Location: Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand | Ranking: #84
Designer: Tom Doak | Type: Clifftop
Editor’s Note: Cape Kidnappers is defined by its elevated coastal setting and a routing that repeatedly brings the edges of the Hawke’s Bay landscape into view. The drama is visual, but the golf still depends on choosing sensible lines and controlling approaches in exposed conditions.
Travel & Logistics
- Access: Hawke’s Bay is the practical regional base; allow enough time for onward ground travel to the course.
- Booking: capekidnappers.com. Confirm current visitor access, green fees, accommodation and course conditions directly before travelling.
Course Character
The course uses broad-scale landforms, elevation changes and exposed coastal conditions to create much of its strategy. Wind can change the effective width of landing areas and the safest line into greens, so the same hole can play very differently from one day to the next.
Key Notes & 19th Hole
- Clifftop setting: several holes run close to dramatic coastal edges; enjoy the views but use the course’s marked playing areas and safety guidance.
- Wildlife: the wider Cape Kidnappers area is known for its gannet colony. Access and viewing conditions are seasonal, so check current local guidance if this is part of your itinerary.
- Stay · Play · Recover: accommodation in the Hawke’s Bay area can turn the course into a broader food, wine and golf trip rather than a rushed single-round visit.
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