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Rosewood Cape Kidnappers

Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

Completed in 2004, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers is a jewel in the crown of New Zealand’s golf scene. Sitting atop rolling hills, nestled amongst dramatic cliffs and vast ocean views on the southern tip of Hawke’s Bay, this luxury New Zealand golf resort offers one of the best courses in the country.

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers is home to a working farm and is a true sanctuary for some of the country’s most protected flora and fauna. Of course, it also boasts one of the world’s leading golf courses

After realizing his dream at Kauri Cliffs, American billionaire, the late Julien Robertson, turned his attention to doing the same at Cape Kidnappers. The Tom Doak design opened in 2007 and has been referred to as ‘experiencing golf at the edge of the earth.’ Built on a 6,000-acre ranch, the breathtaking peninsula with several ‘fingers’ sits 140m above Hawke’s Bay, jutting out 10km into the South Pacific.

Although the scenery is distracting, players should take special care to avoid the bunkers. Doak’s design philosophy is old school, believing that bunkers rather than trees or water features should be true penalizing elements.

Course Details

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World Top 100 Golf Course
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Up to 7,119 yards
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Designed by Tom Doak
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Opened in 2007
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Must-play on a New Zealand Golf Tour
Cape Kidnappers Cliffs

New Zealand Golf Tour

Combine the finest golf across New Zealand with some of the most picturesque and stunning scenery on North and South Island. New Zealand is a land of wonder, and you will experience otherworldly vistas on and off the golf course.

10 nights accommodation and 7 rounds of golf

Prices starting from $14,145

Dramatic Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, New Zealand

The History of Cape Kidnappers

The area gets its name from an unfortunate incident of mistaken identity. When Captain Cook was exploring the region, he had a young Tahitian cabin boy on his crew that the local Māori tribe took to be one of their own.

In an effort to rescue him the indigenous people were mistakenly thought by the crew of the Endeavor of trying to kidnap him and thus fired upon the Māori tragically killing several of them.

The course is minimalist in nature to blend in with the local landscape and was created with little intrusion into the environment.

The ranch is so large that it is a good 20-minute drive from the gate to the Clubhouse and Lodge area.

Since opening the on-site Robinson Lodges have been acclaimed for their luxurious amenities, spa, and appointments. The fall of 2023 ushered in a new era as it was announced that the iconic, luxury hospitality brand, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, would take over management of their properties at Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs, and Matakauri Lodge in Queenstown further elevating the experience for visitors.

Location

82WR+H7 Clifton, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

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