About
Dr McCaffer is a trusted ear nose and throat, Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck, specialist with extensive experience across the full spectrum of ENT care. His approach is calm, family-friendly, and collaborative with the patient at the heart of the decision making process.
Dr McCaffer graduated from the University of Edinburgh Medical School in 2009 and completed his ORL postgraduate surgical training in Newcastle, England, finishing in 2021. He became a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons in 2014 and was awarded Fellowship in Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery (FRCS ORL-HNS) in 2021. Following his fellowship at Starship, Craig was appointed to a consultant position.
​
He has a special interest in paediatric ENT, having completed a prestigious paediatric ORL clinical fellowship at Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland, where he is now a consultant ENT specialist. As a father himself, Craig understands the stress of navigating health issues in children and the importance of clear, honest and open communication.​
He is also the Fellowship Co-Director for the Starship Paediatric ORL programme, actively involved in the supervision and training of senior and junior doctors, as well as medical students and allied health professionals. Craig is a passionate educator and is regularly engaged in teaching and mentoring across New Zealand’s ENT training programmes.
​
Dr McCaffer is a founding and ongoing member of the Starship Aerodigestive Programme, a nationally recognised multidisciplinary service designed to provide comprehensive, coordinated care for children with complex airway, breathing, swallowing, and feeding disorders. As a Consultant Paediatric ENT Surgeon, he plays a central role in the assessment and management of children with upper airway compromise, laryngotracheal anomalies, and complex swallowing disorders.
​
Dr McCaffer's private practice is built around kind, family-focused care that combines advanced surgical skill with genuine empathy. Whether your child needs a simple grommet procedure or has a complex airway issue, he ensures every family feels heard, respected, and confident in the plan.
​
Dr McCaffer sees both children and adults in his private practice, offering a full range of ENT services. He provides office-based care in his private rooms and surgical procedures at Gillies and Mercy Ascot Hospitals, with access to child-friendly dual fellowship trained anaesthesia teams and facilities designed with young patients in mind.​
MBChB FRCS (ORL-HNS) PGCertMedEd (UK) Advanced Paediatric Fellowship (NZ)
​
Specialist Paediatric and Adult Consultant ENT Surgeon
​
Fellowship Co-Director for the Starship Paediatric ORL programme
​
Founding, and ongoing, member of the Starship Aerodigestive Programme
​
SPECIALTIES
-
General Paediatric ENT conditions
-
Paediatric airway compromise
-
Sleep-disordered breathing, OSA and snoring in children
-
Paediatric head and neck masses
-
Aerodigestive conditions
DEDICATED CARE
-
Personalised assessment with same-day investigations where possible
-
Access to audiology, allergy testing, and radiology
-
Surgical care at accredited Auckland private hospitals
-
Support with ACC and private insurance claims
​
"My goal is to deliver clear, calm care that supports not just the child, but the whole family. Parents are partners in every decision – and no question is too small."
Dr McCaffer
