Coastlines, Cliffs, and Championship Courses

For this itinerary, the journey is just as spectacular as the destination.

Experience a championship course, NZ’s most important historical site, the stunning Bay of Islands, and the northern-most golf courses in the country all in five days.  

DAY 1

Luxury at Kauri Cliffs 

Whether arriving in style by helicopter or taking the scenic half-day drive from Auckland, your effort is rewarded by arriving at the world-renowned Kauri Cliffs. 

Spend the afternoon on this championship course, a masterpiece designed by David Harman. Set on 6,000 acres of rolling farmland, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs is a property like no other, with high clifftop fairways, vast Pacific Ocean views, and striking backdrops of Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands. Beyond the greens, a luxury coastal retreat seamlessly blends into its surroundings.  

If you’re overnighting at Kauri Cliffs, take advantage of the private beaches, indulgent spa, numerous walking trails, exceptional hospitality, and guided experiences on offer. Otherwise, consider a detour to Ngawha Springs on your way back to the Bay of Islands - an early evening soak in these naturally heated geothermal pools is the perfect way to unwind. 

For those staying in Kerikeri, Treghan Luxury Lodge and Moon Gate Villas offer boutique charm, while Māha Restaurant and The Plough & Feather serve up exceptional dining. Nearby, Adventure Puketi hosts guided night tours providing a chance to explore an ancient kauri forest under the stars. Alternatively, Paihia offers a wide range of stays, with lively waterfront dining at Charlotte’s Kitchen and cool cocktails at Bad Habits. 

DAY 2

All around the Bay of Islands 

Start the day with a top-notch coffee and one of the famous freshly baked cinnamon rolls, at Third Wheel Coffee Co in Paihia. If time allows, take a morning visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand’s most significant historic site. A guided tour and cultural performance provide deeper insights into the nation's founding story and time perfectly to finish with lunch at the onsite Whare Waka Café. 

The afternoon brings a change of pace with a round at Kerikeri Golf Club. This beautiful tree-lined course is known for its signature drop hole and superb volcanic-draining fairways, making it one of the few courses playable year-round. 

If you opted for a morning round of golf, consider rounding off the day with a Sundowner Sail. Whether aboard the laid-back Barefoot Sailing Adventures or the iconic R. Tucker Thompson tall ship, you’ll soak in the golden light of the Bay of Islands from the water. 

For dinner, The Duke Restaurant in Russell is well worth the ferry ride, offering elegant waterfront dining in an historic setting. Then, settle in for another comfortable night in Kerikeri, Paihia, or Russell. 

DAY 3

Doubtless Bay and the Karikari Peninsula 

Heading north from the Bay of Islands, today’s journey takes you to the stunning Doubtless Bay and Karikari Peninsula, home to secluded beaches, beautiful wineries, and yet another championship course. 

Stop for lunch at Remarkable Café & Restaurant in Mangōnui or the legendary Mangōnui Fish Shop, where you can enjoy freshly caught seafood with waterfront views. 

Then it’s time to tee off at Carrington Golf Course, a challenging yet rewarding course with stunning views. Set among rolling hills and vineyards, Carrington offers luxury accommodation, an on-site restaurant, and even a winery, making it an ideal place to stay if you want to indulge without leaving the grounds. 

Beyond golf, the Karikari Peninsula is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking beaches, including Maitai Bay and Puwheke Beach. For something different, explore Gumdiggers Park, where ancient buried kauri forests reveal a prehistoric past, or visit Rotopokaka Lake (Coca Cola Lake), known for its dark, peat-stained waters. 

For dinner, Carrington Restaurant offers refined estate dining, or head back to Mangōnui for a relaxed meal at Jesse’s on the Waterfront. Accommodation options range from luxury at Carrington Estate to beachfront apartments at Cable Bay Stays, and historic accommodations like The Old Oak Boutique Hotel. 

DAY 4

Ahipara and the top of the north 

Today, the journey takes you across to Taitokerau Northland’s west coast for a round at Kaitaia Golf Club in Ahipara - New Zealand’s northernmost true links course. Always a fantastic challenge, this course is shaped by the coastal elements, with undulating dunes and sea breezes keeping things interesting.  

For a casual lunch, North Drift Café in Ahipara is a local favourite, offering great coffee and hearty fare.  

For those with energy to spare, consider making the journey two hours north to Te Rerenga Wairua Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean in a dramatic clash of currents. This iconic spot is not just a scenic marvel, it’s also one of the most spiritually significant locations for Māori, believed to be the leaping point for spirits of the departed making their way back to the mythical homeland of Hawaiki. Otherwise, stay closer to Ahipara and explore horse trekking along Te Oneroa a Tōhē Ninety Mile Beach, take a surf lessons at the world-famous break at Te Kohanga Shipwreck Bay, or simply take in the endless sweeping sands.  

For dinner, Peekaboo in Kaitaia is a hidden gem, serving up a casual yet delicious menu with a welcoming atmosphere. When it comes to accommodation, The Huts Ahipara is a standout option, offering eco-luxury in an incredible setting. Other choices cater to a range of budgets and styles. 

DAY 5

The final day 

For the return trip to Auckland, consider the scenic west coast route via the Kauri Coast, taking time to stop and appreciate the ancient kauri trees of Waipoua Forest. 

Alternatively, extend the golfing adventure with a final round at Waitangi Golf Course. This undulating course boasts some of the most spectacular views in Taitokerau Northland, overlooking the sparkling waters of the Bay of Islands. 

Or, if Taitokerau Northland has left you wanting more, connect this itinerary with another golf itinerary, one of the Northland Journeys, or one of four food and beverage itineraries - there’s still so much to explore in this stunning region.