World Top 50 Golf Courses > Kauri Cliffs
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 Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay, NorthlandNorthland's east coast features sweeping sandy beaches, dramatic peninsulas and, as much of the coast is a highly respected marine reserve, some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world.
The extraordinary 90 Mile Beach and the mysterious Hokianga Harbour are just part of what make Northland a slice of heaven. Go to www.northland.org.nz to learn more. The lodge at Kauri Cliffs has 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands. It's where guests enjoy rooms for reading and playing cards, for checking email and holding meetings, for enjoying cocktails before an á la carte gourmet meal that in fine weather is commonly taken on the verandah. The restaurant at Kauri Cliffs serves only the finest New Zealand lamb, beef and seafood.  Gentlemen will require a jacket for cocktails and dinner.AccommodationGuest accommodation starts at $550 per person in the low season, $880 in the high season. Rates do not include 12.5% gst but do include pre-dinner drinks, dinner and breakfast. It is worth remembering gentlemen are expected to wear a jacket for dinner. 11 charming cottages, each with two suites or a total of 22 units, include a private porch, an open fireplace and walk-in wardrobe. The cottages are nestled into native bush and overlook the golf course and the Pacific Ocean.Golf CourseThe Kauri Cliffs golf course, designed by David Harman, of Golf Course Consultants in Orlando, Florida, is an eye-popping 6510metre par 72 that overlooks the ocean. Kauri Cliffs was named 49th best golf course in the world by Golf magazine and awarded Best New International Golf Course in 2001 by Golf Digest. Since it opened in 2000, Kauri Cliffs has quickly gained a worldwide reputation that was enhanced in March 2003 when it was the site for Shell's Wonderful World of Golf and a match, hosted by veteran American broadcaster Jack Whittaker, featuring American PGA Tour star Fred Couples and New Zealander Michael Campbell.The inland holes wind through marsh, forest and farmland, and 15 holes have sea views. Six holes are played along the clifftop that plunges into the sea and in that way are unmatched by any course anywhere. Kauri Cliffs has a complete pro shop and, should you decide to travel without your own clubs, it has the latest Callaway irons and woods for both men and women to hire. For non-golfers, Waiaua Beach - a pristine white sand beach on the property is reached by 4WD, though many guests prefer walking to the Pink Beach, so named for the tiny pink shells found there, as it can be reached by following a trail that leads down to the shoreline from the sixth green. FacilitiesThe property has three secluded beaches that can also act as staging posts for fishing and sea kayaking if you're not into hunting possum or wild boar with a resort guide.Kauri Cliffs has a heated infinity swimming pool and fitness centre. But the latest news is that the lodge has opened a spa offering a variety of body, skin, nail and hair treatments. The spa and golf course is open all year round but the lodge closes for a month, often in July, for repairs and refurbishment. Kauri Cliffs is four hours by car or one hour by helicopter from Auckland. Air New Zealand has daily flights to Kerikeri, Bay of Islands airport located 30min away. Green fees$300, 1 May - 30 Sept (NZ residents & NZGA affiliates: $180) $400, 1 Oct to 30 April (NZ residents and NZGA affiliates: $225) Carts: $35 pp, trundlers: $10, clubs $75, shoes $20, caddie $75 single, $125 double. |
