Kauri Cliffs Golf: Coastal Views and a Luxury Lodge Stay

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Kauri Cliffs Golf: Coastal Views and a Luxury Lodge Stay

By Steve McKean, Co-Owner of Luxury Adventures

There were several moments during my round at Kauri Cliffs when I stopped thinking about golf and simply looked around.

Fairways roll towards the Pacific. Greens sit above rugged coastline. Beyond them, islands rise from the water. Even the practice range has a view that makes it difficult to concentrate.

However, the scenery is only part of the appeal. Staying at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs brings together challenging golf, comfortable accommodation and thoughtful service.

We stayed in an ocean-view suite and played the course during our visit. Here’s what stood out, along with a few things worth knowing when planning your own New Zealand golf holiday.

Arriving at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs

Kauri Cliffs is near Matauri Bay in Northland, within reach of the Bay of Islands.

Flying from Auckland to Kerikeri is a convenient option, followed by a road transfer to the property. Private transfers and helicopter arrivals can also be arranged.

The approach sets the mood. You pass through farmland, with sheep grazing on rolling hills and occasional glimpses of the ocean.

By the time we reached the lodge, Auckland felt a long way behind us.

The welcome was warm and personal. The team greeted us by name, took care of our bags and helped organise the details of our stay.

The lodge itself has the feel of a grand country house. Yet the atmosphere was welcoming rather than formal.

A Practice Range with an Ocean View

Allow yourself time to enjoy the practice facilities before heading to the first tee.

The range overlooks the coastline, with targets that let you work through the bag. There are also short-game and putting areas.

I warmed up with wedges, mid-irons and a few drivers before rolling some putts. It should have been a straightforward routine, but the view kept interrupting it.

I caught myself saying, “Wow, this place is ridiculous,” more than once.

Rosewood confirms that use of the practice facilities is included with your green fee. For me, it was an enjoyable part of the day rather than just a quick stop before the round.

Playing the Kauri Cliffs Golf Course

Designed by David Harman, Kauri Cliffs is an 18-hole, par-72 course. It moves through rolling farmland, native bush and coastal terrain.

Fifteen holes have Pacific Ocean views, while six play alongside the ocean cliffs.

That combination gives the round plenty of variety. Some holes feel sheltered and inland. Others place you directly above the coastline, where the breeze becomes part of every decision.

We played from the middle tees. The landing areas often looked generous, but elevation changes and wind still made club selection important.

Fairways That Reward Good Positioning

There is room to swing on many holes, although the contours mean a good drive does not always leave a flat stance.

Some tee shots invite you to be bold. Others make the safer line look much more appealing, particularly when a gorge or coastal drop comes into view.

I also learned that an approach finishing beyond the green could leave an awkward recovery. Taking enough club matters, but so does understanding where you can afford to miss.

It is worth choosing tees that suit your game. The course has enough natural challenge without adding unnecessary length.

Large Greens and Subtle Slopes

Several greens are enormous. Hitting the putting surface is one thing; leaving a manageable first putt is another.

During our round, they were quick without feeling excessively fast. Slopes and changes in level still demanded attention.

The coastal backdrops added another distraction. Standing over a putt with the Pacific behind the flag made it surprisingly easy to lose focus.

My Standout Holes at Kauri Cliffs

The course has plenty of memorable moments. These were among my favourites.

The Fourth: A Scenic Par Five

The fourth combines a generous-looking fairway with a more demanding approach.

Bush borders the right side, while the hole curves towards the green. Depending on your position, cutting the corner can be tempting. However, bunkers make that decision less straightforward.

The beach beyond adds to the setting, especially as you move closer to the green.

The Sixth: A Tee Shot Across a Gorge

I enjoy a tee shot that asks you to hit over something, and the sixth certainly delivers.

The drive crosses a gorge towards a rising fairway. The second shot then needs careful judgement, with elevation and wind affecting the distance.

Bunkers near the front of the green make a committed approach important. It is a hole where the view and the challenge work together.

The Seventh: A Dramatic Par Three

The seventh was one of the holes where I needed a moment to take everything in.

The tee shot crosses a bush-filled gorge towards a green framed by the ocean. It is a striking setting, but you still have to choose a club and make a good swing.

A bunker guards the front, so simply clearing the gorge does not guarantee an easy finish.

The Sixteenth: A Tempting Short Par Four

From its elevated tee, the sixteenth presents an inviting prospect.

Depending on your length, tee choice and the conditions, taking on the green may look possible. Bunkers around the approach give you a reason to consider a more measured option.

It is the sort of hole that makes you pause with the driver in your hand.

The Seventeenth: My Favourite View

The seventeenth was quite possibly my favourite hole.

The fairway drops away from the tee, with the green below and the ocean beyond. Bunkers keep the golf interesting, even when the scenery is doing its best to distract you.

It is difficult to capture that sense of scale in a photograph. Standing on the tee is another experience altogether.

Staying at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs

Staying on the property gives you time to enjoy more than the course.

We stayed in an ocean-view suite. The interiors were comfortable and understated, and the bed was particularly good.

After a day outside, having a private space to relax made a real difference.

The current accommodation collection includes suites and private villas. Explore our Rosewood Kauri Cliffs accommodation listing for more information.

Suites for Couples and Golfing Partners

The suite collection includes the Grand Ocean View Junior Suite, which has a private balcony overlooking the golf course towards the Pacific.

Rosewood also lists an Ocean View Two Bedroom Family Suite. This provides another option for families or guests who need separate bedrooms.

