Million-dollar views for beachfront links

Tara Iti golf course between Pakiri and Mangawhai opens on October 1 and membership will be by invitation. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand's newest beachside golf course is to open on October 1 with membership by invitation only and fees in the tens of thousands.

Tara Iti Golf Club, north of Auckland between Pakiri and Mangawhai, will be surrounded by 46 houses.

Eleven are on the course edge with one futuristic structure already designed. The Cheshire Architects plans are thought to be a holiday home for an international client.

Jim Rohrstaff and Michael Pleciak of Auckland-based real estate firm Legacy Partners said the course had cost "tens of millions to build" and predicted it would be in the top 50 to top 100 internationally.

Tara Iti golf course opens October 1 . supplied by Legacy Partners which is in charge of the development at Te Arai

New Zealand Golf chief executive Dean Murphy agrees: "I have seen Tara Iti. It will be one of the very best courses in the world when opens. I'm sure all people who love golf would love to play there."

Membership fees are not being disclosed but one Auckland golfer predicted it might cost $10,000 to $20,000 a year in annual dues but perhaps five times that to join. Many Auckland golf clubs charge $1000 to $2500 in yearly fees.

Tara Iti is opening as Auckland Council reviews its ownership of 13 courses worth $200 million-plus.

Tara Iti golf course opens October 1 . supplied by Legacy Partners which is in charge of the development at Te Arai.

The course is 75 minutes' drive or 100km north of Auckland and was designed by Tom Doak.

"It's by invitation. We won't say how much it costs," Mr Rohrstaff said.

The property was developed by American Ric Kayne with New Zealand resort specialist John Darby.

"Ric doesn't look at this and say 'we're going to measure people's pocketbook and see if they qualify'.

"It's not just about the money. It's about the quality of people's character. Ric wants good people, that's what we're trying to do.

"This has not been for profit but out of passion," Mr Rohrstaff said.

Legacy is marketing the 46 1.6ha-2.8ha residential lots.

"The golf course sites will sell from $2.8 million to $4 million and the beachfront sites from $2 million to $3 million-plus," Mr Rohrstaff predicted.

Mr Murphy said NZ Golf had a partnership with Tourism NZ to promote all golf courses which could include Tara Iti.

Home by the links

46
1.6ha-2.8ha residential lots are part of the Tara Iti golf project. Eleven are on the edge of the course.

2.8
Sites start at $2.8 million. Some beachfront sites are marketed at $3 million-plus