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Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Spa

Set on over 6,500 acres near Matauri Bay, Kauri Cliffs enjoys a commanding position with spectacular 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and overlooking the championship golf course. The beautiful lodge is built in the grand colonial style, with a range of gorgeous and spacious living and dining rooms, many opening on to covered verandas providing options for alfresco dining next to outdoor fireplaces and taking in the mesmerizing views.  

Just eleven outlying guest cottages, each with two guest suites, provide the spacious accommodation at this Relais + Chateaux hideaway, nestled on the edge of native forest and the sea. The 2 bedroom Owner’s Cottage is another step above, recently gracing the cover of American design bible, Architectural Digest (December 2008).  The world-class championship golf course with many holes overlooking the Pacific Ocean is highly acclaimed, Golf Digest naming it #1 International in its World’s 50 Best Golf Hotels. (2009). Non-golfers, need not despair, Kauri Cliffs is home to a fabulous spa beautifully nestled amidst a totara forest with indoor/outdoor treatment rooms with outdoor fireplaces and was recently named in Tatler Magazine’s 101 Best Spas., Other popular activities are beautiful walks to the giant Kauri Tree, relaxing at Pink Beach, exploring the Cavalli Islands and much more.

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is located in the Bay of Islands region, and a scenic 3 hour drive or just a 40 minute flight from Auckland.
Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Spa
Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Spa
Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Spa
Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Spa
Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Spa
Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Spa
Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Spa
Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Spa
Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Spa
Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Spa
Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Spa
Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Spa
Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Spa
Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Spa
Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Spa

Room Information

Suites
Kauri Cliffs consists of eleven outlying guest cottages, each with two guest suites providing twenty-two accommodation units at Kauri Cliffs. Every suite offers its own private porch, comfortable bedroom with sitting area and open fireplace, walk-in his and hers wardrobes and a bathroom with a shower, bathtub and his and hers vanities. The cottages are nestled on the edge of a native forest overlooking the ocean and golf course. 

The eleven cottages comprise 16 Deluxe units (approximately 750 sq ft / 69.7 sq m) and 6 standard units (approximately 601 sq ft / 55.9 sq m) which are nestled on the edge of native bush looking east from private verandas across the golf course and the Pacific Ocean. They are in a staggered row to the north of the main lodge building along a meandering tree studded path. 

The main bedroom features an open gas fireplace, superior mini-bar, large armoire with a TV, DVD player, CD player, super-king bed (able to be split into 2 super-singles), rattan armchairs, writing desk and ottomans. 

The ‘Security’ Rooms 
There are two “security” rooms in addition to the 22 Deluxe and Standard suites. Featuring two single beds, en suite bathroom and wardrobe, these rooms are used predominantly for accompanying security, drivers, minders or children.

Owners Cottage
A large (4,200 square foot) two-suite house is positioned with the main lounge and two bedrooms overlooking the ocean and golf course towards the Bay of Islands. 

The house has a private infinity swimming pool and hot tub and easy access to all lodge amenities. There is an outdoor barbecue and cooking facilities for the chef if private in-house dining is preferred. 

There are open fireplaces in the bedrooms and the main lounge. There are two bathrooms and a powder room in the house. 

A small office can be converted into a third bedroom ideal for children or a nanny.

Awards:
  • Conde Nast Traveller UK – The Gold List – January 2012 
  • Kauri Cliffs listed as best for leisure facilities in Australasia & South Pacific  
  • Travel + Leisure Magazine – T+L 500 World’s Best Awards, January 2012 
  • The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs ranked #1 in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific with a score of 96.25  
  • Conde Nast Traveller UK named The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs in his Gold List, 2012  
  • Kauri Cliffs has been recognized by Fodor’s 100 Hotel Awards as one of the best Luxurious Retreats in the world 
  • Conde Nast Traveler USA – Reader’s Choice Awards, November 2011- Number 1 Resort in Oceania and Number 6 in the World 
  • Beach Tomato beach property Awards winners 2011 has recognised kauri Cliffs as Best Spa 
  • Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2011 -Kauri Cliffs voted number 6 in the world - the top resort in Oceania!  

Things To Do

Kauri Cliffs is perfect for both families and couples with a great variety of activities and staff who are able to cater to each guest's wishes.  

