Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay, North Island

rooms

Elegant yet inviting with a feel of a luxury home from home, the 22 guest suites are set on the edge of a native forest and overlook the ocean. Choose from deluxe or standard suites but in each every detail has been carefully selected to enhance comfort. Each have a spacious bedroom, with a sitting room and fireplace, large ensuite bathroom and mini bar and, ensuring an entirely peaceful stay, there's even a his and her's wardrobe. So settle into the soft arm chair by your fireplace with a cup of tea and the complimentary homemade biscuits, wallow in the roomy bath that over looks the garden, or just gaze at the view from your own private veranda.

Or book the gorgeous two wing, two bedroom Owners Cottage, beautifully decorated with a large open sitting room, study, dining room, walk in wardrobes, private infinity pool and hot tub overlooking the golf course and Cavalli islands. Located just a short walk from the main lodge, there is an out door BBQ for private use but a personal chef can also be reserved to ensure total privacy.

facilities & activities

Surrounded by acres of meandering bushland, the main attraction here is the state of the art champion golf course. Even if you don't play, it's worth picking up a club just for the views. Some of the holes are played alongside the drop off cliffs by the sea (slightly tricky finding your golf ball if your aim is slightly off) while the rest meander through marsh, farmland and forest. There are five sets of tees so any level is welcome. With a world-class practice range, lovely putting and chipping greens, and golf shop selling top notch gear, all you need for your game is right on the doorstep. No wonder it's regularly ranked as one of the top 100 golf courses in the world.

If you'd rather watch than play then the sparkling infinity pool overlooks the golf course and the sea. Or bubble away in the heated jacuzzi. However with the choice of three beautifully secluded beaches, maybe paddling along the pink hued sands (formed by the pacific crushing the shells) might be more appealing. The hotel also offers an exhilarating four by four tour along the beaches, complete with a picnic of home baked cookies and cold crisp wine.

There's tennis, a fitness room, clay pigeon shooting or hire a mountain bike and explore the wilds of the north. But if you really want to unwind then head to the tranquil and sumptuous spa. Overlooking a tinkling stream and a swishing fern glen, and complimented by the floor to ceiling glass windows, the sleek treatment rooms offer luxurious personalised treatments using the natural mud and minerals to restore your mind and well being. Try some laps in the warm pool surrounded by flora and fauna or relax in the al fresco space and nestle next to the fire. Spa treatments can also be booked in the privacy of your room.

Should you want to venture further afield then there is plenty of adventure on the doorstep. Take a boat tour around the gorgeous bay of islands, swim with dolphins, scuba dive or try deep sea game fishing. The hotel can also book horse riding, sand dune surfing and can advise the best scenic routes for hikes; taking in natural waterfalls, a 700 year old Kauri tree – New Zealands largest and most ancient trees - and the best stops for beautiful views over the bays.

There is culture aplenty too. Visit the Waitangi treaty house, where Maori chiefs first signed New Zealand's founding document and is still home to the world's largest ceremonial war canoe. Visit Ninety Mile Beach – and if you stop right at the very top in Cape Reinga you can see where the great Pacific collides with the Tasman sea (and you really can see it). Or visit Northland; home to the Maori's two oldest ceremonial wooden buildings and where traditional songs are still performed.

dining

Start the day with homemade muesli or freshly baked muffins and pancakes, crisp bacon and hotcakes. Later you can look forward to a 3 course lunch over looking the sea and islands or light bites are available in the form of sandwiches and salads.

Once you've savoured your complimentary cocktail (it's cocktail hour every evening) and strolled around the beautiful veranda, serenaded by tinkling jazz on the piano, enjoy a delectable dinner served in the beautifully elegant but welcoming Lodge restaurant. Or go al fresco and savour your meal while marvelling at the 180 degree view. The restaurant is home to some of New Zealand's most talented chefs with a menu stuffed full of fresh local produce and exotic flavours. Enjoy tender New Zealand lamb, fresh sea food and light-as-a-feather pastries for dinner and ask the experienced sommelier for top tips to compliment your choice.

family

All ages and stages are welcome here. Although there is no designated kids pool, they are welcome in the beautiful main pool, and with the great kiwi outdoors on the doorstep, they'll be easily entertained and rosy cheeked. The hotel is also positioned on a working farm, so they'll love visiting the cows and sheep. Take them picnicking on the beach, the coves are secluded and calm, or older ones will love the array of horse riding, mountain biking, tennis, sea kayaking and dolphin watching.

All the rooms are spacious enough to fit a family, but only the deluxe suites will fit an extra rollaway bed. Little ones under 5 can share for free if using existing bedding and there is no extra charge for a cot. The deluxe suite also offers the option of an interconnecting smaller bedroom which houses two single beds and own bathroom – ideal for a family. Or choose the secluded Owner's Cottage. With enough space to call it home and two bedrooms, it also has an additional wing that can be converted into a third bedroom for little ones or a nanny. If necessary two extra beds can also be booked. All the baby paraphernalia such as cots, car seats, high chairs and buggies can also be provided on request.

Whilst there isn't a children's menu, the friendly chefs will cater to the fussiest of eaters. And if you fancy a meal a deux then just ask at the hotel for babysitting (24 hours notice).

location

Found perched on a cliff top right at the top of the North Islands, with 180 degree views out over the Pacific Ocean and off shore Cavalli Islands, the resort is secluded and private, yet easily accessible. Fly to Auckland and catch a daily scheduled flight up to Kerikeri Bay of Islands airport. If requested Kauri Cliffs will meet your flight. Charter flights can also be organised through the hotel or step it up a little and take the in-house helicopter. It can be hired for transfers to and from the international airport directly to the on-site helipad. And with the flight path following the line of coast, it is certainly one of the best ways to view the North Island or to give it the Maori name: Te Ika-a-Māui (the fish of Māui).

Alternatively make your own way there through stunning scenic routes - it is just under a 3 hour drive from Auckland or 25 minutes from Kerikeri Bay of Islands airport. The hotel can also organise car rental or a car and driver for you.