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Rosewood Kauri Cliffs

Matauri Bay • Kauri Cliffs • OVER THE TOP

avg. $1,586 / night

Includes $83 / night in cash back

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

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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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At a glance

A homestead-inspired lodge on New Zealand's Northland coast with restrained interiors and views toward the Cavalli Islands.

Best for: Architecture enthusiasts and rural retreat seekers

Highlights:

  • New Zealand homestead vernacular on 6,000-acre former sheep station
  • Kidney-form flagstone pool terrace following natural land contours
  • 25 suites with sage-green coastal interiors and native pohutukawa trees
Rural-refinedunderstated

PB hotel design editorial

Perched above Matauri Bay on the Northland coast of New Zealand, where rolling farmland drops toward the Cavalli Islands and the Tasman Sea, the property that became Rosewood Kauri Cliffs was developed by American businessman Julian Robertson on 6,000 acres of former sheep station. The lodge opened in 2000, its architecture drawing on the New Zealand homestead vernacular — timber-clad pavilions with steeply pitched metal roofs, wraparound verandahs edged in white-painted balustrades, and a massing that keeps everything low and domestic against the wide Pacific horizon. Mature pohutukawa trees anchor the grounds, and the flagstone pool terrace, visible in the images, resolves into an organic kidney form that follows the land's contour rather than imposing geometry on it. Inside, the interiors move between two registers across the property's 25 suites and cottages. The main lodge dining room carries a more traditional colonial warmth — coffered ceilings, a carved limestone fireplace, wrought-iron chandelier, and tartan-cushioned Regency chairs arranged around white-draped tables — while the newer cottage accommodations shift toward a quieter coastal palette of sage green walls, wide-plank oak floors, and loosely woven jute rugs. Both approaches share the same restraint: upholstered headboards in natural linen, rattan accent chairs, framed New Zealand printmaking on tongue-and-groove panelled walls. The effect across all of it is less resort than a very well-appointed country house that happens to look out over one of the more arresting stretches of the South Pacific.

Travel notes

30min drive from Kerikeri Airport (KKE)

About

Discover the spectacular untouched coastline of Northland, with its panoramic views across the Pacific Ocean, nearby islands and stunning private beaches from the luxury coastal resort. High cliffs and rolling farmland are complemented by the award-winning manicured greens of the championship golf course, promising an unforgettable stay in one of the world's most breathtaking destinations.

Amenities

Pool

Restaurant

Internet

Free Parking

Free Wifi

Fitness center

Suites

Bar/Lounge

Spa

Dry cleaning

Rosewood Kauri Cliffs Reviews

324 reviews

"An out of this world setting and property with a most lovely set of individuals making our 30th anniversary stay absolutely perfect. A special shout out to John (a warm welcome), Constance (helpful guide for how to spend our time), Nicholas (so entertaining and engaging), Andreas (heading up the team with great care) Marina (the best start to our day), Ashish (wine expert extraordinaire)."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

May 16, 2026

"Kauri Cliffs is, quite simply, extraordinary. From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in a level of service that was both impeccable and deeply genuine - warm, intuitive, and effortlessly refined. The team strike a rare and magical balance: making you feel completely at home while maintaining a level of polish and professionalism that never feels overdone. It’s a fine line, and they execute it flawlessly. A surprise upgrade from an ocean view villa to the Owner’s Cottage set the tone for an unforgettable stay. The cottage is exceptional - beautifully designed, supremely private, and utterly indulgent, with every detail considered. Visiting in autumn only enhanced the experience. There is a quiet magic to the property at this time of year - crisp air, dramatic coastal views and interiors that feel inviting, elegant, and wonderfully cocooning. The cuisine was equally impressive: thoughtful, seasonal, and consistently outstanding, with each meal a highlight. What truly elevates Kauri Cliffs, however, is its people. We were so beautifully looked after by Andre Miethig, a seasoned hotelier whose thoughtful, kind and quietly witty approach set the tone for our stay. Hester Yao was endlessly engaging and impressively knowledgeable across both New Zealand and Australia, while John Lewis is clearly one of the hotel’s rare treasures - there to warmly welcome you and offer the most thoughtful, tailored suggestions. Beyond the lodge itself, the experience is as playful as it is luxurious. We spent our days on the spectacular golf course, with lessons from one of the resident Pros - Ryan, who was outstanding, expert, patient, and an absolute pleasure. My husband had firmly refused to play golf, largely on the grounds that I might be better at it. One lesson at Kauri Cliffs with Ryan and he’s now completely hooked, slightly inconvenient for him, but a testament to just how good it is. Time at the spa with Susanne was equally memorable, delivering a level of care and calm that perfectly matched the setting. There were also pickleball and leisurely explorations of the property by golf buggy, which is the only acceptable mode of transport once you’ve experienced it. Evenings were equally memorable, thanks in no small part to Arish, whose knowledge of wine is exceptional and who made our final night such fun with a blind tasting we won’t soon forget. Mornings, meanwhile, belonged to the gorgeous Marina, who made breakfast feel like a daily highlight—effortless, elegant, and quite simply perfect. Kauri Cliffs provided the perfect setting to celebrate our wedding anniversary - romantic, restorative, and truly special. It is a place that lingers long after you leave, and one we will undoubtedly return to, and are already plotting out our return."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Apr 13, 2026

"What an outstanding property and team of people. The welcome was amazing, the service incredibly professional and friendly and the lodge and villas are beautiful. While we are not golfers and this is primarily a golf resort, the whole experience including the lunch, dinner and breakfast was truly stunning."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Nov 25, 2025

"What an utterly incredible place. The golf course is stunning with views over the ocean and the Cavalli islands. The hotel was a quiet piece of understated luxury. The staff were wonderfully helpful. The whole estate just made us want to stay longer (we added an extra night to our stay). We are looking forward to returning next year"

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Nov 23, 2025

"Not what it used to be before Rosewood took over the management. Having stayed at Kauri Cliffs many times over many years and always looking forward to it so much, no more for us unless it gets back to what it used to be. Magnificent golf course and wonderful lodge ambiance but: Food not good at all and we didn’t look forward to any meals during our 4 day stay. Food used to be a highlight. Staff were mainly over zealous young backpackers on tourist visas with little or no upmarket hospitality experience. Obsequious and well intentioned but service was at times embarrassing and to be expected from a trainee, not a professional. As for the rooms, not even a cookie was provided like they used to. Are they trying to save costs? How much is a cookie? All in all so disappointing and certainly not what you would expect at more than $NZ 4,700 per night! Finally it was carts to path on the golf course which at $NZ 1,000 per round for 2 made the golf course a struggle and a lot less enjoyable for our 2 days of golf. This was not necessary and spoiled our golf experience. Should have at least been offered a reduced golf fee. Is it a coincidence that all this has happened after Rosewood has taken over the management? We would love to return but not until all of the above has been resolved and the previous high standards of food and service have been restored."

A Tripadvisor traveler review

Oct 13, 2025

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Rosewood Kauri Cliffs | Best Design-Driven Stays in Matauri Bay