KAURI CLIFFS - 16 POINTS

Kauri Cliffs was built in the late 1990s on an idyllic clifftop site on the very north of New Zealand’s North Island. It was the vision of an American developer, Julian Robertson, who hired architect David Harman to turn this sheep-grazing land into a world class course.

The setting overlooking the Cavalli Islands in the Bay of Plenty is simply magnificent. The land itself tilts towards the sea which means you get good views over the water pretty much all the way round the course. It’s a marked difference to Robertson’s other New Zealand property (Cape Kidnappers) where the inland holes can feel a long way away from the water.

While this is a resort course, don’t imagine it’s one of those flattering places where you will make a good score regardless of how you’re playing. You will really need to be on your game with the driver or the thick rough will be waiting to take your ball. I lost a few balls on the early holes and was starting to worry, but thankfully I straightened up a bit and the course allowed me to open my shoulders more as the round went on.

A round at Kauri Cliffs builds as it goes on. You get the views from the off, but the first holes are over undulating terrain where the biggest tests are keeping out of the rough and then making sure you have enough club to get to the sweeping and swooping greens. The greens were really slick when we played so you will really need precision in approaches.

As your round goes on you will have to carry over gorges and ravines from both the tee and fairway, similar in some ways to Cape Kidnappers. Comparisons are inevitable and I probably found Kauri a little more approachable, though both were stern tests. The greens here were just as fast as at Kidnappers but had a little less movement which made them easier to get the hang of.

The fourth is an excellent par 5 which reinforces the view that this isn’t just any old resort course. You also start to get closer to the water here and can hear the waves crashing.

Your first real ‘wow’ moment comes standing on the par 3 seventh hole. You have the Pacific Ocean to your right and a deep tree filled gorge in front of you, protecting your target. There is a bit of a bail-out to the left but you just know anything less than perfect here will get you into trouble.

The front nine closes out with a par 4 - Giant Steps - which takes you up a staircase fairway to the green by the clubhouse .

The back nine opens with a few holes going through marshland which are fine, but feel more like transition holes to get you to the water. But what a treat when you get there!

Things kick up a gear on the fourteenth, a par 3 that plays 176 yards from the middle tees but can go all the way back to 230 yards. You’re playing downhill towards the water and a green protected by the cliffs to the left and bunkers right.

The next three holes all run along the cliff-top and you’ll find yourself reaching again and again for your camera to capture the amazing views. This is one of the most spectacular runs of holes you’ll find anywhere.

The seventeenth is an excellent par 4, maybe the best on the course. It’s a long hole, 441 yards from the medal tees and 471 yards from the back, and angles from right to left as it heads out to the water - drawers of the ball will be rewarded here.

From the tee it’s all about how much you are willing to cut off (I was too aggressive!) and then you need to thread a long iron onto a green surrounded by bunkers. That’s clearly no easy task but, once again you will be rewarded with some simply wonderful views.

Then eighteen mimics nine, but this time it’s a shortish par 5 which comes up the hill to finish in front of the lovely clubhouse.

There isn’t a huge amount of play at Kauri. Its location, and high green fees, will both be contributory factors. But as a result you will find a golf course in wonderful condition. The coverage on the fairways was excellent, the greens ran fast and true. This really does feel like millionaire’s golf.

You need to think of the whole package. The golf is good, the conditioning excellent and the views incredible. Put the three together and you’ve got a very enjoyable combination.

Since Kauri Cliffs opened there have been many new golf courses and resorts built across New Zealand, but I still think it is worth making the significant detour north to see it. I’m willing to bet that you’ll remember the views for the rest of your life!

BOOKING THE COURSE

Kauri Cliffs (and sister property Cape Kidnappers) have embraced online bookings and it couldn’t be easier to reserve a tee time here. However, it is not a cheap tee time. It comes in at NZ$850 per person - that’s almost £425. Local residents get a discount on that but there are no other deals on offer.

TOUR TIPS

There is accommodation on site at Kauri Cliffs - unsurprisingly, it’s not a cheap option but it is of a very high standard. I stayed about 45 minutes away in Paihia which is a pleasant holiday town. There are a few motels in the town as well as some nice bars and restaurants. Terra restaurant is really excellent and in a lovely setting by the harbour.

It’s a four hour drive to Auckland from Kauri Cliffs, or about two and a half hours to Mangawhai where you will find Te Arai and Tara Iti. There is an airport there where you can fly to Auckland if you don’t fancy the drive.

CONTACT DETAILS

Kauri Cliffs
139 Tepene Tablelands Road
Matauri Bay
New Zealand​​​​​​​​.

Phone Number: +64 9 407 0060​​​​
Website: www.kauricliffs.com​​.

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