I know a place . . . Christmas at Kauri Cliffs

Mariah Carey might not want a lot for Christmas but one thing we would love is to celebrate the day at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs.

Set on 2428 hectares of Bay of Islands farmland, with 180-degree views of the ocean, this stunning property kicks off Christmas Eve celebrations with carol singing before dinner and cocktails.

On the big day, there’s the annual tennis tournament, followed by a family-style lunch or, if you prefer, a picnic under the po¯ hutukawa trees.

Later, there’s a lavish fivecourse dinner, and a golf challenge on Boxing Day, for a Christmas you won’t forget.