Kauri Cliffs Golf Course

With fifteen holes either along side the Pacific Ocean or played from a commanding view, Kauri Cliffs remains one of the top destinations for golf in New Zealand, and one of the most beautiful in the world.

Kauri Cliffs is the late architect David Harman's crowning achievement: a golf course with rolling terrain situated high above the blue waters of New Zealand. This course has a great ability to challenge players of all skill levels. It's special however becuause it is flat out fun to play. Errant shots don't hurt so bad in such a beautiful place.

With clear weather, players have the chance to look out across 50 miles of coastline. The view helps alleviate any frustrations players may experience due to errant shots off of the cliff. Finding and building a similar course anywhere in the world today would be a difficult task.

In 2014 Kauri Cliffs underwent a minor renovation via Rees Jones. The 5th hole was transformed (to separate it from the iconic 7th) from an inland uphill par-3 to a 140-yard short drop-shot par-3. Views of the the Cavalli Islands and Cape Brett provide truly a stunning backdrop.

Kauri Cliffs is the original ultra-luxury golf resort in New Zealand and the standard-bearer for service. For years Best of New Zealand clients have raved about the quality of service, attention to detail and friendly people that comprise of the staff and support for this resort. Expectations are consistently exceeded for not only great golf but for the overall experience.

Set on 6000 acres, this remote lodge on the top of the North Island consists of 22 luxurious suites. The property has three private beaches and dense native forest, and both are available for hiking/ touring to guests. Other amenities include a spa, beautiful main lodge with library and private porches for each room.

Awards and Accolades

  • #4 Best Courses in New Zealand, Golf Digest 2018
  • #37 "World's 100 Greatest Courses" - Golf Digest, 2018
  • #4 Travel + Leisure world's top 100 hotels, 2017 (#1 in AU/NZ)
  • #49 "World's 100 Greatest Courses" - Golf Digest, 2016
  • #94 "Top 100 courses in the World 2015" - Golf Magazine, 2015
  • #1 International Golf Resort, Golf Digest 2008
  • Best New International Course, Golf Digest 2001
  • Plays: 7151 yards, par 72
  • Location: Matauri Bay, Kerikeri, New Zealand
  • Club pro: Cameron Barnes
  • Architect: David Harman, 2001
  • Re-architected: Rees Jones, 2014 (5th hole)
  • Pricing: Super Luxury

Signature Holes

5 different tee boxes allow players of all skill sets to play Kauri Cliffs. If worried not having distance off of the tee, the shortest tee box (Yellow) eliminates all forced carries on the course, excluding a small 25 yard carry on the 10th.

Perhaps due to its height over the water, many players at first feel that they will not have the distance needed to carry Kauri Cliff's gullies only to find the ball bounding up the fairway after a strike. The fairway landing zones are generous so don't be afraid to have fun. This said, the roughs can be unforgiving at times with tall grass resulting in dropped shots with one swing of the club.

4th: Some consider this par-5 one of the best in the world, with players needing to think their way between bunkers and a large ravine.

5th: One of the best par-3s in the country, this short 140 yard Par-3 to a smaller green complex will test a player's swing confidence. From a raised box the green looks like a postage stamp and not trusting yourself will surely result in the ravine claiming another $7 golf ball.

7th: Classic 220 yard hole viewed in most of the magazines and every bit as intimidating as the 5th, with a severe drop between the box and the pin.

11th: Par-4: Although lacking in a jaw-dropping ocean view, this Inland hole is a nice challenge with wetland guarding the green.

16th, Par-4: A favorite of many, this spectacular downhill dogleg and will be played very differently is dictated by the wind. If at your back, the wind will push a big drive over a series of bunkers- allowing the ball to funnel downhill toward the green... which looks like the back of it drops to infinity on your approach.

17th: Par-4 offers the best view on the course, with its hole overlooking the Pacific Ocean and distant islands.


- Please Contact Us for special pricing inquiries and golf package information -

History Note:

In July, 1995 the Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior was destroyed by French agents while on its way to protest nuclear tests on the Mururoa Atoll. The ship remains at the bottom near the Cavalli Islands and is now a great place for divers.

When playing the 14th (a beautiful 127 yard par-3 played directly into the ocean) keep an eye out for a plaque placed in memory of David Harman on the stump of a Kauri Tree. Mr. Harman as an architect learned from the best and made his mark primarily in Florida but also provided a real gem of a golf experience in New Zealand prior to his passing.

For the tourist, it may well be the prettiest golf course one will ever see.
- Confidential Guide to Golf Courses, Vol. 5

Customer reviews

My wife and I, along with Sandy and George, arrived home about two weeks ago from a trip to New Zealand that you facilitated. The four of us have been traveling together for 47 years after meeting in a small Bed & Breakfast in London in 1971.  We have traveled extensively in Europe, Canada, United States, and South America.

New Zealand was a distant stretch for us, and then we asked Julie for help on the recommendation of friends and she took us to you.  And that was our lucky day!

The five weeks we spent in New Zealand were possibly the most seamless, best organized trip we have ever experienced.  The accommodations were outstanding, everyone of them. The accommodations fit very well with the itinerary that we gave to you. Each and everyone exceeded our expectations from Auckland to Invercargill.  The people we met in the B&Bs were very accommodating and attentive to all of our needs. We did not consider them as hosts but rather New Zealand friends.  The food was excellent.  Tour suggested excursions were always right on target.

I believe the only thing that would have made the trip better was to stay longer.  This was meant to be a onetime experience, but already there has been suggestions of a return.

Thank you for your part of this fantastic adventure!

—Carol and Bob P., PA, USA

From all of us, thank you for a fabulous trip to New Zealand! We cannot begin to tell you how much we loved everything you put together for us! Every detail ran like clock work and each lodge was better than the last! A highlight was our daughter’s engagement at Cape Kidnappers where we were spoiled by the staff to a lovely wine cellar dinner! But add that to all the heli fishing and fine golf everywhere, we could not have had a more memorable, special trip! Many thanks for a great job on the part of you and your team.
Leslie and Michael L., Texas, USA

—Leslie L., Texas, USA