Representative image Photo: ristok from Helsinki, Finland · CC BY-SA 2.0
Kauri Cliffs
Matauri Bay, Northland, New Zealand
18 Holes · Par 72 · On request · Coastal
— About
About Kauri Cliffs
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Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, set on the Matauri Bay peninsula in Northland's Bay of Islands region, is a coastal course — fifteen of its eighteen holes provide direct ocean views over the Pacific, and six holes play directly along clifftops with sheer drops to the sea below. Designed by American architect David Harman and opened in 2000, the course was developed by the Robertson family alongside The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, a luxury lodge. The course name derives from the ancient kauri trees — a rare native species — that border several holes on the inland side. The combination of Pacific Ocean panoramas, kauri forest framing, and the Matauri Bay setting makes Kauri Cliffs a destination in its own right. It is accessible only to lodge guests and day visitor green fee players who book in advance.
- Fifteen of eighteen holes offer Pacific Ocean views
- Six holes play directly along coastal cliffs with sheer drops to the sea below
- Ancient kauri trees frame inland holes
- The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs provides luxury accommodation on site
- Matauri Bay location in Northland — easily combined with Bay of Islands cruising and cultural sites
History of Kauri Cliffs
Kauri Cliffs Golf Course was developed by Julian Robertson — the same American investor who later commissioned Cape Kidnappers in Hawke's Bay — on a clifftop pastoral property in Northland's Matauri Bay. American architect David Harman was engaged to design a course that would use the extraordinary Pacific Ocean frontage on the Matauri Bay peninsula, and the result, opened in 2000, placed six holes directly on the cliff edge above the sea. The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs opened alongside the course combining the golf with Pacific views and the Northland environment.
Signature holes at Kauri Cliffs
The par-3 4th at Kauri Cliffs plays from an elevated tee to a green perched above the Pacific, with the sea visible far below on two sides and kauri forest on the inland side — a hole of extraordinary natural drama where Harman has simply framed what nature provides. The par-4 12th routes along the cliff edge for its full length, with the Pacific dropping away to the right throughout both drive and approach — the most sustained ocean exposure of any hole on the course. The par-5 18th finishes inland with a sweeping second shot through a kauri corridor to a green near the lodge, ending the round in the most sheltered and forested section of the course.
When to play Kauri Cliffs
November through April is Northland's warm summer and prime golf season — New Zealand's warmest and most northerly mainland region with temperatures of 22–28°C. May through October is cooler and wetter, though Northland is milder than the rest of New Zealand in winter. The Bay of Islands region is at its most vibrant from December through March when the gulf waters are warmest and the local food scene is busiest. Kauri Cliffs is weather-dependent — the clifftop exposure means wind conditions should be checked before booking open-air tee times.
Playing Kauri Cliffs: tips
Kauri Cliffs is a resort course accessible to lodge guests and day visitors — book tee times through the Kauri Cliffs website. Staying at The Lodge is the recommended approach for the full experience. The nearest airport is Kerikeri (Bay of Islands), approximately 50 kilometres from the course — 45 minutes by car. Air New Zealand flies Kerikeri–Auckland daily. The Bay of Islands' Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Hole in the Rock boat trip, and excellent seafood restaurants complement the golf.
Visit Kauri Cliffs
139 Tepene Tablelands Road, Matauri Bay, Northland 0478, New Zealand
Matauri Bay, Northland, New Zealand
— Facilities
Practical Information
— FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Kauri Cliffs
How much does it cost to play Kauri Cliffs?
Green fees vary by season; check the Kauri Cliffs website for current rates. Staying at The Lodge is the recommended approach for the full experience.
Can day visitors play Kauri Cliffs without staying at The Lodge?
Yes — Kauri Cliffs accepts day visitor tee times. Book directly through the Kauri Cliffs website. Lodge guests receive booking priority.
How do I get to Kauri Cliffs?
Kerikeri Airport (Bay of Islands) is approximately 50 kilometres away — 45 minutes by car. Air New Zealand flies Auckland–Kerikeri daily in around 1 hour. The Lodge provides airport transfers.
Why are kauri trees significant at Kauri Cliffs?
Kauri (Agathis australis) are native New Zealand trees — ancient giants that once covered much of the North Island. The course is named for the kauri trees that border several holes, providing natural corridors and ecological significance alongside the golf.
Who owns Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers?
Both Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers were developed by Julian Robertson, the American financier.