September 22, 2025 14 min read

Overview

Set near Matauri Bay in New Zealand's Northland, Kauri Cliffs is the kind of destination that feels untouched — raw, romantic, and refined all at once. Owned by Robertson Lodges, it blends classic lodge luxury with nature's grandeur: rolling pastures, cliffs that tumble into turquoise sea, and air so clear it seems to ring. Couples come for golf, spa days, and long coastal walks that feel like they belong to no one else.

  • Best time to visit: November through April (New Zealand's summer) brings warm weather, bright skies, and calm seas.
  • What to pack: smart-casual resort wear, light layers for sea breezes, golf attire, and comfortable shoes for exploring trails and beaches.
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Where to Stay

The lodge's 22 guest suites open toward the Pacific, each with a veranda, fireplace, and oversized bath overlooking native forest. Interiors mix soft linens, New Zealand wool, and handcrafted furniture for understated elegance. For ultimate privacy, the Owner's Cottage offers its own infinity pool and outdoor barbecue deck — ideal for honeymooners or milestone celebrations. Service is heartfelt, never intrusive — more like being welcomed into a beautifully kept home.

Golf

Designed by David Harman, the Kauri Cliffs Golf Course ranks among the world's top coastal layouts. Fifteen holes overlook the Pacific, six hugging cliffs high above Matauri Bay. Fairways roll between native bush and ocean panoramas, while greens demand precision and patience. The signature par-3 7th plays straight toward the sea — a shot that stops time. For non-golfers, walking the course at golden hour is nearly as breathtaking as playing it.

Day Spa

Hidden in a quiet valley beside a waterfall, the Spa at Kauri Cliffs is a sanctuary of natural calm. Couples' treatments take place in glass-walled suites overlooking ferns and streams. Therapies use New Zealand clay, manuka honey, and wild lavender oils. Try the Wairua Renewal ritual — a full-body massage followed by a mineral soak beneath open sky. When finished, guests relax on the deck with herbal tea and the sound of birdsong echoing through the gorge.

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Dining

The cuisine at Kauri Cliffs celebrates New Zealand's coastal bounty. Daily menus change with the catch — kingfish, lamb, and garden herbs plated with artistic simplicity. The main dining room opens to sea views and candlelight; for privacy, staff can arrange a table by the fireplace or a picnic at Pink Beach. Local wines from Hawke's Bay and Central Otago complement every course. Breakfast on the terrace, watching the mist lift off the hills, feels almost spiritual.

Nearby Attractions

  • Bay of Islands: A short drive south — sail, snorkel, or visit historic Russell and Waitangi.
  • Rainbow Falls: A spectacular waterfall near Kerikeri surrounded by lush forest trails.
  • Waipoua Forest: Home of Tane Mahuta, New Zealand's largest and most sacred kauri tree.
  • Local Wineries & Markets: Sample artisan produce and boutique vintages in the Kerikeri region.

Why It Works for Couples

  • Nature as luxury: Every view, scent, and breeze feels designed to slow you down and draw you closer.
  • Golf & spa in perfect balance: Shared adventure in the morning, peaceful rejuvenation in the afternoon.
  • Privacy & connection: Spacious suites and secluded beaches create intimacy without isolation.
  • Authentic warmth: Kiwi hospitality that makes you feel less like guests and more like family.

Frequently Asked Questions

What golf facilities are at Kauri Cliffs?
Kauri Cliffs features a championship golf course designed by David Harman, ranked among the world's top coastal layouts. Fifteen holes overlook the Pacific Ocean, with six hugging dramatic cliffs high above Matauri Bay. The course winds through native bush and ocean panoramas, demanding precision and patience. The signature par-3 7th hole plays directly toward the sea, creating an unforgettable golfing moment that stops time.
What spa services are offered at Kauri Cliffs?
The Spa at Kauri Cliffs is hidden in a quiet valley beside a waterfall, offering natural sanctuary and calm. Couples treatments take place in glass-walled suites overlooking ferns and streams. Therapies use authentic New Zealand ingredients including clay, manuka honey, and wild lavender oils. The signature Wairua Renewal ritual features full-body massage followed by mineral soaks beneath open sky, with guests relaxing afterward on decks surrounded by birdsong.
What are the accommodation options at Kauri Cliffs?
Kauri Cliffs offers 22 guest suites opening toward the Pacific Ocean, each featuring private verandas, fireplaces, and oversized baths overlooking native forest. Interiors blend soft linens, New Zealand wool, and handcrafted furniture for understated elegance. The Owner's Cottage provides ultimate privacy with its own infinity pool and outdoor barbecue deck, ideal for honeymooners or milestone celebrations with heartfelt, unobtrusive service.
When is the best time to visit Kauri Cliffs?
The best time to visit is November through April during New Zealand's summer season, bringing warm weather, bright skies, and calm Pacific seas perfect for golf and outdoor activities. Pack smart-casual resort wear, light layers for ocean breezes, golf attire, and comfortable shoes for exploring coastal trails and secluded beaches throughout the 6,000-acre estate.
What dining experiences are at Kauri Cliffs?
Kauri Cliffs cuisine celebrates New Zealand's coastal bounty with daily menus changing based on fresh catch including kingfish and lamb with garden herbs. The main dining room offers sea views and candlelight, with options for private fireplace tables or picnics at Pink Beach. Local wines from Hawke's Bay and Central Otago complement every course. Breakfast on the terrace with mist lifting off hills creates an almost spiritual experience.
What nearby attractions are accessible from Kauri Cliffs?
Nearby attractions include the Bay of Islands for sailing, snorkeling, and visiting historic Russell and Waitangi, Rainbow Falls near Kerikeri surrounded by lush forest trails, Waipoua Forest home to Tane Mahuta the largest sacred kauri tree, and local wineries and artisan markets in the Kerikeri region. Each attraction showcases Northland's natural beauty and cultural heritage within short drives from the lodge.
Why is Kauri Cliffs perfect for couples?
Kauri Cliffs offers couples nature as luxury where every view, scent, and breeze creates connection and slows time. The perfect balance of championship golf adventure in mornings and peaceful spa rejuvenation in afternoons suits varied interests. Spacious suites and secluded beaches provide privacy without isolation, while authentic Kiwi hospitality makes guests feel like family. The wild Pacific beauty and 6,000-acre estate create an intimate sanctuary for romance.