Hi Clive, did you play any other courses in NZ and does Kauri Cliffs compare to those? Kauri Cliffs is currently ranked #80 in the world on the Golf Magazine World Top 100 list so you’ll get an idea of just how good it is. It is one of the prettiest places on the planet. However, there wasn't one hole that is spectacular such as the 11th at Ballybunion Old or the 13th at Paraparaumu Beach. Respond to above review  •  Golf course will be closed every Tues. & Wed. with the following exceptions: •  Open for play Wed. 11 Nov. & Tues. 17 Nov. 2020. The front nine is the better of the two, partially because the views are so awe inspiring on the front that you are inevitably let down on the back. Sign Up Now To Receive Special Offers, Events And News. I lived here for 7 years and played here quite often. The front nine lacks the eye candy of Kauri Cliffs, but the back nine, especially the holes running along the promontory of cliffs, is truly spectacular. Kauri Cliffs Golf Course has settled upon a length of 7,151 yards (or 6,539 meters, which is the measurement of choice in New Zealand). 27, Mon. Kauri Cliffs has some outstanding water views (when the rain stopped and the clouds/fog cleared) as well and on a sunny day they must be breathtaking. Touring golfers visiting New Zealand will certainly want to play both Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs, so comparisons will always be drawn. Kauri Cliffs golf course is open and available for bookings. How Much Time Do I Need To Play Kauri Cliffs? Common to its sister course Cape Kidnappers 500 miles to the south, Kauri Cliffs is a cliff top golf course situated in an enormous tract of land. The 18 hole course features ocean views from 15 holes, with stunning vistas over the Pacific Ocean and offshore Cavalli Islands. Also the views from the 15th, 16th and 17th greens are probably the most memorable part of the course and make it well worth the visit. 1 person found this review helpful For added pleasure, there is usually a crosswind coming off the water. As my Kiwi friends would say, it was a bluebird day. The 220-yard uphill hole is played from one headland to another with a 350-foot drop in between and a 6,200 square foot green. ALL METAL SPIKED golf shoes are prohibited. Use our fully equipped kitchen, self-catering. Please no jeans, trackpants, sandals, or boots.Please note we are a NON-METAL SPIKE course. With clean shoes, clubs, and golf bags/travel covers, the inspection time should simply be a matter of minutes. Each hole offers a selection of five tee boxes, making the long course from the blues play a short 4,897 yards (4,476 meters) from the yellow tees. Playing the course requires careful course management. Designed by David Harman and recently Rees Jones. I also played similar golf courses in the region. The range of clothing and equipment features brands such as: Fairway-Greene, Polo, Adidas, Nike, Peter Millar, Cross, Tolaga Bay, Imperial Headwear, and Titleist. The scenery is really quite fantastic and the overall experience is a truly great one. Respond to above review  The twin jewels in Kauri Cliffs' crown are golf and the spa, both of which are state of the art. PGA Tour star Brandt Snedeker called it "Pebble Beach on steroids". I was pushing a trolley, so it was arduous to get up these hills due to the sogginess of the course. Course had a great design. John Sabino is the author of How to Play the World’s Most Exclusive Golf Clubs, Respond to above review  The routing has the front nine on one side and the back nine on the other. © 2017 Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay, Northland. Kauri Cliffs has the routing and feel of a very good resort golf course. Sadly, David Harman developed throat cancer after Kauri Cliffs opened and passed away December 28th, 2007 at the age of fifty-one. Kauri Cliffs is approximately 35-45 minutes from the port by car, or 10 minutes by helicopter. I really enjoyed playing there and if you can play it you should but accept you are paying for great views on a nice golf course - no more. This one is #3 of those. Didn't find any particular issues with the bunkers, they had great sand and very well maintained. The 4th is a good hole and is called a risk and reward par 5 in their stroke saver. Played on March 23, 2018, as the final course of a AUS/NZ trip. •  Closed every Tues. & Wed. from 3 Jan. 2021. The 6th, 7th and then the run from the 14th to the 17th are all as close to the water as the topography allows. According to the assistant pro, the greens are typically pretty speedy and a little larger than other greens but are adequately defended with good bunkering and undulations. Kauri Cliffs, Golf Course reviews, contact information, hole details, maps, and weather. The 15th hole, a 590-yard par 5 named Pirate’s Plank, is unforgettable – and not just because I got back to all square in my match with Kristen. Offcourse is the free golf scorecard app which lets you get yardages with GPS, track stats, get helpful lessons and share with friends. Once you are on the green (and the eighth tee) you are looking at simply one of the Best Views in The World. I booked a midday Saturday tee-off in Spring and practised at the putting, chipping, and range facilities. The Kauri Cliffs Golf course was designed by David Harman. Robertson