Dateline January 26, 2015 – Golf at Kauri Cliffs

Kauri Cliffs Golf Club was about a 35 minute drive from Kerikeri.  We turned off a main road and followed a dirt road for about a mile, we wondered if TomTom was taking us to a wrong location.  Finally a gate appeared, very unassuming, with a security speaker on the side.  We called and were told to come in and follow the road to the clubhouse and we would be met to direct us to parking.

We were met in the drive by Cameron, the assistant golf pro and loaded our carts to head out to the course.  Driving around the clubhouse we were treated to a view over the course towards the ocean.  It was sunny and about 75 degrees with as very pleasant breeze.  We were told by Cameron that there were only 6 other players playing the course for th day!

The golf course was designed by David Harman of Orlando, Florida.  He worked with some of the best designers spending most of his time on the construction of the courses.  He spent two years on Kauri Cliffs, unfortunately he passed away from lung cancer at 51 after completing Kauri Cliffs.  As one person wrote, “I can’t imagine what courses he may have designed and built later in life”.  Below is a plaque with comments from the owner Julian Robertson.

Julian Roberts made a fortune in finance, when he was young he spent a year in New Zealand writing, where he developed his love for New Zealand.  He then went into the finance business.  He build Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers over looking the pacific ocean at Hawkes Bay.  On our schedule to play in a few days!

The front nine was a great layout and a lot of fun to play overlooking fantastic vistas looking out over the Bay of Islands.

We stopped to pick up a sandwich and soda for the back nine.  Those that know John’s game would have  been shocked when he birdied 10, birdied 11 and parred 12!  Reality struck and he was back to his normal game on 13!  Janice played brilliantly and shot 83 from the mens tees at 6,000+ yards.  Peter and Bunny had a blast and a lot of fun. We were able to get sensational pictures of the course and the views from the cliffs out to the Bay of Islands and pacific ocean.

Of course we purchased hats and shirts from the pro shop.  Great day, sensational course conditions and as you can see just sensational views from the course, do not miss this course when in the North Island of New Zealand!

Back to Swallow Ridge to enjoy the views sitting by the pool and enjoying rum and cokes along with cheese and crackers.  Out for a quick meal and back for a good night of sleep.

We highly recommend Swallow Ridge for accommodations if playing Kauri Cliffs.