Savor the scenic splendor of Kauri Cliffs on New Zealand's North Island

NORTHLAND, New Zealand -- The sheer majesty of the setting surrounding Matauri Bay has catapulted the Kauri Cliffs golf course among the best in the world.

The 7,151-yard course, home of the 2008 and 2009 Kiwi Challenge with sister course Cape Kidnappers, ranks no. 80 in the world by Golf Magazine and no. 19 among the top courses outside the United States by Golf Digest.

This beauty at the northern tip of New Zealand's North Island, however, has brains, too.

David Harman's design, which opened in 2000, plays as good as it looks. There's shot-making and risk-taking to go along with all those photogenic moments. Six holes dance along the cliffs, playfully tempting players into heroic shots they might not have in their bags.

Climbing to Kauri Cliffs' 14th tee feels like the curtain dropping on the premier of a Hollywood blockbuster. The par 3 introduces the Pacific Ocean in full glory, overlooking the Bay of Islands. The most demanding tee shot comes on no. 15. This par-5 -- called "Cook's Hook" -- rises up a narrow fairway to a green clinging to the cliffs. The fun 16th hole tumbles downhill, tempting players to take on a slew of bunkers up the left side to potentially drive the green.

Kauri Cliffs' Cape hole at no. 17, the longest par 4 on the course at 472 yards, again tests a player's course management skills, capping a stirring stretch that owner Julian Robertson calls "the best holes in golf." It's hard not to agree.