In the know

Our favourite rooms: Staggered in a row north of the main lodge, all the cottage suites at Kauri Cliffs are flanked by native bush forest with private verandas which face east towards the ocean and golf course, guaranteeing great views. We love the cosy fireplaces, big rattan armchairs, luxe cushions and pure wool throws for snuggling up in winter, and the smart use of timber and soft neutral tones throughout. The large bathrooms are gorgeous too, with a generous tub set beside a window so you can gaze out onto a lush green plant enclosure. If a private infinity pool and hot tub tickles your fancy, though, we recommend the secluded Owner’s Cottage, a spacious two-suite house with views overlooking the golf course and ocean towards the Bay of Islands. The cottage includes a barbecue and cooking facilities for a chef if you prefer to dine chez-vous, or the main lodge's luxe restaurant is a short stroll away. The lounge and bedrooms sport cosy open fireplaces and genteel trad-modern interiors in soothing neutrals, plus there are two bathrooms, a powder room and a small study/ third bedroom for children or a nanny (should you have kids in tow).
Packing tips: Glam golfing threads are a good look here – if you don’t have your own, there's a golf shop at the hotel where you can pick up the latest NZ and global labels, from Fairway & Greene to Polo, Adidas and Footjoy, and clubs can also be hired on site.
Also: The lodge can provide two additional single rooms for your security, drivers or staff, if you’re travelling with an entourage.

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Current offers

Smith card offer: NZ$50 spa voucher on arrival

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The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

Bay Of Islands, New Zealand[view map]

Style: Sophisticated country manor
Setting: Coastal cliffs with islands on the horizon

Set amid 6,000 acres of sprawling hills near Matuari Bay (four hours' drive from Auckland), with jaw-dropping vistas of Cape Brett and the offshore Cavalli Islands, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is as spacious as it’s seductive. Soak up panoramic Pacific Ocean views from this elegant boutique hotel in New Zealand’s North Island, which boasts blissful beaches, a soothing spa and its own championship golf course perched atop the cliffs.

Need to know

Rooms: 22 suites, including six standard and 16 deluxe, set in 11 cottages, plus the two-bedroom Owner's Cottage.
Rates: NZD$1,160–NZ$2,380; NZ$5,500–NZ$8,750 for the Owner’s Cottage, all including breakfast, minibar (excluding spirits and wine), pre-dinner drinks, hors d’oeuvres and à la carte dinner. Excludes tax at 12.5 per cent.
Check-out: 11am, but flexible (to guarantee a later check-out you'll need to pay for an extra night). Earliest check-in, 2pm.
Facilities: Spacious, beamed living room, card and computer rooms. In rooms: super-king bed, open gas fireplace, walk-in wardrobes, bath, shower and twin basins, Evolu toiletries, minibar, free WiFi, TV, DVD/CD players and private porch.
Poolside: Set away from the main lodge for maximum privacy, the infinity pool overlooks the golf course and ocean. But with three secluded swimming beaches nearby and a Jacuzzi, it’s got stiff competition.
Hotel closed: June.
Also: The lodge and guest rooms are all non-smoking. Pets are allowed, but discuss details with staff when booking.

Food & drink

Hotel restaurant: The lodge’s dining room has a warm, relaxed farmhouse feel, teaming rustic linen tablecloths with trad wooden chairs and a great open veranda (all white balustrades and big ocean views). Executive chef Barry Frith oversees the daily-changing, gourmet à la carte menu, which specializes in modern, seasonal, local dishes including New Zealand lamb, beef and seafood, while pastry chef Wolfgang Erben whips up dreamy desserts for those with sweeter teeth. Be sure to take advice from the sommelier, as his knowledge and top tips can make your meal. Breakfast includes a buffet of local fruits, homemade muesli, yoghurts and freshly baked muffins or order hot dishes such as ricotta pancakes. For lunch choose between three formal courses or sandwiches, salads and desserts, or just pick up a picnic to go.
Dress code: Jackets are required for gents for cocktails and dinner to ensure a dapper vibe. Borrow one from the hotel if yours is languishing at home.
Top table: Nab yourself an outdoor balcony table for island-studded ocean views. They’re all-weather friendly thanks to heaters and wind shields. In winter, romantics should set up camp by the sumptuous indoor fireplace.
Last orders: Around 10pm, but room service and flexible private dining can be arranged.
Room service: Available on request from 7am to 10pm, with a daily-changing menu.
Hotel bar: If you fancy a tad of social mingling, Kauri Cliffs’ inviting cocktail hour, from 6.30pm, is an ideal time to hobnob with fellow guests – there’s no bar as such, but free wine, beers and spirits are served on the veranda and across several of the main lodge’s grand rooms, with fresh flowers, comfy couches, toasty fireplaces and tinkling piano and jazz music adding to the congenial vibe. Trade golf handicaps over free canapés and a glass of thirst-quenching NZ white. ‘A hole in one, did you say?’ Last orders kick in when the last guest leaves.

Also worth knowing

Children: Kids under five can share your room for free if using the same bedding. Free baby cots are available for infants up to two, and extra beds can be arranged for deluxe suites only from NZ$320–$735 a night, depending on the season. More…
Weddings: This hotel is suitable for weddings. More…

Smith Members offer

NZ$50 spa voucher on arrival

If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).

Click here to become a Mr & Mrs Smith member

Smith travel team

If you'd prefer to talk to someone, or don't want to book online, call our travel team on 1 866 610 3867. We guarantee you’ll get the best available rates, and we don’t charge a booking fee.