Kauri Cliffs Golf Course
Matauri Bay
Perched high above the Pacific Ocean in Northland, Kauri Cliffs is one of the world’s most spectacular cliff-top golf courses. Designed by David Harman, the par-72 championship layout stretches across rolling coastal terrain with dramatic elevation changes and panoramic ocean views on 15 holes. Six holes play directly alongside rugged cliffs, creating unforgettable tee shots framed by white-sand beaches below. Immaculate conditioning, strategic bunkering and firm, fast greens ensure a true championship test, while multiple tee options make it enjoyable for a range of handicaps. Consistently ranked among the world’s top courses, Kauri Cliffs offers an exclusive and breathtaking golfing experience in one of New Zealand’s most scenic settings.
Bay of Islands Airport
40km
England’s best golf tour operator 2026 winner
Time Zone:
GMT+13
Currency:
$ (New Zealand Dollar)
Temperature:
11°C - 20°C
Cost of a Beer:
£5.20
Cost of a 3-Course Meal:
£32
Hashtag Guide
About The Area
Matauri Bay sits on New Zealand’s far north coastline and is home to one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most celebrated golf experiences. Remote, pristine and visually extraordinary, this stretch of Northland coastline combines sweeping Pacific Ocean views with world-ranked course design and understated luxury.
The centrepiece is Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, consistently ranked among the world’s top 100 courses. Designed by David Harman, the layout is perched high above the ocean, with 15 holes offering direct sea views and several playing along dramatic cliff edges. Wide fairways encourage bold driving, but strategic bunkering, rolling terrain and coastal winds demand thoughtful shot selection. The green complexes are varied and subtly contoured, rewarding precise approach play and confident putting. Conditioning is exceptional year-round, and the routing makes full use of the natural landscape.
Golf at Matauri Bay is defined by scale — expansive skies, rugged coastline and uninterrupted ocean panoramas. The prime playing season runs from November to April, when summer conditions bring firm-running fairways and long daylight hours.
Off the course, the Bay of Islands region offers sailing, fishing charters and boat excursions to secluded coves. The nearby Waitangi Treaty Grounds provide historical insight into New Zealand’s founding document, while local beaches remain largely untouched and peaceful. Boutique lodge accommodation and fine dining complete the high-end experience.
For golfers seeking dramatic cliff-top golf, remote coastal tranquillity and true bucket-list status, Matauri Bay delivers one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking and exclusive golf escapes.
