dawn at Kauri Cliffs

Kauri Cliffs sunrise (c) 2019 by David Ourisman, all rights reserved

Kauri Cliffs is a luxury lodge in the very north of New Zealand, part of Robertson Lodges. Like the other two members of the collection (Cape Kidnappers and Matakauri Lodge), Kauri Cliffs offers large, gorgeous suites with interiors designed by Virginia Fischer; full breakfast and full dinner daily; and Virtuoso amenities (a $100 spa credit and upgrade at check-in if available).

Located in the Bay of Islands region of New Zealand, Kauri Cliffs is an ideal place to begin your visit. Flights from the US arrive into Auckland too early (before 6 a.m.) to expect an early check-in anywhere ... so you may as well venture onwards upon arrival. We flew that morning to the Kerikeri airport where our driver transferred us to our first experience, a three hour cruise aboard the Cool Change Catamaran in the Bay of Islands — sailing by the many picturesque, craggy islands in the bay; following a pod of dolphins; and finally docking at a beach on Waewatorea Island and climbing a hill to take in the panoramic view from high up.

While at Kauri Cliffs, you can golf on its 18 hole championship seaside course; enjoy the fine cuisine; and go to Pink Beach to fish, swim, or have the famous BBQ (I believe every Friday evening). To learn about the history and culture of New Zealand, I do recommend you visit to the very interesting Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

copyright (c) 2019 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.