1/5

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers

Hawke's Bay • Cape Kidnappers • OVER THE TOP

avg. $1,344 / night

Includes $71 / night in cash back

Cash back is redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out

Exclusive PressBeyond Benefits

Get to where you see yourself

Ultra-clean, global, hand-picked hotel curation & imagery designed to help you visualize enticing environments and the elevated social experiences they create

Cash back

5% cash back on all completed stays (redeemable via Virtual Visa, Venmo, or bank transfer starting 24-48 hours after check-out)

Credit card points

Credit and debit card charges are processed directly by the hotel (i.e. not PressBeyond), meaning that any travel-specific credit card points or incentives that you normally get as a cardholder for direct hotel bookings are preserved

Hotel loyalty points

Points accrual and status eligibility with major hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, and others

Free breakfast

Breakfast-included rate options available

Room upgrades

Complimentary room upgrades (subject to property availability)

Extend your stay

Early check-in and late check-out (subject to property availability)

Location

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PB hotel design editorial

Perched on a clifftop ridge above Hawke's Bay, where the land drops sharply toward the Pacific on three sides, the working sheep station that became Rosewood Cape Kidnappers presented its architects with a constraint most luxury properties would consider a liability: the site's drama was already so complete that anything overwrought would simply disappear against it. The solution, developed by the late Ian Athfield's Wellington practice alongside interior work that draws heavily on the vernacular of the New Zealand high country, was to keep the built language agricultural — local schist and basalt masonry, corrugated metal roofing, a preserved grain silo standing sentinel in the courtyard — and let the 6,000-acre station do the heavy lifting. The result across the property's 22 suites and lodges is closer to a converted farm complex than a hotel, the pitched timber trusses visible in the guestrooms and restaurant borrowing directly from shearing-shed construction. Inside, the interiors carry the warmth of a well-furnished country house rather than the polish of a resort: wicker recliner chairs, beadboard headboards painted cream, sisal-style carpeting underfoot, and bay window seats stacked with floral cushions that invite the kind of unhurried afternoon a Hawke's Bay afternoon tends to demand. The dining room's stone fireplace and wrought-iron chandelier anchor a space where the shelving holds actual pantry jars. At the infinity pool, flagstone paving and lavender plantings extend the estate register, the water's edge dissolving into tawny tussock grass and the bay beyond.

Travel notes

45min drive from Hawke's Bay / Napier airport (NPE)

About

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers sits atop rolling hills edged by dramatic cliffs commanding vast ocean views, and an ever-present horizon. Home to a working farm, this unique luxury resort also boasts one of the world's leading golf courses and is a sanctuary for some of New Zealand's most precious flora and fauna.

Amenities

Pool

Internet

Free Internet

Free Parking

Restaurant

Wifi

Free Wifi

Fitness center

Wheelchair Access

Suites

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers Reviews

328 reviews

"This place is wonderful, the service is impeccable, the food is great, and the golf course is memorable. We stayed for two nights while we were on a golf tour of the north island of NZ. The day we drove in ( a 15min twisty turny drive from the main road) and were met by 6 people when we drove up. four people to handle the luggage and golf clubs. The manager gave us a personal tour of the main buildings and our suite. They have wine and cocktails starting about 6pm before the dinner service which was very French. We met Chef Rudolf outside one afternoon after golf and mentioned how my wife loved the GF bread served with dinner and we asked for the recipe he shared with us. A big shout out for him. Our waiter Job even opened a special of Pinot Noir for which was wonderful. Can't say enough about how much we liked the hotel and golf course."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Nov 13, 2025

"Have played golf course over six times and presentation was not up to high standard especially fairways on the the fist nine holes. One thing that was frustrating was the cleanings of the toilet was very low standard. But still enjoyed the golf course and the views."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Oct 19, 2025

