Rosewood Cape Kidnappers sits on the headland at the southern end of Hawke's Bay on the North Island, on a 6,000-acre working sheep and beef farm where the cliffs drop about 800 feet to the Pacific. The lodge is modern rustic in style, with understated, comfortable rooms. Every room is a suite with long views along the coast, with a fireplace and a generous bathroom, and there are larger two-bedroom suites for families. Dinner is a serious affair, with vegetables, fruit and herbs from the lodge's own garden and a menu that changes daily, matched with wines from one of the country's leading wine regions. The golf course, designed by Tom Doak and opened in 2004, runs along the ridges with the sea in view on every hole. Guests can join the shepherd for shearing and mustering with Huntaway dogs, tour the Cape Sanctuary conservation project, or visit the largest mainland gannet colony in the world. There is also a small spa.
- Rooms
- 22 suites
Insider tip Do not leave without the Kiwi Discovery Walk, which is open only to lodge guests. The team keep the details a surprise.
Why I choose it It joins a working farm, a great golf course and a wine region in one stay, and it shows guests a side of New Zealand far from the crowds.