We can help match the room category and bedding to your travelling party.

Two-Bedroom Villa

The Two Bedroom Villa offers a lounge, private courtyard and terrace.

A private infinity pool and jacuzzi add to its appeal for guests who want more space and privacy.

Four-Bedroom Villa

The Four Bedroom Villa suits a larger family or group.

It includes an open-plan sitting room with a fireplace, a kitchen and a private saltwater swimming pool.

It is worth considering if you want to share a stay while keeping room to spread out.

Dining at Kauri Cliffs

Dining is an important part of a lodge stay, and Kauri Cliffs gives it the attention it deserves.

The Dining Room focuses on seasonal local produce. Private dining can also be arranged, including experiences on Pink Beach.

During our visit, lunch coincided with our tee time. The team prepared chicken wraps for us to take onto the course. It was a simple detail, but one that made the day easier.

Check What Your Package Includes

Dining inclusions vary by offer, so it is important to confirm them before booking.

For example, Rosewood’s current Gastronomy offer includes full breakfast, a pre-dinner aperitif and canapés, plus a wine-paired tasting dinner for each night stayed.

Other offers have different inclusions. Lunch, drinks and golf should not be assumed to form part of every booking.

We can confirm the details and recommend an option that suits your plans.

Beyond Golf: What Can Non-Golfers Do?

Kauri Cliffs works well for couples and groups with different interests.

The property offers a spa set among native bush, an outdoor infinity pool and access to its beaches. ATV property tours and guided heritage experiences provide other ways to explore.

Further afield, the Bay of Islands offers sailing and coastal excursions. Scenic helicopter flights can also be arranged.

These activities make it easier to plan a stay where golf is part of the holiday rather than the entire schedule.

Browse our New Zealand activities for ideas to combine with your visit.

Planning Your Kauri Cliffs Golf Holiday

My advice is to leave enough time to enjoy the property beyond your tee time.

A longer stay gives you room for golf, a relaxed dinner and time by the coast. It also creates the option to play again with a better understanding of the course.

Before booking, consider:

Tee times: Coordinate your golf with accommodation and transfer arrangements.
Package inclusions: Confirm meals, drinks, green fees and any other extras.
Your travelling party: Choose accommodation that suits both golfers and non-golfers.
Time beyond the course: Leave space for the spa, beaches or a Bay of Islands excursion.
Your wider itinerary: Combine Kauri Cliffs with other courses and destinations rather than rushing between them.

Our New Zealand sample itineraries provide a starting point for a tailored journey.

Kauri Cliffs FAQs

Where is Kauri Cliffs?

Kauri Cliffs is near Matauri Bay in Northland, in the upper North Island of New Zealand. Kerikeri Airport is a convenient arrival point for a road transfer to the property.

Who designed the Kauri Cliffs golf course?

David Harman designed the 18-hole, par-72 course.

How many holes have ocean views?

Fifteen holes have Pacific Ocean views. Six play alongside the ocean cliffs.

Is Kauri Cliffs suitable for average golfers?

Different tee options allow golfers to choose a suitable length. However, wind, elevation changes and carries make sensible tee selection important.

Do you have to stay at the lodge to play golf?

Visitor golf can be arranged separately from accommodation, subject to availability and booking conditions. Contact us to check options for your preferred dates.

Is golf included in the accommodation rate?

Not automatically. Rosewood offers a Stay and Play package with unlimited green fees each day, but inclusions depend on the offer booked.

Is there enough for non-golfers to enjoy?

Yes. Options include spa treatments, pools, beaches, property tours and excursions around the Bay of Islands. Some experiences carry additional charges and require advance booking.

What accommodation is available?

The current collection includes suites, a Two Bedroom Villa and a Four Bedroom Villa. The best choice depends on your group size and preferred layout.

From the moment you arrive, you’re enveloped in a world of understated luxury and hospitality at the highest level. The lodge itself with its grand feel, the restaurant with its seasonal, homegrown menu and the accommodation options are simply exquisite. Whether you choose a spacious suite or the exclusive Owner’s Residence, every detail and comfort, ensures a stay of unparalleled relaxation.

And, of course, the golf. David Harman’s design is a masterclass, offering a thrilling journey across rolling farmland, through native bush, and along the edge of towering cliffs. The cliffside landscape epitomizes the course’s blend of beauty and challenge, but every hole offers its own unique test and unforgettable vista. The immaculate conditioning and the ever-present, ocean breeze add to the pure joy of the game.

Kauri Cliffs is a holistic escape where world-class golf, exceptional dining, luxurious comfort, and unparalleled natural beauty converge. It’s a place that challenges your game, and leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime. If you seek an adventure that transcends the ordinary, Kauri Cliffs is, without a doubt, a must-experience masterpiece.

If you would like to find out more please contact us on the details below.

Written by Steve McKean, Co-Owner of Luxury Adventures

Luxury Adventures has over 2 decades of crafting bespoke luxury travel experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Steve is passionate about showcasing the region’s most unforgettable places, from hidden alpine retreats, sunny paradises to world-class golf courses.

A keen golfer and travel lover, he blends insider knowledge with a deep respect for local culture and sustainability. When not curating extraordinary journeys, you’ll find him exploring off-the-beaten-path lodges or teeing off at sunrise.

For more information email us: info@luxuryadventures.co.nz or follow our adventures on Instagram here

Linkedin: Connect with Luxury Adventures Directors Steve McKean & Dee McKean