Kauri Cliffs
A clifftop championship course high above Matauri Bay — the golf of Rosewood's Kauri Cliffs lodge, playable by visitors who book ahead.
Kauri Cliffs in photos
Can I play Kauri Cliffs?
Yes — visitors can play Kauri Cliffs, though it is the golf course of the exclusive Rosewood lodge and access is more managed than a typical public course. Non-lodge visitors are generally welcome on weekends and public holidays with advance booking, while lodge guests can play any day at a discounted rate. A valid handicap is required and tee times must be reserved ahead.
How to book: Reserve in advance by contacting the golf course or through the lodge; lodge guests arrange rounds as part of their stay and receive a 10% discount on green fees. Non-guests should confirm available days (typically weekends and public holidays) and bring a valid handicap card. The course closes periodically for maintenance, so check dates when booking.
About Kauri Cliffs
Designed by David Harman and opened in 2000, Kauri Cliffs helped put New Zealand on the world golf map, tumbling across headlands high above Matauri Bay in the country's Far North. Fifteen of its holes enjoy Pacific Ocean views and six play right along the cliff edge, with fairways threading between native forest, farmland and dramatic clifftop drops. It is the centrepiece of the exclusive Rosewood Kauri Cliffs lodge, yet visitors can play — typically on weekends and public holidays — with advance booking and a valid handicap. Long, scenic and exposed to the coastal wind, it remains one of the most breathtaking rounds in the Southern Hemisphere.
Signature hole
Fifteen holes have views of the Pacific and six play directly alongside cliffs plunging to the sea; the clifftop par 3s — notably the vertiginous 7th and 15th over the ocean — are the standout moments of the round.
What makes it special
Clifftop Pacific views
Fifteen holes overlook the ocean and six play directly along cliffs above Matauri Bay.
Rosewood lodge course
The golfing heart of an exclusive luxury lodge, yet open to visitors who book ahead.
World-ranked design
David Harman's 2000 layout is a long-standing fixture on world top-100 course lists.
Need to know
Best time to play
The New Zealand summer (November to March) brings the warmest weather and peak green fees; spring and autumn shoulder months offer better value and mild conditions, while winter (June–August) is cheapest and quietest but cooler and wetter. Advance booking is essential in peak season.
Dress code
Smart-casual golf attire on course — collared shirts and tailored shorts or trousers with soft spikes. A valid handicap certificate is also required to play.
Good to know
A cart or caddie is recommended given the length and undulation of the clifftop routing; both can be arranged in advance. Allow around 4.5 hours and expect coastal wind. Because it is a lodge course with limited public days, confirm your tee time and maintenance-closure dates before travelling.
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
Bay of Islands / Kerikeri (KKE) ~40 min drive; Auckland (AKL) ~3.5h drive or a short domestic flight.
On arrival
Kauri Cliffs sits above Matauri Bay in the Far North of New Zealand's North Island, about 40 minutes by car from Kerikeri and roughly three-and-a-half hours north of Auckland. Most visitors drive up through the Bay of Islands or fly into Kerikeri and transfer. The lodge and course share a vast private coastal estate.
Stay near the course
The Rosewood Kauri Cliffs lodge and cottages on the estate offer the full luxury stay-and-play experience with discounted golf. For a lighter budget, Kerikeri, Paihia and the wider Bay of Islands have hotels, motels and holiday homes within easy driving distance.
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel
Paihia
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Breakwater Motel
Paihia
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Craicor Accommodation
Paihia
A taste of the luxury stays near Kauri Cliffs — 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 Matauri Bay — 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 Matauri Bay.
Explore Matauri BayFrequently asked questions
Can non-lodge guests play Kauri Cliffs?
Yes, though access is managed. Visitors are typically welcome on weekends and public holidays with advance booking and a valid handicap; lodge guests can play any day at a discount.
How much does it cost to play Kauri Cliffs?
International 18-hole green fees range from around NZD 370 in winter to about NZD 739 in peak summer, excluding 15% GST. Lodge guests get 10% off and Australasian residents pay less.
Do I need a handicap to play?
Yes — a valid handicap certificate or card is required, and tee times must be booked in advance. Smart-casual golf attire applies on course.
When is the best time to play?
The November–March summer offers the warmest weather but highest fees; shoulder seasons are milder and better value. Check for maintenance-closure dates when booking.
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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.
- Official site — Kauri Cliffs (Robertson Lodges)
- Kauri Cliffs Golf Course Fact Sheet — Rosewood
- Kauri Cliffs — Albrecht Golf Guide
Guide updated 2026-07-27.