We were greeted by Jay Robertson, the General Manager and son of the American owners Julian and Josie Robertson. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is the “sister property” to their acclaimed Northland property, Kauri Cliffs Lodge & Golf Course. Julian Robertson is a retired hedge fund manager who has spent $90 million transforming a 6000-acre farm on the cliffs of Hawke’s Bay into an inspirational lodge and golf course (rated the 27th best in the world by Golf Digest, and the 10th best outside the United States).

            The new lodge, or “The Farm” as it is called, delivers a five-star experience. It is set on a working sheep and cattle farm with breathtaking views over the Pacific. The eight premier Ridge Suites and four Lodge Suites, plus ten Hilltop Suites and two Hilltop rooms, are decorated in natural fabrics and offer true luxury. Staying there felt far more like being a guest in a stylish private home than booked in a hotel. On the exterior, the lodge resembles a cluster of farm buildings. Local materials are incorporated into rooms full of natural light and unexpected treasures. The spacious cottages, each with breathtaking views, open to large porches overlooking a stunning Pacific panorama.

              For leisure activities, we found The Farm at Cape Kidnappers offers more options than we could fit into our stay. It’s fair to say that the Tom Doak designed golf course surpasses any other in New Zealand. As one journalist wrote Cape Kidnappers is “where they play golf the way it is played in heaven.” For the non-golfer, not only is one of New Zealand’s foremost wine regions just beyond the property gates, but the 6,000 acre farm setting naturally provides a host of options. One of the most memorable moments was a gorgeous cliff side hike to the resident gannet colony (the property is home to the world’s largest land based gannet colony). Farm tours, coastal hikes, picnics, bike rides, and other activities are all available on-site, and for sheer relaxation the full service luxury Day Spa, the outdoor heated infinity pool, and pool cabana await. If you need more to do, Hawke’s Bay area activities include world-class fly fishing, wine tours, art deco tours, horseback riding, and river kayaking.

              Whether you spend the day golfing (while being constantly interrupted by the view), exploring the rugged Hawke’s Bay region, or being pampered in the spa, you can always return to Chef Dale Gartland’s delectable meals and sip the award-winning local wine. If no day is perfect, this is about as close as you can get.

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GETTING THERE:
By Airplane
Air New Zealand operates at least 8 scheduled flights daily from Auckland (55 minutes) or Wellington (50 minutes) to Napier (Hawke's Bay) airport. The aircrafts are either 66-seat ATR Aerospatiale twin turbo-prop or 33-seat twin turbo-prop Saab 340s. Charter jets and propeller planes can also be organized. Cape Kidnappers will meet your flight upon request.

By Helicopter
Helicopters operate nationwide and travel from Auckland, Wellington or Taupo can be arranged. Travel direct to Cape Kidnappers from Auckland is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, Wellington flight time is 1 hour 20 minutes and from Taupo the flight time is 30-35 minutes.

By Car
Driving in New Zealand is very scenic and there are many sights to see along the way. Cape Kidnappers is a 6 hour drive from Auckland, 4 hours from Wellington, 2 hours from Lake Taupo and 1/2 hour from Napier.

WHEN TO GO: Best time to travel is August through May.

WHAT TO PACK: Most people feel they've brought too much, so with that in mind, pack lightly and plan to dress in layers. New Zealand is a fairly informally dressed country but evenings at Cape Kidnappers can feel quite elegant. So gentlemen, please bring along a jacket for dinner. In Hawke's bay you can feel a range of temperatures in one day and the sun can be quite hot. Items you can't live without, but can easily buy in New Zealand if you forget them, include hat, sunglasses, sun block, camera, golf shoes, fleece/sweater, sports socks (waterproof if you want to ensure cozy toes while hiking), and a light jacket for fall and spring.