A Luxury Golf Getaway in Hawke’s Bay - Welcome to Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand

I don't think you need further proof that the land of the long white cloud aka New Zealand is a perpetually trending world-class golf destination but, if you do, this review of the remarkable Cape Kidnappers Golf Course and ever-opulent Roberston Lodge is sure to convince you.

Play

Teeing off to play 18 holes of Championship Golf on New Zealand’s North Island is an experience in itself! Cape Kidnappers is a cliff-hugging, masterfully designed course by Tom Doak and home to one of New Zealand’s most famous golfing holes aka the Pirates Plank (the 15th). It’s a spectacular golf course (recently renovated) that immediately commands respect and makes you understand why players come from all over the globe to play – often repeatedly.

It’s a skill testing set-up that’s for sure. Challenging? Absolutely. Forgiving? Well, if you count mostly open fairways and some easy-ish (wind direction pending) carries, then yes, yes, it is. I did come unstuck on hole 14, the shortest par 4 on the course thanks to a deep pot bunker and my ability to pick a safe line from the tee. A humbling but learning experience that I heeded for the next day's game strategy.

I stopped for lunch at the turn where the elegant clubhouse serves up tasty dishes such as a classic club sandwich, moreish burgers, zesty salads, cold tap beers and for me, a few glasses of superb local Sauvignon Blanc. Just perfect!

The pro shop is fully stocked with a range of top-of-the-line golf equipment, hotel-branded apparel and accessories (be sure to at least buy a hat to make your golfing comrades at home properly jealous). Club, cart and shoe hire are available too. Ask the friendly staff for course tips and hints, particularly if the wind picks up. And make sure you grab a yardage book to assist your game and for a treasured keepsake.

Stay

Photo by Miz Watanabe

My suite acts as your haven-esque retreat, with plush furnishings displayed in a curated style of rustic cottage chic complemented by collectible antiques. Rooms feature attractive architectural details, high ceilings, luxe linens, a fireplace, a private deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a fab king-size bed.

In the bathroom, a come-hither tub edged by white, timber shutters reveals a sensational view, and the bathroom amenities by Evolu (an ethical, natural and sustainable New Zealand brand) are a delight to use. Travel Tip: families and small golfing groups would be best suited to a villa.

Non-Golfing Activities

The property is both a working farm and a sanctuary (the country's largest privately-owned wildlife restoration project) for New Zealand’s precious flora and fauna. I noted a 10km predator-proof protective fence that keeps the flourishing population of Kiwi birds safe.

Cape Kidnappers is also home to the world’s largest mainland colony of gannets – you must go see these characterful birds up close, huddles of penguins, seals (depending on the season) dozing on the shoreline and scores of typical farm animals such as Angus beef cattle and sheep, loads of sheep roaming freely.

I suggest joining the guided Can-Am Tour of this sprawling property to grasp its magnitude and allure. Otherwise, you can take a few gentle hikes to explore your surroundings (walking trail maps are available).

The offshore fishing adventures at Cape Kidnappers are extraordinary and I’m told you can also cast directly from the beach and jag a few deep-sea species too – you’re almost level with the edge of the continental shelf here and baby that water is deep. Unfortunately, I missed this opportunity to go fishing during my stay since I was obsessed with the epic golf course and pretty much glued to the greens and/or the driving range.

Several award-winning wineries are close to the lodge, so enquire about a winery tour to some of Hawke’s Bay’s finest vineyards and have a terrific time sampling vinos at cellar doors and indulging in sumptuous NZ cheese plates. Clearview Estate and Craggy Range were my two favs.

The Spa

The Spa really levels up when it comes to restorative and relaxing treatments. I booked in for a deluxe 1-hour massage and my spa therapist worked magic with a blend of myofascial release and Swedish-style massage techniques. Again, all of the spa products were local to New Zealand and testament to the quality of ingredients (predominantly natural) available. After rising from my cocoon of Zen-like bliss, I pulled my robe around my waist and gazed upon a collection of original Picasso illustrations adorning the treatment room walls – just lovely.

Dining

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the restaurant located in the stately lodge. I loved the floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly positioned to take in the majestic views and the attentive table service. Almost everything on offer is either sourced on-site or found nearby. Coffee, honey, olive oil, cheese, wine (yes, there are elite international selections on the vino list too) you name it, and it is all proudly NZ-made. At lunch, I couldn’t resist the fish and selected the chopped iceberg and cashew salad with a seared fillet of Big Glory Bay Salmon. For dinner, the menu appropriately boasts mains such as Hawke’s Bay spring lamb with asparagus, white romesco, local mushrooms and horopito jus, venison cooked to perfection with a 10/10 potato galette and quite a few phenomenal deserts.

Getting There

Air New Zealand has direct flights daily to Auckland from Australia departing the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth. From Auckland, it’s a short direct domestic flight to Napier/Hawke’s Bay and then about a 45-minute scenic drive to Cape Kidnappers. Transfers are available upon request. Please reach out to Rosewood Cape Kidnappers to arrange a transfer ahead of your arrival.

Travel Tip: Air New Zealand’s airport lounges in Auckland and Napier offer eligible guests access to a great space to relax, enjoy premium self-serve buffet /light snacks, the all-important barista-made coffee, complimentary beverages (many of New Zealand’s premier wineries are on show here), business desks and well-appointed bathrooms to shower (Auckland lounge only) and refresh during your travels.

Want to break up the journey? Stay overnight at the always awesome 5-star Hotel Britomart in Auckland. It’s the perfect base to explore this vibrant, sports-loving, waterfront city before you head home.

STAY & PLAY SPECIAL RATES!

Rosewood Kauri Cliffs & Rosewood Cape Kidnappers invite Australian and New Zealand residents to enjoy the best of New Zealand with a “Residents Special” offer, with tariffs starting from just NZ $2530.00* per suite per night and inclusive of breakfast, pre-dinner aperitif, dinner and more.

Whether enjoying time on the championship golf courses where unlimited green fees are included as part of a stay, or a massage or facial in the stylish spas at these spectacular North Island properties, the Residents Special is exclusive to Australian and New Zealand residents and combines an unbeatable tariff with favourite experiences included.

Starting from NZ$2530.00 per suite per night based on double or twin share suite occupancy and valid through September 2025, the offer at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs and Rosewood Cape Kidnappers includes:

• Suite accommodation for two
• Full breakfast, Pre-dinner aperitif, and dinner
• Choice between a day of unlimited green fees or a 50 minute massage/facial per person per night stayed
• Complimentary non-alcoholic mini-bar
• Welcome amenity

For Australians, a luxury New Zealand getaway has never been better value.

To book the Residents Special at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers please contact our Reservations Team at: +64 9 407 0065

kauricliffs.reservations@rosewoodhotels.com
capekidnappers.reservations@rosewoodhotels.com

* Rates quoted in NZ dollars per suite per night and inclusive of 15% Govt. Good & Services Tax.