Kauri Cliffs Lodge from the air
I have to point out something here, before I start: I’m not in the habit of staying in 5-star-plus accommodation on my travels.
But I have been lucky enough to experience two of New Zealand’s most luxurious lodges, Kauri Cliffs Lodge at Northland’s Matauri Bay, and its sister lodge, the Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Hawkes Bay.
Actually ‘lucky’ is hardly the word, I should say ‘privileged’. That is how special these places are. I could try and describe them in detail, but I doubt I could do them justice.
The view at Cape Kidnappers
Instead I recommend you visit their websites and browse the panoramic photos, and video galleries, for a taste of the quality and beauty of both properties.
What I can say is that these are the kinds of places that made it feel very necessary for me to roll out the best of my wardrobe, and remember my very best manners. The atmosphere is always of style and understated class, but with a welcoming, unpretentious and noticeably New Zealand flavour.
For this we have owners and native New Yorkers the Robertson family to thank: their hospitality is superb, and their love of New Zealand is plain to see. To see how beautifully they have integrated the accommodation and adjacent golf courses into the landscape is a tribute to their vision and their passion for this place.
a golfer's view at Kauri Cliffs
Both properties have PGA Championship golf courses – which says it all about the golfing experiences on offer, really. But these courses are far from just gorgeous fairways on some prime land. At Cape Kidnappers the golf holes are arranged among a working farm. At Kauri Cliffs, regenerated native bush, some of which is home to kiwi, has been established in gullies which bisect the course.
I could go on about the views, the sumptuous rooms, the stunning food and wines, the spas, the pools, the service, and more. Suffice to say it’s no surprise that these two lodges were voted among the top 15 resorts in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
the pool at Cape Kidnappers
They’re properties and environments that will be enjoyed by New Zealanders and visitors for generations to come.
I recommend (whether you’re a golfer or not) if you’re looking for a special experience that really does qualify as ‘unforgettable’, you should find an excuse to book a stay.