Cape Kidnappers
A jaw-dropping Tom Doak clifftop course on a 6,000-acre Hawke’s Bay station, where fairways run out to the edge of 140-metre cliffs above the Pacific — a premium resort round that non-lodge visitors can still book, weather and handicap permitting.
Cape Kidnappers in photos
Can I play Cape Kidnappers?
Yes — Cape Kidnappers takes visitor tee times every day and you do not have to be a lodge guest to play, though slots are limited and guests of the on-site Rosewood lodge get priority for the best times and for a second loop. Advance booking is essential and a valid handicap is required. It is very much bookable for a travelling golfer, but it is remote, weather-exposed and priced as a premium destination round.
How to book: Reserve ahead through Robertson Lodges / Rosewood Cape Kidnappers (robertsonlodges.com) or the golf shop; the earlier you book the better, as non-lodge visitor slots are capped and lodge guests are accommodated first. Bring evidence of a recognised handicap. Groups of 12 or more not staying on the estate can ask about group rates.
About Cape Kidnappers
Cape Kidnappers, designed by Tom Doak and opened in 2004, ranks among the most spectacular courses on earth, laid out along fingers of clifftop that plunge some 140 metres to the sea on New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay coast. Holes such as the par-5 15th “Pirate’s Plank” run right to the brink, rewarding nerve and punishing timidity, while the firm, tumbling turf is pure Doak strategy. It shares its 6,000-acre working farm with the luxury Rosewood Cape Kidnappers lodge, and Doak returned to restore the course for its 20th anniversary in 2024. Visitors who are not staying at the lodge can still book tee times, making it one of the world’s great bucket-list rounds for a travelling golfer.
Signature hole
15th “Pirate’s Plank”, a par 5 of about 650 yards that runs out along a narrow finger of clifftop with a 140-metre drop to the Pacific on the left — one of the most dramatic and photographed holes in world golf
What makes it special
“Pirate’s Plank” and the clifftop finish
The par-5 15th runs out along a slender clifftop ridge with a sheer 140-metre drop to the ocean — a genuinely vertiginous, world-famous golf hole, and only one of several holes that flirt with the edge.
Tom Doak minimalism on an epic site
Doak routed firm, natural, wide-then-narrow holes across the ridgelines with barely any earthmoving, and returned to refine the course for its 20th anniversary in 2024 — strategic golf on a once-in-a-lifetime canvas.
A working farm and wildlife sanctuary
The course occupies a 6,000-acre sheep and cattle station protected by a 10km-plus predator-proof fence, so kiwi and other native birds share the setting alongside grazing stock and the Rosewood lodge.
Tournament pedigree
- Ranked among the world’s top 100 courses (Golf Digest, Golf Magazine); Tom Doak led a 20th-anniversary course restoration in 2024
Need to know
Best time to play
The New Zealand late-spring to autumn window (November–April) is best, with January–March the warmest, busiest and most expensive. Winter (June–August) is quietest and cheapest but cooler; wind is a factor on the exposed clifftops year-round.
Dress code
Standard smart golf attire: collared shirt, tailored shorts or trousers and soft spikes; no denim. Bring a windproof layer for the exposed clifftop holes.
Good to know
The course sits on a working sheep and cattle station inside a 10km-plus predator-proof fence, and the terrain is severe — many players take a GPS buggy or caddie. Keep well clear of the unfenced cliff edges, and pack for changeable, windy conditions even on fine days.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Hawke’s Bay Airport (Napier, NPE) is about a 30–45 minute drive; it connects via Auckland and Wellington
On arrival
Fly to Napier’s Hawke’s Bay Airport (via Auckland or Wellington), then drive roughly 40 minutes south down the coast through Te Awanga and along Clifton Road; from the estate gate a private farm road climbs up onto the ridge to the clubhouse. A hire car (or lodge transfer) is needed — this is a remote working station.
Stay near the course
The obvious choice is the on-site Rosewood Cape Kidnappers lodge, set on the 6,000-acre station with sweeping ocean views; alternatively base yourself among Napier’s art-deco hotels such as the Masonic Hotel or Porters Boutique Hotel, about 40 minutes away.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Mangapapa Hotel
Havelock North
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Ormlie Lodge
Napier
A taste of the luxury stays near Cape Kidnappers — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Te Awanga — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Te Awanga.
Explore Te AwangaFrequently asked questions
Can I play Cape Kidnappers if I’m not staying at the lodge?
Yes. The course takes visitor tee times every day and you do not have to be a Rosewood lodge guest, but non-lodge slots are limited and lodge guests get first pick of tee times. Book as far ahead as possible and have a recognised handicap ready.
How much does it cost to play?
Green fees are seasonal. Indicative 2025–26 international rates run from about NZ$739 in the January–March high season down to roughly NZ$370 in winter, with a mid-price shoulder in between. New Zealand and Australian players pay less; always confirm current rates directly before booking.
How do I get there and where should I stay?
Fly to Napier’s Hawke’s Bay Airport, then drive about 40 minutes south to the estate on Clifton Road, where a private farm road climbs to the clubhouse. Stay on-site at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, or in Napier’s art-deco hotels about 40 minutes away.
When is the best time to play?
The November–April window is ideal, with January–March warmest, busiest and priciest and winter cheapest but cooler. The clifftops are exposed, so pack a windproof layer whatever the season.
More golf courses to play
Kauri Cliffs
Matauri Bay, New Zealand · Coastal
Golf guide
Jack's Point Golf Course
Queenstown, New Zealand · Mountain
Golf guide
The Hills Golf Club
Arrowtown, New Zealand · Mountain
Golf guide
Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club
Paraparaumu Beach, New Zealand · Links
Golf guide
Millbrook Resort
Arrowtown, New Zealand · Resort
Golf guide
Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach, United States · Coastal
Golf guideSources & pricing note
Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
- Cape Kidnappers — Robertson Lodges / Rosewood (official golf & booking)
- Cape Kidnappers Golf Course — Wikipedia
Guide updated 2026-07-27.