Matauri Bay Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Resort WellnessOutside the door
The house
RosewoodClifftop coastal lodge
A plantation-style lodge overlooking rolling pastures and clifftop fairways, where ocean breezes sweep across three private beaches.
“Remote, brilliantly balanced championship lodge for really getting to grips with the wide-open outdoors…”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Lodge staff deliver hot meals directly to fairways and arrange private beach picnics.
Remarkable
Championship cliffside golf and three private beaches across six thousand coastal acres.
Notable
Forest-edge treatment rooms feature outdoor fireplaces beside an enclosed heated lap pool.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and The 50 Discovery.
The cottages line the edge of the golf course and face across it, toward the ocean, with dramatic views from private verandas.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On coastal cliffs above Matauri Bay and the Cavalli Islands, set within a 6,000-acre estate.
The rooms
Outlying cottages feature open fireplaces, native timber accents, and deep-soaking bathtubs set before picture windows framing the coast.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
An outdoor infinity pool gazes across the golf course toward the Pacific. Inside, a heated lap pool looks into native forest.
The spa and gym
Treatment suites open onto private courtyards with outdoor fireplaces, and a gym looks directly into the surrounding totara canopy.
Restaurant
The Dining Room
Tables beside open fireplaces look out across the Pacific, serving line-caught Northland fish and Hawke's Bay lamb.
The New Zealand resort is perched dramatically above the Pacific Ocean, where waves pound the stony North coast shore and sea breezes are a constant companion.
At the table
Sheltered verandas with stone fireplaces host lunches and evening drinks overlooking green pastures and the ocean.
How it began
Julian Robertson discovered the remote cattle ranch during an eighties writing sabbatical, later transforming the headland into a clifftop retreat.
“Sitting amidst this carpet of green, the hotel is built in grand colonial style, all wooden shutters, timber floors and columned verandas.”
Good to know
Stay here
Rosewood Kauri Cliffs
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.