Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs Update

I know much has been said about these two hotels in the past so I thought I'd give an updated review and compare the two, both of which are generally highly thought of on Flyertalk and in general. Apologize in advance for iPad typos and no photos - need to figure out how to upload!

Cape Kidnappers:

We arrived late in the afternoon having been driven from Huka Lodge with some wine tasting and lunch in Hawke's Bay along the way.  We were greeted nicely with a glass of bubbly ( or whatever you chose), shown the main lodge, given the run down on dining times, activities, etc and shown to our room.  Very professional but friendly staff and a good first impression.

Kauri Cliffs:

We had flown to Kerikeri and were transferred from the airport to the lodge.  Again we were greeted, shown around the lodge, offered a drink of our choice, and then due to the time of day sat for lunch.  Once finished lunch we had a bit of trouble finding someone to show us tomour room, but did eventually.  I think the person who ended up showing us to our room was not used to this as he did not seem to know much about the room and just kind of dropped us off.  It was fine as we figured things out, but not quite as informative as  Cape Kidnappers welcome.

Winner: Cape Kidnappers

Cape Kidnappers

We had a ridge suite with a beautiful view of the property with the ocean in the distance.  The room was very comfortable.  I would call the style sort of like a big Aspen like country farmhouse design.  It was well done.  The room had a nice spacious feel with high ceilings, a fireplace, large bathroom, and nice deck.  It had a large wardrobe area and nice mini bar set up with all the makings for coffee, tea, and drinks (everything free but alcohol although they do provide one included  half bottle of white and one included half bottle of red wine.  They also had lots of snacks including home made brownies and cookies.  The room was very nice, and although we did not see the inside of the hilltop or lodge suites, based on location and outlook I would recommend this category.  The only caveat would be if someone has mobility challenges being in the lodge suites might be a better choice, or fircthe convenience of running back and firth to your room. Of course they would pick you up and drive you to the lodge if you wanted as well.  Overall we really liked our room here and it was in very good condition.  

Kauri Cliffs:

The rooms at Kauri Cliffs are along the left side of the property if you are facing the ocean, and run along from the lodge down a hill.  We had a Deluxe accommodation here.  It is a bit larger than the std, and is more elevated so the views are a bit better.  Other choices are a family unit which evidently has a very small room for children or the owners cottage.  They are in the process of building 3 or 4 new villas which will each have 3 or 4 bedrooms.  They should be ready next year although the building had not started yet - just the land was cleared.

Our room was very nice with terrific views of the golf course and ocean.  The room was comfortable, had a similar bathroom to Cape Kidnappers ( two sinks, bath tub, sep walk in shower) and had a similar mini bar set up.   It had a fireplace and a nice deck, but somehow did not feel as spacious as Cape Kidnappers. It was very nice but had a different feel.  It also had a very large wardrobe area, but just felt smaller although I think the square footage was about the same.  For those of you who have been to Meadowood the rooms to me had a similar style.

Winner:  on the overall room I'd give it to Cape  Kidnappers as it just felt more spacious, but on the view I'd give it to Kauri Cliffs but that is IMHO and given we have a preference of views closer to the ocean.

Cape Kidnappers:

Excellent.  They were very attentive and service oriented.  We had one mishap, but they recovered nicely.  

Kauri Cliffs:

Very good, but not as personal as Cape Kidnappers.  It was busier and they made two big mistakes.  They ultimately made up for it, but they were major mistakes.  

Winner:  Cape Kidnappers but barely.  Both very good especially as in both cases their service recovery was good. ( without my even pressing as they knew they made mistakes).  I think this is always a sign of a very good hotel.

Both hotels had somewhat similar dining.  Some differences but similar in many ways.

Cape Kidnappers:

The food was good.  Very fresh ingredients, focus on local, very strong wine list and very good somm ( but wine very expensive!).  We enjoyed the food and especially a special dinner we asked the chef to do with one day notice,  that was our highlight from a culinary perspective at this lodge.  They were more than happy to bring us breakfast in our room as well which we like.

Kauri Cliffs:

We were lucky here with the weather as we were able to dine outside in the evenings which was nice.  The food was about the same in my mind as Cape Kidnappers, but the atmosphere at dinner was better to me.   Again the excellent weather was a strong factor.  They also brought us breakfast in our room, but we had one big issue with a private picnic we ordered.  They rectified it with service recovery in a big way, but it was also a big mistake!

Spoiler alert for some on both properties:  Men must wear jackets at dinner and it was enforced.  Not my husband's thing but since I had snuck a jacket in our luggage he obliged.  The one thing he hates more is wearing one they offer, but that is a possibility as well.  I do think they need to become more modern on this!  

Winner :  Tie on food, Kauri Cliffs on atmosphere and variety of venues.

Cape Kidnappers:

It is a real working farm and a tremendous piece of property.   It is so immense and until we did the 4 wheel drive "Can Am" tour we had so idea the size of the property.  It is gorgeous and goes all the way down to the beach.  There are a number of outdoor activities one can do as well as a pool, and a spa.  Of course the main activity for many is golf and the course is magnificent.  My husband and I are not golfers but we still found the property extremely enjoyable and relaxing with plenty to do.  We spent 3 nights there but really only had two full days since we wine tasted on the way from Huka, and left fairly early to get to Kauri Cliffs.  We did the Can Am tour one morning which was about 3 hours and took us all around the property where we also saw the remarkable gannet colony.  We also did the Kiwi walk one morning which was fun - and yes you see real kiwis!  We liked CK a lot and would highly recommend to both golfers and non golfers as a beautiful place to explore and relax.

Kauri Cliffs:

Great location - just gorgeous.  Beautiful golf course with wonderful up close ocean views.  The beauty just astounded me but then we love, love the ocean and those dramatic views.  As non golfers we were able to take fpgolf carts out and ride the course and property at our leusure.  The course was never crowded and we loved cruising around looking at those amazing views.  There are also 3 beaches on which you can have a picnic ( we did the pink beach which is magnificent), you can ride horses on the property, hike, golf of course, and there are also many offsite activities.  We charted a sailboat for a sail round the bay of islands which was fabulous.

Winner:  A tough one and I think a matter of opinion but we just loved Kauri Cliffs as w love the ocean being closer vs farther away.  But I higly  recommend both locations and both offer a lot to do.

Both are wonderful lodges and I highly recommend.  If someone were to ask me which is better I hone stay think it depends on your own preferences.  We are very happy we went to both,  I liked the physical room better at Cape Kidnapors but I liked the physical location better at Kauri Cliffs.  I think the find and service is a toss up.  They are both good, with Cape Kidnappers in our experience being a bit more personalized - maybe as it was not as crowded.  Kauri Cliffs was a bit more sophisticated. We met great people at both lodges - guests and staff.  Had a great time at both,  Where. Would we return?  Likely Kauri Cliffs.   But again That's me!

Winner:  Both, but for me the edge to Kauri