Style: August 03, 2017

22 STYLE | report
Prepare to have your breath taken
away – Cape Kidnappers
Once only reserved for the rich and
famous, New Zealand’s luxury lodges
were something we all heard about but never
experienced. Today, the lodges have become
more accessible to the New Zealand market as
local travellers increasingly seek escapism and
detachment from city life. It’s all about satisfying
the urge to feel lost and off the beaten track
for a little while, be it by a lake edge or a river
bank, perched on a cliff top or a mountainside.
On an international level, New Zealand’s
lodges are known as some of the best in the
world, and I’m happy to confirm that the
rumours are true.
I start my journey in the North Island’s
Hawke’s Bay, an area that is no stranger to
luxury and exceptional hospitality. The first stop
is The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, a luxury lodge
and wildlife reserve set within a 2428-hectare
sheep and cattle station, and bordered at the
east by the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, it’s
possible to make out snow-capped Mount
Ruapehu on the horizon. Built to cater for all
seasons, there are many locations to relax in the
lodge – be it snuggled up by the fireplace in the
cooler months, or dining outside in the warmer
weather while taking in the stunning views of the
Cape. The barrel room (pictured left) is a mustsee
in its own right – a fantastic piece of interior
architecture.
Food and wine is a major component at
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, which features
a five-star, award-winning restaurant. The
kitchen is headed by James Honore, a Kiwi with
extensive international experience and whose
passion for local produce has seen the lodge
named in some of the world’s top travel and
food magazines. Every evening, the lodge sets
up a bar area where guests can enjoy predinner
drinks and canapés, and much of the
produce served to guests is sourced within the
region, either from local growers, or the lodge’s
own vegetable garden. Naturally, Hawke’s Bay
wine is also paired with produce, making the
dining experience outstanding.
The Farm is perhaps best known, however,
for its 71-par golf course, currently #39 in the
world, according to Golf Digest. If a day on
the links isn’t your cup of tea, the lodge also
offers indulgent spa treatments, an infinity pool
and hot tub, as well as ocean-side hikes and
farm tours. The accommodation structure has
three tiers, comprised of entry-level rooms,
residents’ suites, and the magnificent Owner’s
Cottage, with each room positioned to have a
spectacular panoramic view.
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is a sister
property to The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs in
Northland, and Matakauri Lodge near
Queenstown. The three super-luxury
properties – all owned and operated by
New York-based financier and philanthropist
Julian Robertson and family – are part of the
exclusive Relais & Chateaux hotel group. All
three offer world-class accommodation in
some of New Zealand’s most picturesque
locations and have all received international
recognition for their quality.
Robertson’s passion for wildlife and New
Zealand’s rugged beauty are evident in all three
lodges. His developments in New Zealand
started with the golf course at Kauri Cliffs, and
when friends visiting from America mentioned
that they wished it had accommodation, he
added the lodge. Following this, he fell in love
with the dramatic Hawke’s Bay coastline,
and upon making his way down the country,
developed Matakauri near Queenstown a
few years later. Robertson also owns a farm
in North Canterbury, so let’s keep our fingers
crossed that this could also, one day, become
the location for one of his spectacular lodges.
For now though, I could quite easily spend
endless days soaking up all that The Farm at
Cape Kidnappers has on offer.
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
Best Time To Go: August-September, to
take advantage of the Lodge Life package.
Recommendations: Take a farm tour in a
four-wheel drive out to the bird colony, where
you can get up close and personal with New
Zealand wildlife.
Tariffs: Rates range from $1897.50 for a double
occupancy of a Hilltop Suite in the low season
(April-November) to $19,711 for the Owner’s
Cottage, which houses four guests in the high
season (December-January).
Details: 446 Clifton Road, Te Awanga, Hawke’s
Bay, capekidnappers.com
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers Lodge main entrance
Cape Kidnappers Owner’s Cottage