I’ve blogged about Kauri Cliffs before, but having just spent a couple of nights here again I’m loving this place.

Their peak season runs from November through April, but I love coming here in the winter, as not only are their rates more reasonable, but the lodge is quiet. 

You might ask what do you do in luxury lodge in the winter… well here’s what we did.

We arrived on Sunday morning a little before check-in you could say – 10.30 am. We were greeted like long-lost friends having been here before and sat down to a much-needed coffee and a few delicious pastries before being shown to our suite. All the suites are set in lush native bush, independent from the lodge.

The weather was squally and not conducive to walking or golf so we had a leisurely lunch, a snooze then I trotted through Totara forest to the spa set among a fern glen with a little   stream. Before I even got there my thoughts were drifting and my body relaxed. The bush is magnificent and as I walked I hoped to see a kiwi as I’m sure they live in the surrounds. The spa treatment was excellent.

At 6.30 pm we left our fire side armchairs in our little abode and walked across to the lodge for complimentary canapes and drinks before dinner. I can’t begin to tell you how relaxing it is sitting in front of a fire, tasting tit bits, so delicate and delicious you have no idea how the chef prepared them.

After a couple of drinks we went through to the Tiger Room where our private dining table was set up in front of the fire. We chose from a tempting menu with great variety and choice, even thought there were only four guests in the lodge.

Eventually we retired to our room, beds turned down, fire on and a nightcap to celebrate being alive.

Up early and full of energy we indulged in breakfast: pastries prepared by the pastry chef, fruit, freshly squeezed juices and home-made muesli before I had a white egg omelette with goat’s cheese tomatoes and spinach.

The day was calm and warm so we are keen to get out on the golf course and experience the magnificent ocean views and the Cavalli Islands.

Following golf our afternoon itinerary was busy exploring the local beaches. There are so many nooks and crannies along this coastline I think it would be impossible to count the number of the beaches. We had planned a lunch of fish and chips on the beach at Whangaroa, but with the store was closed so we settled for a pie in Kaeo.

Back to the lodge it was time to disappear into the Totara forest again and find the magical spa. It’s decadent to have two spa treatments in two days, but with the winter package at Kauri Cliffs there is a $400 a day lodge activity credit / per room to be used on golf, the spa and other activities offered by the lodge, so I really had no choice!

Relaxed and chilled we had another dining setting this time in the Green Room. It was private as we not only had the room to ourselves, but we had the lodge to ourselves.

Oh, I love this place in winter.