We had a wonderful experience at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs near Matauri Bay, Northland, New Zealand.

This Relais and Chateaux-affiliated property is slightly off the beaten path, about 4 hours drive north of Auckland and a world away. The Pacific Ocean spreads out below the property and one can look south to the tourist areas of Russell and Paihia in the  Bay of Islands region, and north to the Caveli Islands and the mountainous coast that is the far North of New Zealand. The land is green rolling hills and deep forested valleys and simply beautiful.  

We were guests of the resort thanks to Martin Hamilton, property manager, and Tanya Dennis of Cape Kidnappers Lodge, another Robertson Lodge property.

Michael Venner, Guest Relations Manager, took us on a hotel tour where we saw the main lodge, one of the suites (there are 22 on the property,) the spa/fitness facility and the golf pro shop.  Boyd took us on a property tour, where we saw Pink Beach, (one of three beaches), parts of the farm where sheep and beef cattle are raised, and the shearing shed where the 4000 sheep on the property are sheared twice a year. He also showed us the large, 800 year old Kauri tree which is in the middle of a large section of preserved New Zealand bush forest.  Later we took a golf cart around part of the 18 hole par 72 course, enjoying the sweeping views over rolling hills and rocky cliffs.

We also were treated to a lovely 4 course lunch with regional, fresh seafood, local vegetables and beef. Guests eat breakfast and dinner in the main lodge building and starting this summer season there will be an expanded grill menu at the 19th Tee, the casual eatery connected to the pro shop.

This resort opened in the early 2000s, built by Julian and Josie Robertson, Americans who fell in love with New Zealand more than 30 years ago and who now own several luxury properties in the country. Kauri Cliffs  is over  6000 acres, with 500 acres devoted to the resort and golf course. The rest is farmland and native New Zealand forest.

The suites are set on a forested path heading north out of the main lodge, two suites to a building. They and the main lodge are built in a New  Zealand farmhouse style, very welcoming and low key, and beautifully appointed. The suite colors are muted beiges and blues, with wicker chairs, a gas fireplace and media hidden in a wooden armoire.  A large walk in closet and large bathroom with two vanities, a tub and separate shower.

The lodge has a separate spa building with treatment rooms that include a couples room, a hair salon station, and a vichy shower room. There is a fitness center and headed indoor lap pool and whirlpool tub.  The pool is surrounded by windows that look into the forest land and a stream.

There are several walking paths at the resort, some heading down to the beaches, some heading into the forest and across the fields.

There are some daily and weekly activities are included, such as farm tours with the farm manager, the weekly beach BBQ, and cultural and heritage history tours.

The main activity for about 60% of guests is the golf

and the 18 championship holes are set in front of the lodge across the high cliffs and  into the forest and farmland. Currently ranked 39th in the world, the course is hilly and the carts get a work out. There are 5 tee boxes at each hole, to  give golfers of all levels a chance to make par.

For the 40% of  guest who don’t golf, there are other activities such as horseback riding, ATV tours, trips to town and fishing and boating trips.

The resort is great for those couples or families wanting a luxurious but understated golf holiday, with other activities that will keep everyone happy. The area of Kauri Cliffs is rural, so if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle this place is great for that, too. The staff gets to nearly a one-to-one guest ratio in the busy summer season, which means that all guests are well cared for.

Good to Know:

Getting there:

4 -5 hour drive from Auckland International Airport.

Fly on Air New Zealand from Auckland to KeriKeri (about 45 min flight) and then hire a car to drive 30 min to the resort, or request transfer from the hotel.

Kauri Cliffs Helicpoter service from Auckland Airport to the resort

Busiest Times: December to February (New Zealand summer)

The lodge is open 11 months of the year, closing in June for refurbishment and staff vacation.

Spring and Fall (shoulder seasons) can have good weather and good value. The day we were there (Nov. 6) was sunny and warm, a perfect day for golf.

Staying there:

The 22 suites are similarly appointed, the lower numbers are closer to the main lodge building. There is a two-bedroom “Owners Cottage” located a little further away from the main suites. This is good for  2 couples traveling together or families. Breakfast and dinner is included in the rate, and some activities.There is a discount on golf fees for lodge guests. Packages are available.