Cape Kidnappers is a place to build a journey around. Tom Doak’s course sits above Hawke’s Bay, where rolling farmland gives way to deeply cut coastal landforms. The setting asks you to look up from the ball.
Cape Kidnappers green fees and tee times.
The course is open to visitors as well as guests of Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, and tee times are booked through the golf shop. The previous operator, Robertson Lodges, published tiered green fees for international players, Australians and New Zealand residents, with GST added on top and a discount for lodge guests. Rosewood’s current pages do not list visitor prices, so request a quote when you book. Lodge guests can choose packages that include unlimited green fees each day, which makes a two- or three-night stay the simplest way to play more than once.
The round, in perspective.
Tom Doak’s course was finished in 2004 for the American investor Julian Robertson, on a 6,000-acre working sheep and cattle station. It is a par 71, set about 140 metres above the Pacific on a series of long ridges divided by deep ravines. Several holes run out to the end of a ridge, and three times you play from one ridge end to the next. At the 6th and 15th an approach pulled left can fall off the cliff altogether. The famous 15th, a long par 5 called Pirate’s Plank, runs out along a narrow finger of land towards the cape. Fairways are firm and fast, and the bunkers that hang off some greens are deep.
Make the trip work.
After a long-haul arrival, give yourself a recovery day in Hawke’s Bay before the round. Golf carts, trundlers, club and shoe hire are all available, so you can travel light. The clubhouse has a wrap-around terrace for lunch, and the pro shop stocks Titleist and Callaway equipment. Allow time to drive the winding farm road from the gate to the clubhouse.
Hawke’s Bay Airport at Napier has direct flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. From there the drive south past Clive and Te Awanga to the estate takes roughly 40 minutes. Hastings is about 30 minutes away by road. A hire car gives the most freedom for exploring the wineries.
Where it is.
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Somewhere to settle in.
Rosewood Cape Kidnappers is the lodge on the estate, with suites, two-bedroom suites and Hawke’s Bay villas, plus a spa. Dinner and breakfast are included in many rates, and some offers fold in unlimited golf. For a cheaper or longer stay, Napier’s Art Deco centre and the villages of Havelock North and Te Awanga put you among the region’s wineries and restaurants.
Make a trip of it.
Hawke’s Bay has solid club golf for a second round, including Napier Golf Club at Waiohiki and Hastings Golf Club at Bridge Pa. The estate itself runs a farm tour with working sheepdogs. Cape Kidnappers is also home to the world’s largest, most accessible mainland gannet colony, and the Gimblett Gravels wineries and Napier’s 1930s Art Deco streets fill the rest of the day.
Find your season.
The New Zealand spring, summer and autumn, roughly October to April, offer the longest days and firmest turf. The operator’s published summer season ran from 1 November to 31 March. Strong winds can sweep the ridges in any month, and greens are cored periodically, so ask about maintenance dates when booking.
Can you play Cape Kidnappers without staying at the lodge?
Yes. Cape Kidnappers takes visitor tee times as well as Rosewood guests. Book in advance through the golf shop. Lodge guests have the advantage of packages with unlimited golf included.
Who designed Cape Kidnappers golf course?
Tom Doak of Renaissance Golf Design. The course was completed in 2004 and is a par 71 set around 140 metres above the Pacific Ocean on a working farm.
How far is Cape Kidnappers from Kauri Cliffs?
They are at opposite ends of the North Island. Driving between them takes most of a day, so most visitors fly via Auckland: Kerikeri for Kauri Cliffs and Napier for Cape Kidnappers.
What else is there to do at Cape Kidnappers?
The estate runs farm tours with working sheepdogs, and the cape itself holds the world’s largest, most accessible mainland gannet colony. Rosewood’s spa, and Hawke’s Bay wineries a short drive away, fill a non-golf day.
Last checked 4 October 2026. This is an independent planning guide, not a first-hand review or a booking service. Check live availability, access, fees and travel details with the operator before booking. Airport suggestions are starting points for route planning.
