One of golf’s ultimate destination properties — Kauri Cliffs on New Zealand’s sub-tropical North Island — took the next step as a stay-and-play getaway with the addition of three 4-bedroom residences that start at $11,000 (USD) per night.

The hefty price tag isn’t a deterrent, as the new accommodations were booked solid throughout the recent high season from November to March, providing guests sweeping views of a golf course ranked No. 26 in the world (outside the U.S.) by Golf Digest as well as the Pacific Ocean, Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands.

“Folks are pretty blown away,” said Ray Geffre, director of golf at Kauri Cliffs and its sister course in New Zealand: Cape Kidnappers. “As anticipated, each residence has proved pretty darned perfect for golf buddy trips, and we welcomed plenty of those foursomes this year. But we were pleasantly surprised to see how many different sorts of guests made use of them: families spread across two residences; long-term stays where guests effectively used Kauri as their home base for exploring the Northland of New Zealand.”

The residences, which can accommodate up to eight people, complement the property’s luxury lodge and its 22 free-standing cottage suites.

They’re similar to the Owners Cottage, where members of founder Julian Robertson’s family would stay when visiting the area. When it was made available to guests, the original cottage would sell out in a matter of hours. Ownership decided in 2020 to build three comparable residences, but because of the pandemic and related travel restrictions they didn’t become available until the end of 2022.

The residences include spacious lounge and living areas ideal for golf trips, a 25-foot saltwater pool with surrounding deck, and a family-sized kitchen with a casual dining island. Of note, stays at Kauri Cliffs are all-inclusive, with guests getting a full daily breakfast in the main lodge, lunch, pre-dinner drinks, canapes and dinner, not to mention a fully stocked mini bar with New Zealand wine, beer and spirits.

“The residences were created by the demand. New Zealand’s reputation as a destination that people want to share with their families has only grown post-pandemic,” Geffre said. “We’re obviously thrilled that in such a short time, they have become the premier ‘home away from home' for families, foursomes and corporate groups wishing to discover the magic of Kauri Cliffs and Northland. Because there truly is no better home base when exploring this part of the country.”

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs was the first to be developed by the Robertsons in 1999, followed by The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay. Set on 6,000 acres of farmland on the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, Kauri Cliffs has three private beaches and an ancient kauri forest, but is best known for its golf course designed by Nicklaus protégé David Harmon.

The course recently had all 18 greens re-grassed when international travel to New Zealand was effectively halted for 18 months, although the course never closed to local play. More recently, during the southern winter of 2022, superintendent Andy Wood and his team stripped, laser-leveled and replanted every tee.

“We remain committed to continually improving,” said Geffre. “We recognize that New Zealand can be quite a trip for some guests. We’re determined to make that trip worth their while. That’s what the new residences are about.”