"Beautiful location with poor service and low standards. We approached our stay at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers with true enthusiasm as we were confident with it being a Rosewood property, the service would be up to the standards a 5 star hotel would have. We have stayed at many Rosewood properties over the years and we are so disappointed with our experience at Cape Kidnappers. The service was well below acceptable. While the staff was nice and polite, they missed the mark on so many instances. I had to request cleaning supplies for my entire 3 day stay for the fitness center. Not once was my request fulfilled and upon visiting the front desk for a 3rd day in a row the front desk employee said she requested supplies 4 times that day. I asked for the staff to turn on the AC in the gym 3 days in a row with no success. I made a request for extra washcloths the first evening we arrived. It took 3 requests and 2 days to fulfill that request. We were struggling with the meals specifically dinner. I met only the final day with the food and beverage manager and asked him what the best plan was. I mentioned we would be happy to give him our order well in advance and he would therefore be able to have the food coursed out and served in a timely manner. He was quite happy with that idea and I gave him the order by 4 pm that day (he requested by 6 pm) Dinner was unacceptable in terms of timing. We sat there for over 2 hours and the food was incredibly slow. I made it very clear that my husband eats a lot of food and he said not to worry he will make a note to give him larger portions of food. His salmon came out and it was a 2 inch piece of salmon. The F&b manager was so busy we didn’t even have an opportunity to tell him how unacceptable it was. The staff is quite aware of all of the issues we had. They even overcharged us for a meal and sent a follow up email to give us a credit. Rosewood properties would be quite disappointed if they saw how dysfunctional the hotel was operating. Unfortunately we will not be coming back to Cape Kidnappers. Rosewood owes its brand a higher level of standard and should pay attention to what is going on and make it right for its (future) customers. Until then, I would recommend staying far away."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Dec 30, 2024

"If a place ever whispered "luxury" in the gentle hum of New Zealand's pristine coastline, it would be Rosewood Cape Kidnappers. We embarked on this exquisite escape with our friends, and from start to finish, it felt like both a homecoming and an adventure. If the immaculate surroundings don't take your breath away, the welcoming, industrious staff certainly will. LGBT Friendliness Picture being celebrated so much that even the sheep on the neighboring hills are cheering you on. That's how welcome we felt. LGBT friendliness here isn't just a checkbox—it's a full-hearted embrace, complete with confetti and (probably imaginary) parade floats. Room Although our initial room emitted a high-pitched opera solo, the staff rapidly relocated us, handling our baggage with the grace of ballet dancers. Every room, every view—it's like living inside a postcard. Scenic, serene, and utterly surreal! Swimming Pool Though winter nipped at the heels of our swim whims, the hot tub beckoned us into a toasty embrace with views more stunning than a kiwi bird in a top hat. Who needs a pool when you've got panoramas like these? Room Service Room service here is like having your fairy godperson deliver midnight snacks. Quick, kind, and every edible thing arrives looking—and tasting—like it belongs on the cover of a culinary magazine. Wi-Fi Quality Streaming speeds so fast, it's like the Wi-Fi's got a caffeine addiction. No buffering, no fuss—just pure, unadulterated digital luxury. Breakfast/Food Cue heavenly choir: the food. My taste buds are still processing the sheer ecstasy of each meal, and I'm pretty sure breakfast secretly moonlights as one of New Zealand’s national treasures. Remember to pace yourself unless you aspire to roll home! Transportation Everything from golf carts to personal vehicles—our travel was swift, simple, and always scenic. Like a kiwi bird with a penchant for punctuality, getting around here is effortless. Staff Can we talk about the staff being the real MVPs? From their kindness to their efficiency, these fine folks redefine hospitality. If the Oscars don't start awarding for "Best Staff Performance," they're missing out. In summary, our retreat to Rosewood Cape Kidnappers was an idyllic break from the ordinary, peppered with fantastic food, unmatched service, and a view so breathtaking it almost made us emotional (almost). Just remember to inquire about those birdy adventures before you, and your credit card, take flight!"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Aug 26, 2024

"Room product below par…beautiful views of golf course and scenery….food was very good….they nickel and dime you to death….bill was wrong …..our sons were put in a handicap accessible room….asked to be moved and was told that that would be another 4,000 Usd asked for the GM but never got back with us…."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Jul 29, 2024

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Rosewood Cape Kidnappers | Best Design-Driven Stays in Hawke's Bay