Kauri Cliffs Golf The course, which arguably changed the way the world views golf in New Zealand, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 1999.
Before 1999, golf in New Zealand meant two things: Sir Bob Charles and the fun links at Paraparaumu Beach. In building his new clifftop golf course, and magnificent lodge at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, American financier Julian Robertson created a new standard and identity for golf in New Zealand. A quarter of a century later, this resort formula has been replicated up and down the archipelago, which many enthusiasts today consider one of the world's premier luxury golf destinations.
“Not many credit Sand Hills and Bandon Dunes with creating a certain 'longer links' category, and I'll go along with that,” said Ray Geffre, director of golf at Kauri Cliffs and its sister course, Cape Kidnappers GC. “But I'm sure Kauri has had an impact.” the same: here in New Zealand without a doubt, but also around the world.
“First of all, if Kauri didn't hit the World Top 100 in 2003, maybe there is no Cape Kidnappers. But the success of Kauri, who was then in Cape Town, paved the way everything boutique, remote, high-end golf resorts that have opened here and around the world in the 21st century. In short, Kauri Cliffs has proven that people will travel long distances for that level of luxury, off the beaten path. That has become our mantra: Play like no one is watching. Because here, you really have your place. “
Kauri Cliffs was designed by Nicklaus protégé David Harmon, who, during the design and construction phases, made 42 visits to his home in Florida. Robertson presented it in a stunning subtropical setting and a free hand. Harmon, who was a sculptor, responded by producing a modern masterpiece whose contours rivaled the dramatic changes in height of the nine nines. The architect has also produced a brilliant route that meanders inland – along fertile valleys, deep gorges – while always retreating to cliffs that rise more than 50 meters from the shore below.
That coastline is one of the reasons Kauri Cliffs – with its sweeping views, over the Cavalli Islands to the South Pacific beyond – continues to be ranked among the world's best golf courses. In 2003, the course was ranked among the top 100 in the world (Golf Digest today is weighing you 55), while the adjoining lodge exudes gracious antebellum charm.
In fact, it was the sit-and-play proposition at Kauri Cliffs that successfully spread this formula throughout the golf world. There are beautiful, remote golf courses everywhere. The trick is creating balanced living spaces.
New Zealand's reputation for luxury lodges – intimate, luxurious, sometimes quirky but always echoing the surroundings – predates the Kauri Cliffs. The famous Huka Lodge, in Taupo, opened in 1924. In building the plantation-style Kauri lodge and its 22 guest houses, Robertson and his wife Josie mocked the example of Huka and others. They then followed one of Tom Doak's best course designs next to the chic, post-modern Lodge at Cape Kidnappers, near Hawke's Bay.
This is the model: excellent golf set alongside high-end accommodations of equally stunning quality. In recognition, a dozen Kiwi resorts have been developed in the North and South Islands. However this is the same formula found at Adair Castle in Ireland, Costa Navarino in Greece, South Cape Club on the coast of Korea, and many North American Cabot sites, it is difficult to trace.
“If you think about what these resorts sell, it's luxury and solitude,” Geffre said. “World-class golf on the edge of the known world, where you play your game — because no one is watching! You don't get that sound anywhere else, not even in the top secret clubs.
“Yes, golf enjoys a long tradition of wonderful residences standing next to excellent courses, especially along the coast. But those hotels have traditionally been quite large, often corporate and sometimes impersonal. Kauri's example is literally a world away from that. We host a group trip where the eight boys are the only ones in the area, for days. This is a kind of luxury vibe, which didn't really exist until 1999.”
A lot has changed in 25 years. At Geffre's Point, Kauri recently added three 4-bedroom residences that cater to golfing buddies and families on vacation. In Robertson tradition, each of the 22 guest suites features its own unique, constantly updated décor, open fireplaces, walk-in closets and private balconies with views worthy of the most discriminating Instagram followers.
When Mr Robertson dies in 2022, his family retains ownership of all three New Zealand properties. As of Dec. 1, 2023, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts was entrusted with hospitality operations at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, and Rosewood Matakauri in Queenstown.
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