To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur: suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
*Total price provided for information only, based on accommodation for two people in a double room for the number of nights per property as indicated on this page, exclusive of recommended activities, properties that cannot be reserved online and restaurants.
Hotel and restaurant on the seafront. Set on 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay, Northland, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs offers spectacular 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean, and overlooks a championship golf course. The beautiful panoramic view encompasses Cape Brett, and the Cavalli Islands. This splendid plantation lodge has a spacious living room, two private day rooms and a beautiful dining room with outdoor decks overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The magnificent spa facility is located in a native Totara forest, while the cottages are nestled on the edge of the forest and have been designed to offer the same stunning vista as the veranda of the main lodge. ... Learn moreless
Built in 2001, the Kauri Cliffs golf course is considered to be the finest work of the late architect David Harman (who was a business partner of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer). Within the space of two years, David made some 46 round trips between Florida and New Zealand, to transform the wild landscape into a unique golf course. The course offers 18 holes spread over 6,510 metres (par 72) in a breathtaking setting: 15 holes look out over the Pacific Ocean, and six of them are set right on the cliffs. One year after the course was completed, it was already ranked among the finest courses in the world. Former world number one Frederick Couples put it very simply: It’s the most beautiful place I have ever played.
Hotel and restaurant on a lake. On splendid, mysterious Lake Wakatipu, the cradle of ancient Maori legends and one of the most serene landscapes in the world, Matakauri Lodge offers stunning views of the mountain ranges. Each of the beautiful suites has a private porch, bedroom with sitting area and open fireplace, a walk-in wardrobe and bathroom. Eight of them are outlying, the three other are housed in the main lodge, which also boasts a spacious lounge, dining and living areas with views of the lake. A magnificent spa with pool, sauna and fitness centre all combine to make this the ideal retreat, just seven minutes from Queenstown. ... Learn moreless
Hotel and restaurant on a golf course. Far out to the east of Hawke’s Bay wine country, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers sits atop rolling farmland and rugged cliffs that give way to vast sea views. Home to not only a lodge and spa, this unique property also boasts an award-winning Tom Doak-designed golf course and a sanctuary for some of New Zealand’s most precious flora, fauna and endangered animals. Warm and enveloping, its generous suites and Owner’s Cottage deliver sumptuous comfort and awe-inspiring panoramic views. The main lodge overlooks the working farm, golf course and Pacific Ocean, and houses the guest lounge, library, wine cellar and snug, providing a variety of options of dining locations. And never short on incredible experiences, activities include exploring the expansive estate on horseback or Can-Am and hiking any of the many walking trails. ... Learn moreless
The Farm at the Kidnappers seems to have its own ecosystem. In the area around the hotel, you can discover incredible bird species, including the almost 20,000 Northern Gannets that come to nest along the cliffs between September and April. There is also the kiwi, the wild bird which is the symbol of New Zealand. Kiwis cannot fly. During the day, they hide in burrows or under tree roots, and at night they look for food on the ground. You will also discover the tuatara, a lizard endemic to the island which seems straight out of the world of dinosaurs, and which wanders unfazed among the visitors ...
Since the mid 19th century, Hawkes Bay has been famous for producing some of the best wines in New Zealand. Missionaries from France planted and worked the first vines here. The region, it should be noted, is one of the country’s sunniest and also has a maritime climate conducive to the making of quality red and white wines. Its Merlot and Cabernet feature on the menus of the country’s best restaurants.
Here you can play in the midst of pastures, between greens, bunkers and sheep. The magnificent Pacific is within driving distance! The fifteenth hole is dubbed the pirate’s plank. The game continues between chalk cliffs, looking out over the little manukas, or tea trees, which in spring sport pretty red flowers. Designed by Tom Doak, the course has also been rated in the top hundred most beautiful courses in the world by the highly respected Golf Magazine. The course could be described as firm and fast (18 holes, 6,510 metres, par 71). One tip: watch out for the wind!
