The huge estate at Cape Kidnappers guarantees privacy and exclusivity. Activities range from playing golf on one of New Zealand’s top courses to quad biking and even participating in the lodge’s own kiwi conservation programme.

The accommodation combines the main lodge building with clusters of private suites and cottages built from river stone and weathered wood – all furnished to the highest possible standard.

From the same stable as Kauri Cliffs in Northland, Cape Kidnappers is simply one of the finest places to stay anywhere in the world.

New Zealand’s sunniest region on the Pacific east coast of  North Island offers everything you may expect from New Zealand and a few surprises as well.

Many people throughout the world know of the world class award winning wines of Hawke’s Bay and the climate and geography produces excellent examples of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

There are also less indulgent pleasures to be enjoyed in the area. Time is well spent on any of the beautiful beaches in the region which offer excellent surfing, boogie boarding and kayaking and equally good sunbathing!

A stunning wildlife experience is on offer at Cape Kidnappers at the southern boundary of the bay. Here it is possible to visit the largest and most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world which is home to about 17,000 birds.

The surprise of Hawke’s Bay comes in the architecture. On 3rd February 1931 a magnitude 7.9 earthquake hit the region and nearly levelled Napier and its twin town Hastings which is 20km to the south.

Looking at the rubble and searching for inspiration for the planned rebuilding of the towns, the architects decided to go for a modern and innovative look and feel and adopted Art Deco, Stripped Classical and Spanish Mission. There is nowhere else in New Zealand that looks quite like this.