And two Queenstown Lakes heavyweights have barely been separated for second and third spots.
The sixth New Zealand top 40 rankings, co-ordinated by Dunedin-based professional and city councillor Andrew Whiley, were released this week.
Private course Tara Iti — at Mangawhai, about 100km north of Auckland — again holds the top spot based on the rankings of 21 judges using seven criteria.
"It is truly something special, and if you are ever given the opportunity to play there, you should jump at it," Whiley wrote.
"The setting, the layout and how the course plays ... definitely unique and memorable.
"Right from the time you drive through the gates, through to holing your final putt on the 18th green, it is absolutely magical."
Jacks Point scored 30.1 points using the ranking system, and The Hills 30.04.
Millbrook’s new Coronet 18 (seventh) and original Remarkables 18 (10th) are the other Otago courses in the top 10.
Cape Kidnappers (fourth), Kinloch (fifth), Paraparaumu Beach (sixth), Wairakei (eighth) and Kauri Cliffs (ninth) are the other leading courses.
A further seven southern courses feature in the top 40.
Queenstown (33rd, up one), Wanaka (34th, up three), Chisholm Links (36th, down one) and Invercargill (37th, up one) also make the cut.
Apart from the Coronet at Millbrook, newcomers are the revamped Royal Auckland (11th), Tieke in Hamilton (22nd), 2021 New Zealand PGA Championship host Te Puke (31st), Waipu (35th) and Ohope (40th).
The last top 40 rankings were done in April 2020.
Whiley said the ranking panel, which includes professionals, amateur players and industry figures from Invercargill to Northland, had nearly 800 years of combined golf experience.
Up to five points were awarded per category, and judges’ totals were averaged.
Whiley said some "hidden gems" that missed the cut included the Roxburgh and Tokarahi courses.
He wanted golfers to embrace the challenge of playing as many of the courses as possible.
"It’s not just about playing the famous or ‘big name’ courses, but it’s about being able to enjoy our unique and amazing courses that have something to offer everyone."
