Places to stay

NAOMI LARKIN and SHANDELLE BATTERSBY find three indulgent getaways to try

Kauri Cliffs, Northland

They say a woman with several coupes de champagne under her belt hit a hole in one from the deck of one of The Residences at Kauri Cliffs, sending the ball skyward to drop perfectly on the David Harman designed course below. Highly unlikely as any golfer would be blindsided by the spot’s jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean, Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands. Such coastal magnificence is the jewel in New Zealand’s tourism crown and Kauri Cliffs has hogged some of Northland’s best.

Once you’ve dragged yourself off the

18-hole golf course, which wends its way across the sprawling hills and rugged coastline of the 2428ha property, settle into one of the comfy couches in The Lodge and unwind with canapes and drinks before dinner. Decorated by Virginia Fisher, it has a relaxed, classic look and feel. (Virginia also did the interiors of the two other Robertson Lodges’ luxury properties, the Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay and Queenstown’s Matakauri Lodge).

The cuisine champions fresh seasonal produce and local growers. It’s not fussy but under chef Barry Firth the food will be a highlight of your stay, along with wines chosen by sommelier Valeria Weihmuller.

Set in a private enclave a short walk from The Lodge the newly built The Residences double as homes for Robertson Lodges’ founder Julian Robertson’s three children and their families when they are visiting. All have four bedrooms with ensuites, large open-plan kitchens, dining and lounge areas, saltwater swimming pools and decks that offer those views.

Although the build for each house is identical Virginia created different interiors, which are all equally elegant with homely touches. The nearby two-bedroom Owner’s Cottage includes an infinity pool and jacuzzi. Set away from The Lodge and in native bush there are also 22 sumptuous suites of varying sizes.

If golf isn’t your thing, there are beaches, a spa with a range of treatments, an indoor heated lap pool, sauna, tennis courts and opportunities for fishing, hiking, mountain biking and horse riding – Naomi Larkin

THIS PAGE (from top) A bedroom in one of The Residences. Chef Barry Firth draws on his travels around South-east Asia to add Oriental influences to his dishes. The Residences are the newest addition to Kauri Cliffs, opened in 2019 and 2020. The bathrooms at The Residences are decorated with herringbone wall tiles and flooring, along with stylish tapware and fittings.

OPPOSITE The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is positioned to maximise the magnificent views along the Northland coastline, out to the Pacific Ocean. The Residences are set up as homes for the Robertson clan and are available to rent when they are not in situ; they’re kitted out with gourmet kitchens and large living areas.