The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs
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The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs ranks among the top luxury retreats in the world. Courtesy of Kauri Cliffs
Lodge at Kauri Cliffs resort - suites
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Lodge at Kauri Cliffs resort - suites
The suites at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs are cozy. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
Lodge at Kauri Cliffs resort - pool
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Lodge at Kauri Cliffs resort - pool
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs' pool and hot tub overlook the Pacific Ocean. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
Lodge at Kauri Cliffs resort - dining room
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Lodge at Kauri Cliffs resort - dining room
The dining room at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is casually elegant. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
Lodge at Kauri Cliffs resort - appetizer
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Lodge at Kauri Cliffs resort - appetizer
An appetizer is served during pre-dinner wine tasting inside The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs in New Zealand. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
Lodge at Kauri Cliffs resort
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Lodge at Kauri Cliffs resort
Guests love the convenience of The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, which is just steps from the pool, spa, cottages and golf course. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
Lodge at Kauri Cliffs resort - spa
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Lodge at Kauri Cliffs resort - spa
Unwind at the spa at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs in New Zealand. Courtesy of Kauri Cliffs
Lodge at Kauri Cliffs resort - Pink Beach
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Lodge at Kauri Cliffs resort - Pink Beach
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs hosts BBQs on Friday nights during the summer at the secluded Pink Beach. Courtesy of Kauri Cliffs
Lodge at Kauri Cliffs - Pink Beach
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Lodge at Kauri Cliffs - Pink Beach
The seventh green of Kauri Cliffs provides a view of Pink Beach below. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
Kauri Cliffs - breakfast on the balcony
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Kauri Cliffs - breakfast on the balcony
Breakfast on the balcony watching the sunrise is one of the guilty pleasures of staying at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs in New Zealand. Jason Scott Deegan/Golf Advisor
Kauri Cliffs golf course - Matauri Bay
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Kauri Cliffs golf course - Matauri Bay
Kauri Cliffs overlooks the shores of Matauri Bay. Courtesy of Chris McLennan/Kauri Cliffs
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Life's a beach at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs in New Zealand

NORTHLAND, New Zealand -- You could travel the world and not find another place as wonderful as The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs.

Golf Digest ranked The Lodge no. 1 among the "World's Best Golf Hotels" in the international category in 2009.

Golfers worship the sublime setting of Kauri Cliffs, where six holes hug the cliffs along Matauri Bay. Both Golf Digest (no. 25 in 2012) and Golf Magazine (no. 80 in 2011) consider the thrilling David Harman design one of the world's top 100 courses.

Luxury travelers, many of whom don't play golf, come for everything else the 6,000-acre working farm delivers, the pleasant hikes, the picnics on Pink Beach and the sumptuous spa. Trying your hand at tennis, bird watching, fishing, hunting, mountain biking and clay pigeon shooting provides more leisure pursuits.

However you spend your time, the fresh ocean air and the scenery involving the Bay of Islands tends to set the soul on fire. Gorgeous suites, and an owner's cottage, reside conveniently steps from the lodge, where wine tasting sets the mood for dinner.

"If you look at this place overall, the location, privacy and general hospitality, it's fabulous," said David Lamb, visiting from the United Kingdom in March. "It's hard to beat.

Jason Scott Deegan has reviewed and photographed more than 1,100 courses and written about golf destinations in 25 countries for some of the industry's biggest publications. His work has been honored by the Golf Writer's Association of America and the Michigan Press Association. Follow him on Instagram at @jasondeegangolfpass and Twitter at @WorldGolfer.
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Life's a beach at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs in New Zealand