Te Arai Links Sweeps Hospitality Categories at 2026 NZIA Auckland Architecture Awards
New Zealand — Three hospitality venues at the Te Arai Links luxury golf club and resort have swept the top honours at the 2026 Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) Auckland Awards.
The Bunker Bar and Ocean Restaurant, both designed by Studio John Irving, alongside the Te Arai Links North Clubhouse, designed by Cheshire Architects, were all celebrated at an awards ceremony in Auckland on June 18.
The annual awards recognise outstanding architecture across the Auckland and Northland regions. This year, 50 projects were honoured across multiple categories, including commercial, public, heritage, housing, and hospitality.
The hospitality category was completely dominated by Te Arai Links, with all three available awards being captured by the resort’s venues.
Award-Winning Designs
Judges highly praised Ocean Restaurant for its sophisticated design and strong identity within the wider resort, specifically highlighting its carefully considered detailing, cohesive material palette, and warm atmosphere.
The Bunker Bar was recognised for its distinctive character and intimate setting. The judging panel described the venue as a “cleverly crafted retreat,” making special note of its sunken lounge, curved bar, and memorable guest experience.
Bunker Bar Interior
The Te Arai Links North Clubhouse was lauded for its elegant proportions, refined detailing, and welcoming atmosphere. Its designer, Cheshire Architects, enjoyed a highly successful night, also picking up a commercial award for their refurbishment of Auckland’s former Chief Post Office at Te Komititanga Square.
A spokesperson for Cheshire Architects stated that the project team was proud to receive the recognition, noting that the building reflected both the significance of the coastal site and the opportunity to contribute to one of New Zealand’s premier golf destinations.
“Te Arai Links is world-class, and the opportunity to design and build within it was revelled in by Pip Cheshire and the project team,” the spokesperson said. “The northern coastline, stretching up to the Far North, is steeped in a long history of occupation. We are extremely proud of the NZIA award that recognised our architectural focus towards quiet confidence of site occupation.”
The 2026 awards also featured a strong overall showing from the wider Northland region, with winning architectural projects located in Whangārei, the Bay of Islands, and Pātaua North.
Ric’s Restaurant to Rise Again
Alongside the architectural victories, resort management confirmed that planning is officially underway to rebuild Ric’s Restaurant after a devastating fire tore through the popular eatery earlier this year.
Construction on the new venue is expected to begin in early November 2026, immediately following the conclusion of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship being hosted at the course.
In the interim, the club’s restaurant operations have reopened as “Ric’s at the Ocean.” The temporary venue is currently accessible to members, golfers, and resort guests. Club management indicated that the restaurant will eventually reopen to the general public, though a definitive date has not yet been confirmed.
