Perched in the heart of New Zealand wine country, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers seamlessly blends rustic and luxury, offering just 22 suites and a four-bedroom Owner’s cottage spread across 6,000 acres along the Hawke’s Bay coastline. Sister property to Kauri Cliffs and Matakauri Lodge, “The Farm” (as it’s affectionately known) offers guests spacious accommodations, each featuring private balconies, walk-in closets and sitting areas. Many also boast panoramic views, either of the property’s working sheep farm, the Tom Doak-designed golf course or the bay.
If you feel like exploring the outdoors, take in a round, explore the property by bicycle or four-wheel drive or visit more than 50 wineries within an hour’s drive. Of course, if it’s shaping up to be a day where you’ll be inside, you can make your way to The Spa at Cape Kidnappers for a massage or to the Main Dining Room for a memorable meal.
- One of the property’s most dramatic features is the signature cliffs. At the highest point, the rocks jut out 800 feet above the ocean below.
- Golf lovers will recognize hole 15 on the course, which has hosted several PGA tournaments. Named Pirate’s Plank, it’s a 650-yard par 5 with the fairways stretching straight along the cliffs.
- Part of the Robertson Lodges group, Cape Kidnappers is a perfect combination vacation with one or both of its two sister properties, the equally luxurious Kauri Cliffs (on the coast) and Matakauri Lodge (in the mountains).
- Cape Kidnappers boasts one of the biggest colonies of gannet birds in the world. Venture through the rugged terrain on the Can-Am tour to see the birds in action.
- The drive from the front gate to the lodge is only five miles long, but between the winding roads and the cows roaming the property, you’ll want to leave ample time to arrive. It can take over 30 minutes just to reach the property. As a result, many guests opt to come and go by helicopter.
- Spend your days walking more than 30 miles of hiking trails, taking aim with shooing clays, or simply admiring the beauty of the surroundings.
- While we’d call the property perfect for a honeymoon or couple’s escape, the resort caters nicely to families as well – they’re happy to supply toys and activities for younger guests.
- Even the smallest room (starting at 500 square feet) is designed suite-style, with separate living areas, oversized bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and expansive balconies. Many units also offer fireplaces.
- Rooms encourage you to disconnect – while each suite has a TV, they are hidden behind artwork to blend into the surroundings.
- Complimentary minibars boast everything from soft drinks to beers like a local Tuatara Session IPA.
- Décor is done with minimalist sophistication. Think farm chic with worldly touches, a nod to the American ownership’s travels around the globe. You’ll find furnishings and other pieces from Bali, Mexico and other places scattered throughout the property.
- The color palette inside rooms and the public areas is neutral, letting the stunning greens and blues of the rugged landscape shine.
- The main building itself is built around a former grain silo, giving the impression that the hotel becomes one with the farmland around it.
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