The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

139 Tepene Tablelands Rd, Matauri Bay 0245, New Zealand

At this luxury property perched over Matauri Bay near the top of the North Island, the colonial-style buildings are dwarfed by the endless wavy greens of a championship, par-72 golf course that ends at the Pacific. The ocean views and holes positioned adjacent to plunging precipices make Kauri Cliffs one of the most famous golf resorts in the world. The hilltop infinity pool is another crowd-pleaser, especially when it reflects the pinks and purples of the sunset. Featuring a beach-meets-country vibe, lodge interiors are outfitted with New Zealand artwork and furnishings imported from Europe and Australia. Outdoors, patches of totara trees dot the 6,000-acre property—one section houses the tranquil spa. Walking paths lead to a waterfall, three secret beaches, and picnic sites that offer sweeping views of Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands.

More Recommendations

Refined Luxury in New Zealand's Far North

About 45 minutes’ drive north of the Bay of Islands, the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is a very special place. Set on over 6,000 incredibly beautiful and wild/well-kept acres, the grounds include the main lodge, the spa, a golf course, three private beaches, a waterfall, and an ancient kauri tree. The helpful, kind staff will facilitate activities—they can drive you down to one of the beaches, along with a picnic if you like—or will leave you alone if that’s your style. The spa is set in the center of a lush forested enclave and includes a lap pool and a sauna. Hors d’oeuvres and aperitifs are served every evening, and dinner—paired with wines chosen by a creative and thoughtful wine director—is a jacket-for-men affair.

The View from my Room at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

Sunrise over Matauri Bay

Upscale country manor

Set amid 6,000 acres of sprawling hills near Matauri Bay (four hours’ drive from Auckland), with jaw-dropping vistas of Cape Brett and the offshore Cavalli Islands, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is as spacious as it’s seductive. Soak up panoramic Pacific Ocean views from this elegant boutique hotel in New Zealand’s North Island, which boasts blissful beaches, a soothing spa and its own championship golf course perched atop the cliffs.

Don’t miss the uplifting spa, surrounded by verdant totara forest; treatments make use of local mud, minerals, crystals, stones and shells.

Yippee Kai Yay!!!

The best way to explore the magnificent beaches on Matauri Bay is on horseback

Information on this page, including website, location, and opening hours, is subject to have changed since this page was last published. If you would like to report anything that’s inaccurate, let us know at notification@afar.com.

Nearby highlights
Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.
More From AFAR