Lodges is one of the top providers of luxury accommodation in New Zealand offering a trio of stunning landscapes. Neither time did I find the fairways running as crazy quick as you describe though. Kauri Cliffs golf course was designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, Orlando, Florida. Everything you need to know about golfing at Kauri Cliffs. Was this review helpful? Perhaps because of the rain, there was not a single hole I noted as being really good, but I do not want to suggest that there was a hole that I did not like. These are spectacular as well in my opinion. Oh and enjoy the beautiful scenery at Kauri Cliffs but expect a resort course with out of this world views. That makes it special. We were able to get a glimpse of these views more on the back nine and they are stunning, much better than at Cape Kidnappers. Golf course open: Thurs. A resort course is meant to be rewarding yet challenging, not a dispiriting journey along inviting cliffs. Even worse, is the dreadful 9th which has to be a contender for worst hole on a world class course. I have read the reviews and wonder whether I visited the same course. This course will screw with you. Nothing whitens the knuckles quite like the experience of being asked to play across gorges and onto fairways bordered by the healthiest looking long grass in the world. When you do head for Kauri Cliffs, and most golf travelers do, take this piece of solid advice and stay with Richard at Stonestore Lodge. Was this review helpful? I certainly don't recognise Kauri Cliffs from this review and would strongly recommend the course to anyone the cost is high but with that you get great conditions as well as a free flowing round. Due to the saturation of the golf course, we played tees perhaps a bit shorter than the listed yardage of just under 6500 yards as some tees had been moved forward. The par 72 championship golf course measures 7,139 yards / 6,528 metres and offers five sets of tees to challenge every skill level. Kauri Cliffs is a par 72 championship golf course with ocean views from 15 holes. I think 6 is pretty poor too and I would question the par 3 12th where you basically don't see the green. Wonderful experience. And that is the backdrop to Kauri Cliffs, making it a gorgeous place to stay and play golf. Paihia also has a limited number of rental cars available, and we would also suggest that these are booked in advance. You can also relax in the sauna or hot tub. Respond to above review  Kauri Cliffs is located in the Bay of Islands and was designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, Orlando, Florida. Kauri Cliffs is situated on 4,000 acres of rolling coastal farmland, and the Golf Course was constructed to harmonise and blend with natural features of the land. That was the case both with the bunkers on the fairway or green side. And how does it compare to other courses you’ve played - is there any place you’d give a 6 ball rating to? The book Golf's 100 Toughest Holes lists Kauri's par three seventh among its choices, for good reason. Respond to above review  Kauri Cliffs Golf Course is located in the Bay of Islands region, an easy drive or just a 45-minute flight from Auckland. You are most welcome to bring your own clubs, shoes and golf balls. The rough beyond that were areas of long and dense Bentgrass and what looked like Sand Tussock. The host Richard was absolutely wonderful and while I’ve never before mentioned an accommodation in a golf course review this one deserves it. The par 72 championship golf course measures 7,119 yards / 6,510 metres and offers five sets of tees to challenge every skill level. I think these are terrific golf holes. 15% Goods and Services tax is applicable above the standard rates. Kauri Cliffs is the original ultra-luxury golf resort in New Zealand and the standard-bearer for service. Richard’s place is a very unique B&B surrounded by nature and even though we were there on Feb 14 arriving late we were able to eat within a short walk of his place in the best restaurant we visited on the trip. Or is it just that Kauri Cliffs is like the rich popular bully at school that few were brave to admit they hated? Respond to above review  Book the entire lodge. The 5th hole received a complete redesign and was transformed from a long, uphill, forced carry par-3 to a short "drop shot" par-3. Neat and tidy at all times with collared shirts, dress trousers, or shorts. Fortunately, I never found the bunker but my playing partners found them impossible to play out of. The par 72 championship golf course measures 7,119 yards / 6,510 metres and offers five sets of tees to challenge every skill level. The long and winding dirt entry road reminded me of the ones at Yeamans Hall and Sand Hills and helped to build the sense of anticipation, not that you need much once you see the dramatic land forms and the South Pacific. Rarely have I seen such beautiful surroundings. Got to play Kauri Cliffs through Perry golf tour. It was my better playing experience in NZ because finally, the wind would not blow my 100 kg away like it did literally at Paraparaumu and for 11 holes at Kidnappers. And in this condition the lay up is not very interesting on a first visit as all you see is a pitch shot short of a mound tilting to the right where the