A Golf Journey Through New Zealand’s North Island
Some golf trips are about more than keeping score. They're about adventure, connections, and experiencing the sport in its purest form. For our Spring 2025 Collection, we searched the globe for an awe-inspiring photoshoot location that would capture the essence of KJUS’s new anthem and brand campaign: Beyond.Above. Our choice was unanimous — New Zealand. We traveled to some of the most remarkable destinations on the North Island, where golf harmonizes with nature, and every course weaves its own story.
Over several days, our team had the privilege of experiencing some of the world’s top 100 golf courses: Tara Iti Golf Club, Te Arai Links (North and South), and Cape Kidnappers. Each offered a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and world-class design. But this trip was about more than playing golf; it was about embracing the journey, pushing boundaries, and experiencing KJUS performance in its element.
Why New Zealand?
New Zealand’s rugged beauty and iconic golf courses made it the perfect backdrop for our Spring 2025 Collection. With dramatic ocean and cliffside greens, rolling fairways, and panoramic views of the vast Pacific, the landscape embodied our Beyond.Above ethos.
But our goal wasn’t just to play golf in these remarkable locations; it was to connect the natural elements of the courses with the spirit of our collection. KJUS apparel reflects the same sense of adventure and freedom that these courses embody. Every swing echoed our core values: innovation, functionality, and performance in any condition.
Arrival and First Impressions
From the moment we boarded our Air New Zealand flight in Los Angeles, the adventure began. Exceptional in-flight service set the tone for what lay ahead. Starting with a warm "Kia Ora" greeting, a delightful dinner paired with New Zealand wines, and a restful overnight journey across the International Date Line, we landed in Auckland refreshed and ready.
Steps from the airport, we boarded a private helicopter. As we took flight, the bustling city quickly faded into a landscape of rolling hills, lush pasturelands, and breathtaking coastal scenery. The air carried an unspoken promise that what lay ahead would be unforgettable.
A Course Like No Other: Tara Iti Golf Club
Our smooth ride concluded with a landing on the putting green at Tara Iti Golf Club — one of the world’s most exclusive and awe-inspiring courses. Here, the natural landscape defines every hole. There is no traditional rough, only rolling dunes and vast wastelands that challenge players to embrace the unexpected. The shifting coastal winds demanded creativity, pushing the limits of both our game and our new collection.
Tara Iti challenged us to welcome the unknown, just as KJUS empowers players to embrace every experience to its fullest. With uncompromising comfort, fierce functionality, and remarkable design, our apparel mirrored the adaptability required on this unique course. (Note: Tara Iti is an exclusive private club, so public play is not available.)
Golf as Nature Intended: Te Arai Links
At the nearby Te Arai Links, golf felt like it was always meant to be played. Two distinctly different yet equally remarkable courses left us breathless.
The South Course
Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the South Course flowed through coastal dunes, with generous fairways featuring strategic pinch spots, firm greens, and vistas that made one pause before every shot to breathe in the ocean and listen to the whispering sea grass. Each tee box was intentionally placed to showcase its own unique world-class view.
The ever-changing wind and terrain required constant adaptation—exactly what our windproof, waterproof, and stretch-focused designs were made for. This wasn’t just about technique. It was about embracing whatever the course threw our way.
After our round, we paused at Ric’s Restaurant, named after Ric Kayne, the visionary founder of Tara Iti and Te Arai Links. There, we enjoyed farm-to-table appetizers, wood-fired pizzas, and craft concoctions while overlooking an impressive community putting green.
The North Course
After an evening at the luxurious on-site Te Arai accommodations, we were excited to experience the next course. Designed by Tom Doak, the North Course seamlessly winds around a pā (pronounced "pah") which is a Māori term for a fort carved from a hill-like landmass, historically used for defense. This course is an architectural masterpiece, with each hole presenting a unique challenge, punctuated by the occasional, classic three-putt-inducing Doak green.
The layout begins along the ocean, weaving through dunes-backed forests before finishing with breathtaking oceanfront holes. By the time we walked off the 18th green, many of the remarkable putting greens were etched in our memories forever.
Golf on the Edge of the World: Cape Kidnappers
For the final leg of our journey, we took a short and convenient Air New Zealand flight to Napier/Hastings, the gateway to the Hawke’s Bay wine region. A stunning coastal drive led us to Cape Kidnappers, a 6,000-acre peninsula where fairways hover between land and sea in a wildlife sanctuary.
Our stay at the Rosewood Cape Kidnappers added to our elevated experience, with luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and sweeping ocean views.
Pirate’s Plank: The Ultimate Test
Also designed by Tom Doak, Cape Kidnappers’ sheer scale was breathtaking, none more so than the 15th hole, Pirate’s Plank, a 650-yard par 5 that demanded both skill and confidence.
The rugged coastline, unpredictable winds, and occasional rain made this course a true test. Fortunately, our weather-adaptive KJUS apparel kept us focused on the experience rather than the elements. Each shot became a reminder of how performance and design work in perfect harmony, with the course providing the ultimate stage.
Packing for Performance
New Zealand’s spring weather is unpredictable, so our packing list focused on adaptability and comfort.
• Men's Insulated Storm Jacket – was a standout for the cold and windy afternoons at Cape Kidnappers with periodic coastal mist rolling in. With space-inspired VaporTemp technology, it regulated body temperature while Graphene and volcanic rock-infused pockets provided warmth for our hands between shots.
• Men's Breton Waterproof Pants – Our favorite travel companion, this pant delivered both style and waterproof/windproof performance. We wore these every day, and were prepared for wind and rain, but also felt comfortable when the sun was shining. A secret was that these are versatile enough to wear to dinner even at the nicest restaurants.
• Men’s & Women’s Radiation Pieces – Lightweight insulation for early morning rounds, offering high heat retention without weight or bulk.
• Women's Collagen Collection – Sun protection was just as important on this trip. The Southern Hemisphere experiences high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation largely due to its closer proximity to the sun during its summer months, combined with its clean atmosphere. Our Women’s Collagen Collection provided excellent protection against the sun’s rays while keeping skin hydrated thanks to its Moisture Renewal technology.
• Hollow Pima Cotton Polos – Ensured breathability and comfort during intense rounds.
Every piece we packed had a purpose, ensuring we were always ready for whatever the day presented.
Reflections on Our Journey
Golf in New Zealand was a bucket-list experience. This journey not only showcased the raw beauty of where golf can take you, but it deepened our appreciation for the design and innovation behind every piece of apparel built for these remarkable locations.
The spirit of this trip is woven into our Spring 2025 Collection, shaping every detail and embodying our philosophy. Inspired by the rugged coastlines, towering cliffs, and the thrill of the unknown, each KJUS item is built to perform when the game demands more.
Every swing, every challenge, and every breathtaking view reinforced what Beyond. Above. represents. Beyond. Above. isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about where the game can take you. KJUS isn’t just apparel; it’s about amplifying the moments that make golf unforgettable.