A Stay at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs: Where Luxury Meets Wild Beauty

There is a moment, just after the electric gates part and the long driveway unfolds, when the sheer grandeur of The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs reveals itself. Rolling green pastures give way to an elegant Hamptons-style manor, perched high above the Pacific, where the horizon stretches uninterrupted. The air smells of salt and earth. Sheep graze lazily in the distance. It is, in every sense, a place designed to make one pause.

Arrival & First Impressions

The greeting is warm but never fussy, a hallmark of the lodge’s understated sophistication. A staff member appears with chilled towels and a brief orientation, though the real introduction comes from the view: the championship golf course, a ribbon of emerald unfurling toward the cliffs, and beyond, the Cavalli Islands floating in a shimmering sea. The effect is immediate. Shoulders drop. Breathing slows.

The Accommodations: Where Comfort Meets Wilderness

The lodge’s suites and cottages strike a delicate balance between rustic charm and refined comfort. Ours, a deluxe suite, featured a vaulted ceiling, a deep-soaking tub, and a private terrace where the only sounds were birdsong and the distant crash of waves. The bed—a plush California king—faced floor-to-ceiling windows, so waking to the sunrise felt like a private spectacle.

For those traveling in groups, the Owners’ Cottage is the crown jewel, complete with a private infinity pool and sweeping views. But even the standard rooms feel expansive, with thoughtful touches like wood-burning fireplaces and handwoven Maori textiles.

Dining: A Celebration of the Land and Sea (Without Mentioning Animal Products)

Meals at Kauri Cliffs are a highlight, with menus that showcase the region’s bounty.

• Breakfast: A lavish spread of seasonal fruit, house-made breads, and inventive plant-based dishes. The avocado toast with native herbs and the coconut yogurt parfait are standouts.

• Dinner: A multi-course affair, enjoyed as the sun dips below the horizon. The chef’s tasting menu changes daily but might feature dishes like roasted heirloom carrots with macadamia cream or a fragrant coconut curry with local greens.

Note: While the dress code requests jackets for men at dinner, the atmosphere remains relaxed, a nod to tradition without stiffness.

Activities: Adventure or Idleness, Your Choice

For the Active

• Golf: The 18-hole course, designed by David Harman, is as visually stunning as it is challenging. Even non-golfers will appreciate a stroll along its cliffside fairways.

• Hiking: Trails wind through native forest to hidden waterfalls and secluded beaches. The walk to Pink Beach, named for its crushed-shell sand, is particularly rewarding.

• Water Adventures: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and even helicopter tours over the Bay of Islands can be arranged.

For the Serene

• The Spa: Tucked into the edge of a Totara forest, the spa is a sanctuary. Treatments incorporate local botanicals, and the hydrotherapy pool is a silent retreat.

• The Infinity Pool: Positioned for privacy, it’s the perfect spot to while away an afternoon with a book.

The Drawbacks (Few, but Noteworthy)

• Dress Code: The jacket requirement for dinner, while elegant, may feel overly formal for some.

• Seclusion: The lodge’s remote location means that off-property dining options are limited, the nearest town, Kerikeri, is a 30-minute drive away.

Why It Stands Out

• The Setting: 6,000 acres of farmland, forest, and coastline.

• The Golf: One of the world’s most scenic courses.

• The Spa: A sanctuary nestled in native bush.

• The Silence: No crowds, no noise; just the rhythm of nature.

For those seeking a retreat that balances grandeur with intimacy, Kauri Cliffs delivers. It is, in every sense, a place to remember.

The Verdict

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is more than a luxury stay, it’s a slow exhale. Whether here for the golf, the spa, or simply the privilege of watching the sea from a fireside chair, the effect is the same: a rare, unplugged tranquility. There are flashier resorts in New Zealand, but few blend elegance and wild beauty so effortlessly. By the end of the stay, one realizes the true luxury isn’t the thread count or the gourmet meals, it’s the space, both physical and mental, to simply be.