fairway is at its narrowest, only to find out afterwards that there is tons of space behind and left of that mount. Unlike other resort courses, it does not get much play, possibly as few as twenty rounds a week. The set of tees was 6467 that we tried to play as we knew the course would play much longer due to lack of roll. Playing Kauri Cliffs golf course is quite a formidable test and I’m sure I’m not alone in fearing that a mounting tally of lost balls was beginning to detract from the views. Was this review helpful? Grandover East course is pretty much what one would expect of resort golf. Same as kidnappers it's hard to fault the course itself. Final round in NZ for the time being. However, we are a low-volume facility, playing approximately 30 rounds of golf per day, so pace of play is typically not a concern. On a short yardage, my 10 handicap becomes more like a 7 because my lack of distance does not come into play as much and I can hit 7 iron or less into greens instead of hybrids. Kauri Cliffs was designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, Orlando, Florida. The vast, rolling par 72 championship golf course offers five sets of tees to suit all levels, with 18 holes boasting views of the Pacific Ocean, six of which are played alongside plunging cliffs by … Pro Shop has golf shoes for sale or rental. Kauri Cliffs is a little closer to the ocean and has been laid out to make the most of the sea views. Why are the greens and fairways so hard and fast during a wet Spring? See other reviews from Clive Bofors. Recently, Kauri Cliffs was renovated by renowned architect Rees Jones. Apparently they were to be cored the following week. Jones completely redesigned the 5 th hole, transforming it from a long, uphill, par-3 to a short, downhill par-3. During the walk from my car to the proshop, three different groups of foreigners asked me to carry their golfbags for them. Greens were in great shape. Respond to above review  Although it's not very easily accessed and again the cost is too high. It is a great experience, with good golf, great views, and if you can afford to stay and dine - a wonderful ambient hospitality. If you were going to describe any course in NZ as a 'dispiriting journey it would be Kinloch, That course absolutely beats you down over and over. Kauri Cliffs was designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, Orlando, Florida. No expense was spared in. Most people fly into Kerikeri and get a transfer but it is possible to take a scenic and windy highway north from Auckland (a four-hour drive). Non-playing partners are encouraged to walk or ride the course with their golfer, as the views are absolutely spectacular! The golf course was designed by Dave Harman of Golf Consultants, Orlando, Florida, USA. A good description of the course with good tips to prepare. It has a single tree guarding the front of the green and a steep drop off at the back off the green – don’t go there! The course sits high above the sea level with fantastic views that carry far to islands and beaches. 0 people found this review helpful Due to a lack of people playing ( like kidnappers can only be down to affordability) the course remains in pristine condition and cannot be faulted. It definitely sits inside my top 200 because it is fun to play, not overly difficult yet is very memorable. The par 72 championship golf course measures 7,139 yards / 6,528 metres and offers five sets of tees to challenge every skill level. Travelling American golfers, who form an important part of the visitor base, compare Kauri Cliffs favourably with Cypress Point and Pebble Beach. Contact the Pro Shop at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs for any queries or to purchase merchandise or a gift voucher of any denomination by phone +64 9 407 0060 or by email [email protected]. All prices are exclusive of GST. Fifteen holes view the Pacific Ocean, six of which are played alongside cliffs which plunge to the sea. I’d suggest you avoid wearing a white boiler suit and green cap for your next round. Recent awards include the Conde Nast Traveler ‘Gold List’ for 2013, and Travel + Leisure’s ‘World’s Best Service’ award. But it is all a bit surreal! Every part of Golf at Kauri Cliffs is awe striking. Popular nearby activities include fishing, diving and golfing. I don't see how Nick's comments are helpful. The par 72 championship golf course offers five sets of tees to challenge every skill level. Playing Kauri Cliffs is quite a formidable test from the tees and I’m sure I’m not alone in fearing that a mounting tally of lost balls was beginning to detract from the views. Kauri Cliffs was designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, Orlando, Florida. Open again: Sun. It is absolutely stunning. Standing here it is hard not to be in a state of ebullient satisfaction. The first four holes feed down the hill as you make your way close to the cliffs. The cottages are set within a native forest overlooking the golf course and Pacific Ocean. These holes require decision as to line and length, with strategic bunkering and swampland in play on all shots. Excellent driving range with spectacular views. Basically you go down, level off a bit, and then come back up to finish each nine. Dining options, either formal or casual, are