Golf: Kauri Cliffs was designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, Orlando, Florida. The par 72 championship golf course measures 7,119 yards/ 6,510 metres and offers five sets of tees to challenge every skill level. Fifteen holes view the Pacific Ocean, six of which are played alongside cliffs which plunge to the sea. The beautiful inland holes wind through marsh, forest and farmland. Kauri Cliffs is currently ranked #80 in the world on the Golf Magazine World Top 100 list.   The golf complex includes a world-class practice range, putting and chipping greens, a well stocked golf shop, and ladies’ and mens’ locker rooms. Premium ladies’ and mens’ rental clubs are available. In 2008 and 2009 Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs hosted the Kiwi Challenge, our PGA TOUR Challenge event featuring four of the top PGA TOUR players under the age of 30.   Kauri Cliffs is currently ranked #51 on GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Courses in the World  

Private Beach Barbecue: Combine one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with fresh grilled seafood or lamb, and local produce partnered with fine New Zealand cheese and wines. Your barbecue will include your own Kauri Cliffs chef. Transport to and from the beach will be provided. For those who opt to walk, the trek is 35 minutes via the golf course and trail near the 7th tee. Walking shoes or sneakers are advised. 24 hours notice is required.    

Picnic Hampers: Our three private beaches and the waterfall provide a beautiful and picturesque setting for a picnic. Walk or be driven from the Lodge. If you wish, you can drive part of the way to the beach and then continue with a brisk walk.   

Land Based Fishing: Fishing is a religion around these parts. Our local guide will take you to one of the beaches on the property. You may well hook snapper or kahawai (similar to a blue fish). Bring your catch back to the lodge and our chef will prepare it for your dinner. This is fresh fish at its best! A big part of this fishing experience is taking in the serenity and beauty of these spectacular surroundings. Please advise us if you would like some refreshments to take with you. (A cold beer has been known to encourage the fish to bite!) Please note this is a tidal activity so the times change daily.    

Guided Bird Watching: Northland is home to many of New Zealand’s native birds. Seasonally, the region also plays host to several international avian visitors. Our expert, Russell, a member of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand since 1963, will take you on a guided tour around the property to view our unique bird life.   

Nature Walks: We have some beautiful walks on our 6000-acre property ranging from a 10-minute bush walk, which takes in the magnificent Kauri Tree (700-900 years old) to a two-hour walk that includes a visit to the waterfall, Waiaua Bay or Little Takou Beach. These are some magical spots to visit. The kitchen can provide you with a snack pack of light refreshments and other essentials if you like.   

Boar Hunting: Wild boar are plentiful in the area. Join a traditional New Zealand pig hunt. This is an early morning activity and can be very strenuous. Boar can be hunted with a gun, or as the New Zealanders prefer, mano-a-mano with a knife.  

Possum Hunting: Possums are a major pest and are a threat to native birds and flora. Departure time is just after dark. A 4WD vehicle will transport you to the hunting zone where a guided walking hunt will commence. When the terrain permits, a vehicular mule or quad bike will be the mode of transport. We invite you to join us in the eradication of this pest, as well as explore the property by night. Maximum number of hunters is three. Be sure to wear warm clothing and be prepared for some walking!   

Clay Pigeon Shooting: Kauri Cliffs stunning topography is perfect for clay pigeon shooting. From a high vantage point with views over the Cavalli Islands and Pacific Ocean you will test your skills against our state of the art clay thrower. This activity is suitable for all skill levels and no previous shooting experience is required.   

Mountain Bikes: Men’s, ladies’ and children’s mountain bikes are available for guest use. Please inquire at reception. (Bicycles are not permitted on the golf course pathways).   

Swimming Pool & Hot Tub: Our swimming pool is located between the lodge and first guest suite. The pool and hot tub are open from 7 am to 9 pm daily. Another hot tub and a lap pool are located in the Spa.   

Tennis Courts: Two astro turf courts are situated at the end of the pathway behind the guest suites. Rackets and tennis balls are available at reception.    

Basketball: A basketball hoop is located inside the tennis courts. This hoop is adjustable to suit all ages and skill levels. Please contact reception to arrange for the height to be adjusted.

Details

Location:

Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand

Price:

$$$$

Hotel Includes:

Fitness Center

Golf Course

Mini Bar

On-Site Activities

Spa

Swimming Facilities

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Price Guide

$ = Up to $299
$$ = $300 to $599
$$$ = $600 to $999
$$$$ = $1000 to $2499
$$$$$ = $2500+
Starting price per room, per night, in USD and based on double occupancy.