About this hotel
General information
Rosewood Kauri Cliffs occupies a 6,000-acre coastal estate at the top of the North Island, where pasture, pine and native forest run down to cliffs above the Pacific. The land is steeped in Māori history: old pā sites and sacred places lie within the property, iwi artists work at the lodge in residence, and each guest’s key is carved from pounamu, the greenstone held sacred in Māori culture.
The lodge is best known for its par-72 championship golf course by David Harman, with the ocean in view from fifteen holes, and for three private beaches, one of them covered in pink shell sand. There are 26 keys in all — 22 suites and four villas. The spa sits at the edge of a tōtara forest, and the menu in The Dining Room changes every day.
Location
Matauri Bay in Northland, close to the Bay of Islands. Kerikeri Airport is 34 km away, about 30 minutes by car, and a 40-minute flight from Auckland. The lodge’s own EC130 helicopter flies guests from Auckland in about an hour along the coast, landing on the helipad at the lodge; car transfers are arranged by the concierge.
Spa
The Spa stands at the edge of a tōtara forest above a fern glen and stream. Every treatment room, the couple’s room included, has floor-to-ceiling glass and its own patio facing the trees. Treatments use Lemon & Beaker, a line that blends New Zealand botanicals with Korean skincare science; signatures include the Te Koru facial and the Rest & Renewal ritual with a volcanic stone massage. Alongside are an indoor lap pool, a jacuzzi, a dry sauna and a 24-hour fitness centre.
Sports & leisure
Golf leads, but the estate offers a great deal more:
- David Harman’s par-72 course, 6,528 m long, with ocean views from fifteen holes and six played along the cliffs; practice facilities, a pro shop and a clubhouse looking from the Cavalli Islands to Cape Brett
- tennis, two pickleball courts set in tōtara forest and a 24-hour gym
- walking tracks across the estate to hidden waterfalls and beaches, a forest walk to an ancient kauri tree, and guided stargazing walks
- guided ATV tours, horse riding through forest and farmland at Kauri Station, surf lessons at Little Takou or Matauri Bay, shore fishing and private yoga overlooking the Cavalli Islands
- heritage walks to Māori and early settler landmarks, and flax weaving or carving sessions with iwi artists
- helicopter flights and sailing in the Bay of Islands, and visits to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed
For children
The lodge describes itself as child-friendly and welcomes children of all ages; cots are provided free for infants up to 24 months. The Ocean View Two Bedroom Family Suite has an adjoining second bedroom intended for children.
Restaurants & bars
The kitchen works with Northland produce — New Zealand lamb, native herbs and seafood, honey from native blossom, salt made on the estate’s Pink Beach and fish from the village of Leigh:
- The Dining Room — à la carte breakfast and dinner, European technique with New Zealand ingredients, a menu that changes daily
- Cocktail Bar — the lodge bar
- The 19th Tee — a seasonal food truck serving lunch above the Pacific
- Tide to Table — private dinners on Pink Beach with local dishes and New Zealand wines
- private dining in the villas or the Green Room, and in-room dining
Swimming
The estate has three private beaches. Waiaua Bay, at its northern tip, is a long stretch of white sand with rock pools and small islands offshore, good for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. Pink Beach has pink shell sand, pōhutukawa trees, picnic tables and a lawn, while Little Takou has rolling surf. Above the golf course and the ocean there is an outdoor infinity pool with a hot tub, loungers and umbrellas, and a heated indoor lap pool with a sauna and jacuzzi sits among native bush.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Rooms
22 suites and four villas: ocean-view junior suites with fireplaces, a two-bedroom family suite, and two- and four-bedroom villas with their own pools.
Private balcony or terrace, open fireplace, bathroom with twin vanities and a soaking tub, mini-bar, television and Wi-Fi.
Ocean View Junior Suite
An east-facing hillside suite looking over the golf course to the ocean, with a king or twin beds, an open fireplace, a balcony and a soaking tub. Sleeps two.
Grand Ocean View Junior Suite
A higher-set suite with a fireside lounge and a large balcony over the golf course and the Pacific, a short walk from the spa, tennis court and pool. King or twin beds, sleeps up to three.
Ocean View Two Bedroom Family Suite
A main bedroom with fireplace and walk-in wardrobe, an adjoining second bedroom for children, and a lounge with a fireplace opening onto an ocean-view balcony. Sleeps up to five.
Kauri Cliffs Two Bedroom Villa
Two en-suite bedrooms with their own fireplaces and walk-in wardrobes, a lounge and dining room with fireplace, and a full kitchen; an east-facing terrace with infinity pool and jacuzzi and a courtyard with a tropical garden. Sleeps up to six.
Kauri Cliffs Four Bedroom Villa
A villa in its own enclave designed by Virginia Fisher: four en-suite bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes, an open-plan living room with fireplace, a kitchen plus a service kitchen for catering, a verandah and an ocean-view saltwater pool, with a golf cart for getting around. Sleeps up to 11.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.