The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

Surrounded by emerald hills, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers sits on 800-foot cliffs that plunge into the brilliant blue sea. A 6,000-acre working sheep farm, this is also a world-class golf destination.

The property is one of three run by the Robertson Family, the others being The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs (also on the North Island) and Matakauri Lodge, set along the shores of Lake Wakatipu on the South Island. All three properties are small (fewer than 25 rooms) and offer superb service, private, elegant cottages and farm-to-table dining.

The Standout: Going out with the on-site biologist to track and care for endangered baby Kiwis on the property’s nature preserve Don’t Miss: A Can-am ATV tour of the 6,000-acre farm

• The resort’s incredible commitment to preserving the environment, including a Kiwi breeding program that’s unmatched in the country
• The top-rated golf course with scenic views over Hawke’s Bay’s dramatic coastline
• The proximity to Hawke’s Bay wine country, one of the country’s top producers

The sister property of acclaimed resort Kauri Cliffs, owned by New York financier Julian Robertson and his family, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is one of New Zealand’s super luxe lodges. Situated on a stunning 6,000-acre sheep and cattle farm in Hawke’s Bay, one of the country’s top wine regions, it has 22 suites spread among several cottages, plus a four-bedroom Owner's Cottage. All are spacious and graced with top-of-the-line amenities and private decks with sweeping views.

Even though the region offers a plethora of activities, including sailing, surfing, paragliding, fly-fishing and hiking, the sheer size (and beauty) of the property makes leaving somewhat less appealing. Luckily, there is also on-site entertainment, like farm tours, mountain biking, walking, ATV touring and—of course—golf. Like Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers has a phenomenal seaside golf course that makes the most of the natural topography. Of course, it’s also possible to take a helicopter to Kauri to play or stay there, too.

Bird lovers will be intrigued by the resort’s sanctuary for the rare native Kiwi birds that are seriously endangered due to predators (they cannot fly). The walking tracking tours, with a maximum of six people, are offered only from November through April and, if available, are a must for visitors. Indagare’s Eliza Harris, whose Kiwi trek was one of the highlights of her New Zealand journey says: “I tracked an endangered baby kiwi through a forest of white pines with a biologist. When we found it hiding in the thick forest duff, I held the delicate bird in my hand (goosebumps!) while he weighed it and fed it juicy grubs to fatten it up.”

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is a golfer’s paradise. Any visitor to the North Island will appreciate the lodge’s thousands of acres of lush, rolling farmland and dramatic coastline. Those interested in New Zealand’s wine regions can visit nearby wineries. Families, couples, foodies and adventures will all be happy here.