Northland
New Zealand


The Experience

New Zealand has long cultivated great wilderness lodges, places you can kick back and enjoy the great outdoors in consummate Kiwi style. But when Kauri Cliffs opened in 2001 near the secluded northern tip of the North Island (one hour by helicopter or four by car from Auckland), it raised the bar several notches. Suddenly, in addition to amazing accommodations and cuisine, you could tee off right outside your door -- on one of the best courses in the galaxy. But golf is far from the only way to pass time on this marvelous 6,000-acre seaside estate: There's relaxing on the beach, sailing, kayaking, scuba diving a wreck, fly-fishing and (believe it or not) possum hunting. The architecture is basically a late-model version of the classic British Empire antipodean tropical you find all over the South Pacific, with wraparound verandas and metal roofs. And since it's a working farm, guests can also pull on their wellies and help tend the resident Coopworth sheep and Angus cattle.

The Rooms

The 11 cottages, scattered along a wooded ridge between the lodge and the 10th hole, have two suites each, with cottages 14 to 16 being the most remote. And while you may hear your neighbor on occasion, each cottage is equipped with a private porch for snoozing, socializing or drinking in the views. Deluxe rooms measure up at a hugely spacious 900 square feet, with large windows to take advantage of the forest, field and water views. Cozy wicker furniture blends in well with the predominantly beige and cream color schemes, with a super-sized king bed positioned just right for gawking out the windows. And at the push of a button, you've got a blaze in your fireplace or room service waiting at the door.

The Service

You expect a place with this sort of rep to have impeccable service. What you don't expect are the little things that push Kauri Cliffs into a different universe when it comes to service. It's downright uncanny how they anticipate your craves and wishes -- a cold beer at the end of 18, a chocolate bar for your afternoon hike around the grounds, an extra towel for the beach (one to lie on and one to dry yourself after a dip in the sea).

The Highlights

With many of the holes set on cliffs high above the sea, Kauri Cliffs Golf Course is a treat for both the eyes and the putter. Ranked among the top 100 courses in the world, the par-72 links ramble more than 7,000 yards through forest, farmland and marsh where indigenous wildlife is still abundant. The lodge's other trump card is a state-of-the-art spa (scheduled to open at the end of 2006), which includes a cedar sauna, full gym and 100-foot heated lap pool. Elsewhere around the property are an outdoor infinity pool, tennis courts and three private beaches. After some exercise, sit down to a gourmet meal -- accompanied by New Zealand wine -- in the main house dining room or alfresco on the wraparound porch.

-- Joe Yogerst

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