Kauri Cliffs was built in the late 1990s on an idyllic clifftop site on the very north of New Zealand’s (Aotearoa’s) North Island. It was the vision of an American developer, Julian Robertson, who hired architect David Harman to turn this sheep-grazing land into a world class course.

The setting overlooking the Cavalli Islands in the Bay of Plenty is simply magnificent. The land itself tilts towards the sea which means you get good views over the water all the way round the course.

While this is a resort course, don’t imagine it’s one of those flattering places where you will make a good score regardless of how you’re playing. You will really need to be on your game with the driver or the thick rough will be waiting to take your ball.

A round at Kauri Cliffs builds as it goes on. You get the views from the off, but the first holes are over undulating terrain where the biggest tests are keeping out of the rough and then making sure you have enough club to get to the sweeping and swooping greens.

 The greens were slick when we played so you will really need precision in approaches.