Description
Situated with spectacular 18 degree view overlooking the breathtaking Bay of Islands, Kauri Cliffs is the perfect beach retreat with three picturesque private beaches ideal for swimming and private barbeques. It is also a golfer’s paradise, with holes offering awesome views of offshore islands and the magnificent Pacific Ocean. With only twenty two suites and one cottage, Kauri Cliffs is a boutique property with fantastic cuisine, personalised service and an impressive array of facilities.
The suites and Owner’s Cottage are dotted along a meandering woodland path, nestled on the edge of a native forest and overlooking the ocean and golf course and are superbly luxurious and very private, . Each Suite has a private porch and a spacious open plan bedroom and sitting room with open fireplace. The voluminous owner's cottage has two bedrooms and a study that can be converted to a third, with its own private pool and jacuzzi as well as kitchen facilities should you want to dine at 'home' with a hotel chef catering to your every desire.
Dining at the lodge is a gourmet affair whether you chose a picnic lunch at one of the property's waterfalls or beaches, a salad by the pool or the more formal dinner in the lodge's dining room. Each evening there is a cocktail hour and guests to get together and enjoy a drink and a chat with fellow travelers accompanied by delicious canapés.
The activities at Kauri Cliffs are endless, whether it is relaxing on the gorgeous beaches, the world famous game fishing and scuba diving, quad biking or even hunting for boar. The knowledgeable guides will take you along to Ninety Mile Beach or to visit the stunning scenery of nearby Puketi Kauri Forest or Rainbow Falls and you can finish off your unforgettable day with a private beach barbeque of freshly caught fish.
Accommodation
Kauri Cliffs has 11 private cottages, each with two separate guest suites plus the 2-3 bedroom Owner’s Cottage with private pool, hot tub and cooking facilities for a chef (if required) - perfect for a family. Every Standard and larger Deluxe Suite is comfortably furnished in a simple and elegant style and each has its own private porch, bedroom with sitting area and open fireplace and all are located in the forest overlooking the golf course and Pacific Ocean. All suites have DVD/CD facilities.
Childcare
Children are more than welcome at Kauri Cliffs and the expansive Owner's Cottage is ideal for families but several of the suites interconnect and can accommodate additional beds. Cots are available and private dining will be arranged for families with children under the age of 12 after 7pm as dining in the evenings at Kauri Cliffs is quite formal. Children's bikes are available and kids will love the beach picnics and barbeques as well as all of the water based activities on offer.
Facilities
The main lodge has views over the golf course and meals can be enjoyed in the dining room or on one of the verandas. There is also a card room and comfy living room. The luxury spa is nestled at the edge of a forest and guests can enjoy treatments al fresco or by the fireside as well as the indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi and gym. There is a PGA championship Golf Course, outdoor pool, two astroturf tennis courts and three private and secluded beaches, great for swimming, picnics and beach barbeques.
Activities
Kauri Cliffs is a great base for nature walks, bird watching or cycling, and mountain bikes are provided free of charge for guests' enjoyment. Other activities include golf, beach barbeques and picnics, horse riding, fishing, kayaking, scenic heli tours, Bay of Islands cruises, sailing, quad biking, scuba diving and even wild boar and possum hunting. From December to March the hotel's 'Summer Series' provides daily complimentary activities from wine tasting to farm tours to Haka performances.
When to travel
The climate in New Zealand is incredibly pleasant, with warm and balmy summers and cold crisp winter months with wonderful clear, blue skies. The warmer high-season months of November to April are perfect for outdoor exploration. The colder months of June to August are the best time to ski.
Both North and South Islands are drier on the east coast, rather than on the west, where mountain ranges act as a trap for the moisture-rich winds from the Tasman Sea. It is also worth remembering that it is usually a few degrees cooler on the South Island than the North Island and as New Zealand has a maritime climate, the weather can change rapidly.
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Location and directions
Kerikeri, New Zealand
Kauri Cliffs is located in the bay of islands, in the north island of New Zealand, set on 6,500 acres near Matauri Bay. Panoramic views encompass Cape Brett, the famous “hole in the rock” and the Cavalli Islands.
How to get there
Air New Zealand operates scheduled daily flights from Auckland to Bay of Islands (Kerikeri) Airport. Charter flights can also be organized. Kauri Cliffs will meet your flight and transfer you the 25-minutes to the Lodge upon request. Several helicopter companies operate flights from Auckland to Kauri Cliffs, flight time is 1-hour. Alternatively, for self-drive it's approximately 3-hours and 45-minutes from Auckland.
