The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

Named to Travel and Leisure's World Best 2017 this 6000 acre working farm near Matauri Bay has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean

The Northland is the country's more temperate climate and a perfect location to place a world-class golf club. At approximately 4 hours north of Auckkland, Kauri Cliffs is a working 6,000+ acre farm overlooking Matauri Bay and not only one of New Zealand's premier luxury vacation destinations, but one of the best in the world. 

With 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, your views from high up on the cliffs provide panoramic views of Cape Brett and the nearby Cavalli Islands. The main lodge overlooks the golf course and Pacific, and consists of a spacious beamed living room, meeting room, card room spa, and fitness center.

As can be expected with any of the Julian Robertson properties (Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers, Matakauri) the gourmet food and service is among the best in the country. Both breakfast and a la carte dinner is included with your stay. 

Accommodations are comprised of 22 guest suites in addition to a luxurious 2-bedroom Owner’s Cottage. 

Eleven outlying guest cottages, each with two guest suites, provide the makeup of accommodations. Every suite offers its own private porch, comfortable bedroom and sitting area with gas fireplace, walk-in wardrobe and spacious bathroom.

Views overlook the course, native forest and farther to the Pacific Ocean.

The spa at Kauri Cliffs is nestled at the edge of a totara forest and has a choice of massages, body, water, skin and nail treatments. Mens and ladies locker rooms, sauna, jacuzzi and 100 foot heated indoor lap pool are available in addition to a fitness center with full spectrum of equipment and weights.

With more than 1000 acres of native bush on property, guests are able to enjoy a variety of walks and hikes. Highlights include the Hikurua River and its waterfall in addition to a massive Kauri tree.

Other attractions in the area include Tane Mahuta (the world's largest Kauri), Doubtless Bay, the Puketi Forest walk, Rainbow Falls and Waitangi Treaty House. Half and full-day sailing, deep sea fishing and diving are also options for those who plan to explore the area.

Customer reviews

We had a spectacular time on our trip after leaving Port Douglas and all the arrangements that you made for us came off without a hitch. All flights and transportation that you arranged were on time and we were well taken care of at all the places we went to.

The Boatshed was incredible. We met Johnathan and had a small dinner with him on our second night. We were the only guests at the hotel and he and his staff just made us feel right at home. Jack and Jen, Johnathan’s staff, took us out to a couple of wineries and we had lunch together. When we got back Johnathan treated us to dinner prepared by his own self. Fantastic.

Next up was Napier/Hastings and the Craggy Range cottage. Excellent choice for us. We were close enough to Havelock North to be able to easily drive into the town and wander around. We went and played Cape Kidnapers as well. The course was wet so no carts were allowed out. Craggy Range winery was great to us and we had dinner at Terroire. Great staff and good eats to be sure. On to Queenstown.

What a wonderfully European feel Queenstown had. Small intimate streets and people all over the place. The Spire was perfect for us. Florence greeted us and was superlative in her suggestions and ideas for us to do. We did take a plane ride out to Milford Sound and the cruise. We went wine tasting and went to Amisfield for lunch where there was a spectacular sunset. It was so good that the staff came outside to take pictures. Simply wonderful. We took the gondola ride up the hill and enjoyed a glass of champagne while we took in the view. That was our last day and really enjoyable. We left the next day and flew back home.

Again, all the arrangements you made of us came off without a hitch. I even drove on the left side of the road without incident. It’s not so bad once you figure out the roundabouts. Thanks to you and your team for setting this up. Will highly recommend this service to our friends should they need to journey down under.

—​Bob E & Sharyn B, San Francisco

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