Matauri Bay, New Zealand

Rosewood Kauri Cliffs

1 / 10

The takeaway

Choose Kauri Cliffs for a secluded Northland coast stay where private beaches and a cliff-edge golf course share the itinerary.

About the hotel

Rosewood Kauri Cliffs occupies a 6,000-acre coastal estate in Northland, where high cliffs, rolling farmland and native forest meet the Pacific. The resort looks across the water toward nearby islands and includes three private beaches. Its 26 rooms and suites are spread across a small-scale lodge setting, with a David Harman-designed, 18-hole golf course as a defining draw. Guests can also explore the coastline and the area’s Māori heritage.

Choose it if

You want a coastal base with private beaches and room for swimming, surfing or snorkelling.
You plan to make golf a central part of the trip, with an 18-hole championship course on the estate.
You want guided walks and experiences connected to Northland’s Māori heritage.

Skip it if

You prefer an urban base: this is a large coastal estate rather than a town-centre hotel.

The property

In photographs.

Guest discussion

What real people are saying.

Reddit excerpts · separate from Rex’s editorial judgment

Guests describe a striking coastal golf setting, and one player says Kauri Cliffs was their favorite round, ahead of Cape Kidnappers and Te Arai South. Another guest, however, reports very slow drink service and says they eventually stopped ordering, so the golf appeal did not translate into a uniformly positive experience.

Discussion is limited; these accounts offer a glimpse rather than a broad verdict.

“Gorgeous property with a championship golf course overlooking the ocean. Unfortunately, the service was terrible. Drink service was extremely slow (we eventually stopped ordering).”

r/chubbytravel ↗ · Apr 12, 2025

“I played Kauri Cliffs last year and it might be my favorite round I’ve ever played. I enjoyed it more than Cape Kidnapers and Te Arai south.”

r/golf ↗ · Dec 12, 2025

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Plan your stay

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