available, as is our luxury spa. I played it in February, 2019. setting up the course, clubhouse, and accommodation. He was an excellent reader of the greens. When I arrived, the friendly staff friendly pointed me in the direction of the carpark and told me where to find the proshop. See other reviews from Cédric, Respond to above review  Behind is a cliff and to the sides are other bunkers. Kauri Cliffs is one of the most sought after luxury lodges in the world, and is part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection. All has been said about the setting. The par 72 championship golf course measures 7,119 yards/6,510 metres and offers five sets of tees to challenge every skill level. The golf course was designed by the late American architect David Harman, who doesn't have any other notable courses to his name. The natural beauty is just astounding throughout, so our real goal was to create a very special golf course that people from all over the world will commend and enjoy. Kauri Cliffs has the routing and feel of a very good resort golf course. Along with a variety of the finest in brand name golf apparel and accessories, the golf shop is a great source of local made New Zealand cashmere and wool products, as well as local artwork and sculpture. To ensure a speedy entrance, ensure that clubs, shoes, golf bags, and travel covers are free from dirt and grass. We can also accommodate golfers with special rates for nine holes, or an amount of holes that will allow them to finish in time for their departure. And it is just a wonderful place to stay. The back tees are just over 7100 yards and when possible I walked back to them to have a look at the tee shots required. This is a scenic drive through the “real” New Zealand, with a local driver that can tell you about the area’s rich history and lucrative agriculture business. Course had great views. Nestled into the hillside overlooking luscious farmland, PGA golf course and ocean, Kauri Cliffs’ six Suites are thoughtfully-designed rooms with open fire places, east-facing balconies, king-sized beds and elegant bathrooms with twin vanities. Other notable changes were the addition of tees on the 2nd and 9th holes and a bunker renovation on the 4th hole. The above passage is a brief edited extract from The Finest Golf Courses of Asia and Australasia by James Spence. The golf complex includes a world-class practice range, putting and chipping greens, a well stocked golf shop, and ladies’ and men’s locker rooms. I have read you have views of the Pacific Ocean from fifteen holes, all but the three holes that are lower that begin on the back nine. It's unlikely you will be just passing so it requires a specific trip there, i would do it again without any hesitation. Due to the rain I was unable to take notes as I played as well as take as many photos of the course as I would have liked, so this review will be more general than I normally would do. Ranked in the world top 100. Built on 6000 acres and ranked #37 globally by Golf Digest, this remote course on the North Island is one of the most beautiful in the world.Situated on rolling terrain high above the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, Kauri Cliffs has the ability to challenge players of all skill levels. While the course is fun, it’s all about the views and these are all world. The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs and the golf course are well admired by all who visit this striking part of the North Island. Six holes are played alongside cliffs, which plunge to … You will want to put this on your bucket list and play it at least once in your life, more often if you can afford the price tag. The beautiful inland holes wind through marsh, forest and farmland. Food very very good. They seemed indifferent when I informed them politely that I didn't work for the course. I guess these two are only there to bring you back to the club house. 17 Dec. – Wed. 23 Dec. 2020 (closed 24, 25, 26 Dec. 2020). Kauri Cliffs was designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, Orlando, Florida. Guests of the Lodge receive a 10% discount off the applicable 18 Hole Green Fee. It is just an ordinary resort course in a great location. And no expense is spared in making sure the maintenance of the course is absolutely pristine. See other reviews from Rob. Kauri Cliffs has long been placed among the world’s top 100 and a trip to New Zealand is not complete with out the wonderful experience of playing here. 0 people found this review helpful This was a world top 100 course for years after its debut, but I believe it has fallen off the list. Kauri Cliffs is very worthwhile to play, and if I went back I would be sure to play it twice the same day (should take no more than 3 hours each round if in a cart). It is superbly conditioned (even with the rain I could see that). Kauri Cliffs is consistently in Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses in the World,” – ranking #39 at the highest. We ask that dining and spa requests be booked in advance of your arrival. I've played many of the courses rated in the Top 100 so I researched the course to see what I needed to prepare for the game. Respond to above review  For golfers with traces of dirt or grass, bio-security staff will be forced to clean the items