Te Arai Links: A Dream Location, not only for Golfers

Just 75 minutes from Auckland, located on a beautiful white sand New Zealand beach, Te Arai Links is more than just a golf course, it is an extraordinary escape that seamlessly combines world-class golf, luxurious accommodations and eateries, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Designed by renowned architects Tom Doak, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Te Arai Links features two 18-hole courses (North Course and South Course). Quickly cementing a reputation as a “golf mecca.”

White Associates played an integral role as the project’s Quantity Surveyor, steering this ambitious vision through some of the most challenging phases.

Our team also provided estimating, procurement advice, and post-contract quantity surveying services to ensure the seamless delivery of standout member facilities, including visitor accommodations, a caddie shack and dining spaces such as the Ocean Restaurant, Ric’s Restaurant, as well as the North Clubhouse.

Photography by: Ricky Robinson, Robinson Studios

Te Arai Links offers luxurious amenities, featuring world-class accommodations, vibrant social spaces, and diverse dining options. Since joining the project in June 2019, White Associates has contributed extensively by cost management, contract administration, and procurement for the development of the accommodation offerings, including: 48 Suites, 19 two-bedroom, Ocean Cottages and 6 four-bedroom Villas.

The members-only Bunker Bar, hidden away in the dunes by the 18th hole of the South Course, is a standout concrete structure buried in sand. Making it the perfect discrete location for thirsty golfers to enjoy a hard-earned drink in view of others completing the final hole.

“Each bespoke build had its own challenges,” notes Matt, Senior Quantity Surveyor at White Associates, “and on top of that there were the universal obstacles caused by building at an isolated location during the COIVD-19 pandemic.”

Working with prominent architects such as Studio John Irving and Chesire Architects, White Associates tackled the cost challenges unique to Te Arai Links’ designs. Procurement was particularly challenging. The semi-rural location made it difficult to attract contractors, especially during a time of heightened global uncertainty. “Finding the right contractors to do this work was quite interesting,” explains Brett Zeiler, Director at White Associates. “We ended up with a mix of commercial contractors and operators with high-end housebuilding experience.”

White Associates carefully managed relationships to ensure every element of the project remained on track, even during lockdowns. “Contract administration was crucial,” adds Sarah Moore, Quantity Surveyor at White Associates. Each build involved different contractors, so maintaining positive relationships was crucial. “Clear communication was key to keeping projects on track and avoiding delays.”

Beyond the golf and luxurious accommodations, Te Arai Links is a conservation success story. Working closely with ecologists, the project has transformed the coastal area into a sanctuary for endangered New Zealand bird species, offering them a safe habitat amid the fairways. Today, native birds nest safely in the dunes, connecting the site’s legacy with its natural roots.

Despite its challenges, Te Arai Links opened in October 2022 as one of the world’s most acclaimed golfing destinations. White Associates’ careful cost management and ability to navigate complexities ensured the project was delivered within budget while reaching the pinnacle of quality.