
Walking only. Locally sourced food and wine. Fair green fees for all. This is New Zealand golf at its most authentic.
Read the full blog at the link in bio 🔗
📸 The Douglas Links
#newzealandgolf #thedouglaslinks #luxurygolftravel #visitnewzealand #bestofnzgolf
Omaha Beach Golf Club: A Course on the Rise
If you`re planning a golf trip to the Matakana region, or heading south from the world-class fairways of Te Arai Links toward Auckland, there`s one course along the coast you shouldn`t drive past, Omaha Beach Golf Club. While Te Arai commands the global headlines, Omaha Beach has quietly undergone one of New Zealand`s most impressive course transformations in recent years. Here`s why it deserves a spot on your itinerary…
Read more through link in our bio.
📸 Omaha Beach Golf Club
#nzgolf #luxurygolftravel #newzealandtravel #newzealandgolfcourses #bestofnzgolf
Why Te Arai Links Is More Than a Golf Resort
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....
📸 Te Arai Links
#luxurytravelnz #tearailinks #newzealandtravel #newzealandgolfcourses #bestofnzgolf
Golf at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown offers the kind of round you remember. The course moves easily through open valleys and mountain views, and every hole feels calm yet rewarding. It’s the perfect stop for anyone planning a golf trip to New Zealand.🏔️🏌️
Read more about Millbrook Resort - link in bio!
📸 Millbrook Resort
#millbrookresortgolf #queenstowngolf #newzealandgolf #luxurygolftravel #bestofnzgolf
The Hills Golf Club blends alpine beauty with striking art and the wolf sculptures are the detail that truly sets the course apart. They appear as if they are watching your next shot and they turn an ordinary walk between holes into something memorable. If you enjoy golf with personality and depth, this is the place to play.
Read more in the link in bio⛳️
📸 The Hills Golf Club
#thehillsgolfclub #luxurygolftravel #newzealandgolfcourses #sculptureart #bestofnzgolf
At Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary, the fairways belong to more than golfers. From takahe like Frosty to wandering deer, every hole tells a story of New Zealand’s wildlife thriving alongside the game.
Read the full blog through the link in our bio to see why Wairakei is one of New Zealand’s most unique golf experiences.
Photo Credits: Wairakei Golf + Sanctuary
#natureandgolf #nzgolf #luxurygolftravel #wairakeigolfandsantuary #newzealandtravel #bestofnzgolf
Playing a round at Jack’s Point Golf Club in Queenstown is something special. The course winds through natural terrain with incredible views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. It’s one of those places where you really want to slow down and take it all in.
Read the full blog through the link in our bio to see why it’s on our list of must-play courses.
Photo Credits: Jack’s Point Golf Club
#luxurytravelnewzealand #newzealandgolf #jackspointgolfcourse #golftravel #bestofnewzealandgolf
Ever stood over a shot with nothing but sky and ocean past the flag? That’s Cape Kidnappers.
This cliff‑top masterpiece in Hawke’s Bay is a must‑play for any golfer seeking something truly special.
Find out why it’s worth the trip. Link in Bio⛳️
Photo Credits: Cape Kidnappers Golf
#capekidnappersgolf #hawkesbay #luxurygolf #newzealandgolf #bestofnzgolf #luxurynztravel
Every hole at Titirangi feels alive with Alister MacKenzie’s touch. The design rewards both bold play and smart strategy.
This is New Zealand’s only MacKenzie course, and it is a must play for any golfer seeking something truly special.
Discover what makes it unforgettable! Link in Bio to read more🔗
Photo Credits: Titirangi Golf
#luxurygolf #golftravel #newzealandgolf #titirangigolf #golfcoursearchitecture #alistermackenzie #bestofnzgolf
Two courses. Endless views. 🌊⛳️
Tee off in paradise at Te Arai Links where the North and South Courses deliver golf you will never forget.
Link in bio to read more on why Te Arai Links is the ultimate North Island golf destination for your next trip.
Photo Credits: Te Arai Links
#TeAraiLinks #NewZealandGolf #BucketListGolf #GolfTravel #LuxuryGolf #GolfCourses #GolfersParadise #GolfTrip #LuxuryTravel #TravelNZ #bestofnzgolf