and fines may be imposed on the spot. Approach shots that fall short of the green can roll off the back. The freshly-sanded greens were 14+ Stimp rating and hard. The Bay of Islands, near Kerikeri on the north island in New Zealand is one of the most spectacular vistas to be found anywhere in the world. As I was reading this I was expecting a 5/6 ball rating and thought there must have been a mistake that you put two....Most people would be quite happy with firm and fast greens, isn't that the age old boast; "Our greens are 12 on the stimp!". They also offer wonderful albeit very high end, luxury accommodation. Staying at Cape Kidnappers or Kauri Cliffs is very expensive with rumors of $3500 per night but you do not have to stay there to play. I will add that there are also some really interesting walking bridges on the course taking you from tee boxes to fairways/greens. In response to BB, I have played many New Zealand, Australian, British, and American courses. The rough around bunkers were 10-20 centimetres in length Bentgrass. Kauri Cliffs would have done for David Harman what Pacific Dunes did for Tom Doak’s career, which is to say that it would have propelled him to many other exciting projects. It has very generous fairways and larger greens typical of a resort course. But the best ones surely will stick for long in my memory! Kauri Cliffs Golf Course. 2 people found this review helpful I shot 78 and did not know it until the round was over such was my concentration of trying to keep dry as well as trying to see the views when the rain lessened. 1 person found this review helpful Kauri Cliffs is currently ranked #37 in the world by Golf Digest Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses in the World. Right is incredible scenery and a big drop. ALL PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS must be dressed in appropriate golf attire. Kauri Cliffs GC is a par 72 golf course measuring 7,119 yards offering magnificent views of the virgin New Zealand Pacific Coast. Guest also enjoy an infinity pool with a spa pool, a fitness center, a day spa and an onsite restaurant. Kauri Cliffs' Luxury Spa has floor-to-ceiling views and opens onto a private outdoor spa treatment area. It rained during most of our round as well, interrupted by brief periods of overcast skies. Amazing golf tour destination with easy access to the spectacular Bay of Islands I'm a little surprised that no one in the previous reviews mentioned some of the weak holes on the property. The par 72 championship golf course measures 7,119 yards / 6,510 metres and offers five sets of tees to challenge every skill level. In both cases you move away from the clubhouse in a circle and then back again. Good tee shots can roll from one side of the fairway to the rough on the other side. Yes, 14-17 is out of this world. How many courses do you go to and find only a handful of players on the course, but a flotilla of mowers out in formation on a daily basis? Kauri Cliffs Kauri Cliffs is a par 72 championship golf course with ocean views from 15 holes. I thought the finishing hole, a par 5 of 500 yards which plays about 50 yards longer due to the severity of the hill, was not as interesting off the tee but did have a lovely green to it. One described them as exponentially worse than Carnoustie! As I said, it feels like a very good resort golf course of which they are not many. The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs and the golf course are well admired by all who visit this striking part of the North Island. Kauri Cliffs try to keep it’s visitor numbers down to 24 a day, giving every Golfer the feeling that they are playing by themselves. Interesting review Clive, must have been a very strange day as I've never heard anyone describe the course like that. Discover More. When the fairways are cut so short and the ground is so hard it is difficult to play irons. The golf staff can be reached on +64 9 407 0060, or. Most balls that find this deepest cut of rough are gone forever. Fifteen holes view the Pacific Ocean, six of which are played alongside cliffs which plunge to the sea. We had a lot of rain at Kauri Cliffs even after waiting out a three hour rain delay in order to start, which meant I could only play one round on the golf course. The Kauri Cliffs golf course is not far from the Bay of Islands Golf Course, and Waitangi Golf Club, which is adjacent to the original ground where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. I had heard that the scenery was even better than Kidnappers and I have to agree. Well, if the prevailing wind from the sea is on, few players would even reach the green in two on this 500 meters hole! They do roll true. They turn your round of golf from what would just be a nice resort course into something very spectacular from a sightseeing perspective. One Caddie for 3 or 4 Golfers (per player). Was this review helpful? Kauri Cliffs was designed and built by David Harman of Golf Course Consultants, Orlando, Florida. The best holes on the best piece of land. The course runs through 800 acres of fern forest, marshland and cliff tops on one of the most dramatic pieces of land I've ever seen. The design is also great, quite diverse, with holes 6,7,8 and more importantly 14 to 17 the most memorable in my opinion.