Cape Kidnappers Golf Club
You may wonder where you are headed once you drive through the gate of Cape Kidnappers Golf Club. A twenty-minute drive awaits you through a sheep and cattle station and bush land before you actually arrive at the clubhouse. But the course is well-worth the wait!
Situated in the heart of the beautiful wine region of Hawke’s Bay and designed by top American architect Tom Doak, the fairways are clear of the traditional hazards of trees and water in favor of more modern land shape and greenside bunkers. Feast your eyes on the towering cliffs of the Cape and the deep gullies that drop to the sea. Let your gaze travel along the shoreline to the town of Napier, resplendent in its Art Deco renaissance following the devastating earthquake of 1931. Play is situated above the ocean, but the course runs to and from the edge. Go long over the green and your ball will sail inexorably into the ocean.
Named “Course of the Year” in 2004 by Travel & Leisure Golf, it will offer you excitement and drama. A trip to this North Island links should definitely be on the bucket list of all serious players, if only for the 15th hole, appropriately named Pirates Plank, situated 800 ft. above the ocean and surrounded by dizzying drops on either side. Keep calm and play on!
Explore the stunning wine region of Hawke’s Bay
Located on North Island, near the twin cities of Hastings and Napier, Hawke’s Bay is one of the largest wine regions in New Zealand. Famous throughout the world for its remarkable red wines, it is particularly renowned for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends. This is an old wine region where grapes have been grown since the 19th century, originally for altar wine. Planted on the plains of the eastern coast of the island, the vines enjoy one of the warmest and sunniest climates of the country. Warm summers, lasting falls and soothing winds blowing in from the Pacific, provide ideal conditions for winegrowing. The vineyards twist and turn alongside the rivers that run through the region, planted on the hillsides, terraces and river valleys. Different types of landform provide variations in altitude and exposure to the sun; soils vary from fertile alluvions to dry, rocky terrain. This results in a wide range of fine, fresh and complex wines.
Though Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the star varietals, it’s worth tasting the promising Syrah whose black pepper aromas are closer to European-style wines than their Australian counterparts. And don’t leave without a sip of the powerful Chardonnay white wines whose delicate balance between ripeness and freshness will leave your taste-buds reeling. There are many wineries to explore in the region including Church Road Winery whose underground museum and varied tasting activities are among the best in the region. You can even round off your tour with a delicious food and wine pairing experience at the winery’s restaurant, with all the local gourmet specialties à la carte.
Highlights
- Book your preferred tee time and requested equipment at Cape Kidnappers Golf Club for an original and exciting golf experience.
- Round off your day in the world-famous wine region of Hawke’s Bay and taste some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines in the country.
- Perk up your taste-buds with some of the fantastic local gourmet specialties in the winery restaurants of the region
Advance booking necessary
