Hotel Snapshot
The drive north from Auckland feels like leaving one world for another. At first, you’re navigating suburban roads and the occasional traffic light, still close enough to the city to grab a last-minute coffee. Half an hour later, the streets have narrowed, and you’re passing fields scattered with sheep and cattle, their heads lifting lazily as you drive by. Then, almost without warning, the dunes appear. They rise and fall like sleeping giants, shielding what lies beyond from view. Somewhere behind them sits Te Arai Links—though you wouldn’t know it from the water.
From offshore, there’s nothing but coastline and sky. The resort’s designers were determined that it stay that way, hiding every structure within the contours of the land. Even when you’re there, the place reveals itself slowly. A trail edged with native grasses. A sliver of roofline is barely visible from the sand. It’s a disappearing act, and it works: standing at the water’s edge, you feel like you’re somewhere completely untouched.
Design & Character
Jenni Kayne’s design philosophy is built on quiet luxury, and at Te Arai Links, it fits perfectly. The buildings sit low against the dunes, blending so seamlessly with the landscape that you barely notice them at first. Native grasses grow right up to the walkways, softening the edges between the natural and the manmade.
Inside, everything feels calm and deliberate. Kauri wood and weathered cedar add warmth, while pale stone and natural fabrics keep the spaces light and welcoming. The interiors don’t compete with the views—they frame them. Wide windows open to the ocean, so the focus is always on what’s outside. It’s a kind of design that feels effortless, though you quickly realize every detail has been chosen with care.
The Rooms
Te Arai Links offers a range of accommodations depending on how you want to experience the coast. Suites are simple and serene, perfect for couples or solo travelers. The two-bedroom Ocean Cottages offer more space and privacy, with floor-to-ceiling windows that pull the outdoors inside—a great fit for families or friends traveling together.
We stayed in a four-bedroom villa, and my son never wanted to leave. The space felt like a private beach house, complete with soft built-in carpeting, expansive windows that framed endless ocean views, and a fire pit on the terrace where we ended each evening. It was easy to settle in and harder to think about leaving.
Every detail was thoughtfully chosen for comfort: linen-draped beds for long mornings, rugs underfoot that made even cool floors feel warm, and bathrooms with soaking tubs deep enough to disappear into. If you’re an early riser, book a villa or cottage along the eastern edge of the property, where the first light of day streams straight across the water and into your room.
Food & Drink
We didn’t expect the food to be a highlight, but it was exceptional. Ric’s quickly became our go-to for relaxed lunches. Wood-fired pizzas and casual plates were perfect for refueling, while my son ran back and forth between bites and The Playground, the 2.5-acre putting green (the world’s largest) just next door.
The Ocean Restaurant offered a more refined experience without feeling formal. The menu changes with the seasons, featuring local seafood and produce. One night we had fish so fresh it practically melted, and another, a vegan carrot dish with a sauce so good we ordered extra bread to finish it.
Golfers have their own mid-round favorite: the Halfway House, known for burger dogs, fish tacos, and crisp Links Margaritas. The North Clubhouse serves heartier fare with Mexican influences, with a view of both the waves and the final holes. For members and resort guests staying in Ocean Cottages or Villas, The Bunker Bar is a private, tucked-away spot for cocktails.
Amenities
Golf may be Te Arai Links’ calling card, with two links courses ranked among the best in the world, but there’s plenty to do even if you never pick up a club. Trails crisscross the property, ideal for hiking or biking. Tennis and pickleball courts offer another outlet, while the beach invites both activity and rest—some guests paddleboard or swim, others simply sit at the water’s edge.
One of my favorite things was finding the resort’s hidden nooks. A chair here, a bench there, perfectly placed for reading, sipping wine, or just taking in the view. It made the property feel both expansive and personal, like there was always a quiet spot waiting just for you.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
In December 2025, Te Arai Links will grand open its new spa, a space designed to feel both restorative and deeply tied to the local environment. Treatments will draw on native ingredients and focus on two distinct paths: recovery for sore muscles after a day on the course, or pure, unadulterated relaxation.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Though Te Arai Links feels wonderfully self-contained, there are a few nearby experiences worth venturing out for. The local beaches are renowned for their excellent surfing, with breaks suitable for every skill level.
We made a stop at Bennetts of Mangawhai Chocolate Shop and Factory, where we stocked up on handmade chocolates you can only get in this part of New Zealand—and we may have finished more than a few before leaving the parking lot. A short drive inland brought us to Waipu Caves Farm Park, home to the Milky Way Glowworm Cave. Standing underground beneath thousands of tiny, glowing lights was like staring up at a galaxy in miniature.
Still, we found ourselves happiest back at the resort. From offshore, the buildings disappear entirely into the dunes, leaving nothing but wild coastline and open sea. That sense of seclusion stayed with me—a luxury you can’t buy, only experience.
Fast Facts
Location: Te Arai, North Island, New Zealand
Vibe: Low-key luxury woven into the landscape
Rating: Five-star resort
Room Count: 46 Ocean View Rooms, 19 Ocean Cottages, 6 Villas
Pricing: From $328 per night
Our Favorite Thing: Watching the sunrise over the Pacific from a cottage’s floor-to-ceiling windows
Dining: Ric’s, Ocean Restaurant, Halfway House, North Clubhouse, The Bunker Bar (members and limited resort guests only)
Amenities: Two world-ranked links courses, hiking and biking trails, tennis and pickleball courts, water sports, spa opening December 2025
Nearby Attractions: Surfing beaches, Bennetts of Mangawhai Chocolate Shop, Waipu Caves Farm Park and the Milky Way Glowworm Cave
Airport: 75-minute drive or 25-minute helicopter transfer from Auckland (AKL)
