Established in 1906 after the rail line from Hokitika to Ross was completed and connected the South side of the Hokitika River to the town, a small group of golf enthusiasts formed a society and purchased the parcel of land between the Tasman Sea and Mahinapua Creek. Over the years the gorse was cleared, tees levelled off and bunkers were all dug by hand to set up the layout we now enjoy. Property was gifted by the Cranston Family to extend the course to 18 holes which has the classis 9 holes in 9 holes out experience.

What was once marginal land of no agricultural value is now a thriving True Links course with natural dunes, using the low points as fairways and the natural contours to provide a test of Links golf and has been described as " The most Scottish course in New Zealand ".  Now Mahinapua Links is recognised as one of only 247 True Links Courses in the world putting it in the same class as The Old Course in Scotland.