Hawkes Bay
Updated: 5 th July 2026
Visit the World's Largest Accessible Mainland Gannet Colony
Quick Facts
- Location: Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay
- Best time to visit: September–April (breeding season)
- Tour duration: 3–4 hours
- Best for: Wildlife lovers, photographers, families and birdwatchers
- ✔ World’s largest accessible mainland gannet colony
- ✔ Over 20,000 nesting gannets in season
- ✔ Comfortable 4WD overland transport
- ✔ No long walk required
- ✔ Over 50 years of guiding experience
Cape Kidnappers is home to the world’s largest accessible mainland gannet colony, where thousands of Australasian gannets return each year to nest on dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking Hawke’s Bay. Travelling in specially designed 4WD vehicles, you’ll journey across the historic Cape Kidnappers Station to reach the colony without the need for strenuous walking, making this one of New Zealand’s most accessible wildlife experiences.
The best time to visit is during the breeding season from September through April, when up to 20,000 gannets gather to nest, raise their chicks and perform their spectacular courtship displays. Whether you choose a standard overland safari, a tour with transfers, a private Range Rover experience or an exclusive sunrise adventure, you’ll enjoy close-up views of these remarkable seabirds alongside fascinating commentary from guides with more than 50 years of experience operating tours at Cape Kidnappers.
Best Time to Visit the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony
The best time to see gannets at Cape Kidnappers is during the breeding season from September to April, when up to 20,000 birds gather at the colony. This is when you’ll see nesting activity, courtship displays and constant movement as gannets arrive and depart throughout the day.
Choose Your Cape Kidnappers Gannet Tour:
Choose from four unforgettable ways to experience Cape Kidnappers and its famous gannet colony. Whether you prefer a self-drive tour, convenient transfers from Hawke’s Bay, an exclusive private Range Rover adventure or a spectacular sunrise experience, every tour travels through the remarkable landscapes of Cape Kidnappers Station before arriving within metres of the nesting gannets. Along the way, enjoy expert commentary, breathtaking coastal scenery and outstanding photography opportunities.
Standard Gannet Safari Tour
Price: Adults $99 per person – Child: $49:50 pp
Departure Times: Daily 09:30 am & 1:30 pm (Except Christmas Day)
Gannet Season: between 1st September and 30th April
Tour Duration: Three Hours approx.
Best for: First-time visitors, families, photographers and anyone wanting the classic Cape Kidnappers gannet experience.
Discover the world’s largest accessible mainland gannet colony on the original Cape Kidnappers overland safari. Travelling in comfortable air-conditioned 4WD vehicles, you’ll journey across the spectacular landscapes of Cape Kidnappers Station before arriving within metres of thousands of nesting gannets—without the need for any strenuous walking.
Tour Highlights
- Travel through Cape Kidnappers Station in a purpose-built 4WD vehicle.
- Get within metres of the nesting gannets with no long walk required.
- Enjoy spectacular cliff-top views across Hawke’s Bay.
- Learn about the area’s farming history, geology and wildlife from your experienced guide.
- Complimentary tea or coffee served at the gannet colony.
- Over 50 years of guiding experience at Cape Kidnappers.
Gannet Safari Tour with Transfers
Price: Adults $148 per person- Child: $74 pp
Pick up Times: Daily 08:45 am or 12:45 pm (Except Christmas Day)
Gannet Season: between 1st September and 30th April
Tour Duration: Four Hours approx. including transfers
Best for: Visitors staying in Napier, Hastings or Havelock North who prefer transport included.
Enjoy a hassle-free journey to Cape Kidnappers with convenient return transfers from selected Hawke’s Bay i-SITE visitor centres. Sit back and relax while your guide takes you through one of New Zealand’s most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries to experience the famous gannet colony up close.
Tour Highlights
- Return transfers from Napier, Hastings or Havelock North.
- Comfortable air-conditioned 4WD transport.
- Exclusive overland access through Cape Kidnappers Station.
- Visit the world’s largest accessible mainland gannet colony.
- Scenic cliff-top photo stop overlooking Hawke’s Bay.
- Complimentary tea or coffee at the colony.
Private Range Rover Tours
Price: Private small group $990 suitable upto 4 persons
Departure Times: Choose time to suit when booking
Gannet Season: between 1st September and 30th April
Tour Duration: Three Hours approx.
Your private Tour:
Best for: Couples, families, photographers and small groups wanting a personalised wildlife experience.
Enjoy an exclusive Cape Kidnappers experience in the comfort of a private Range Rover. With your own guide and flexible departure time, you’ll experience the spectacular landscapes of Cape Kidnappers Station before arriving at the gannet colony for an intimate wildlife encounter.
Tour Highlights
- Private Range Rover for up to four guests.
- Flexible departure time to suit your schedule.
- Exclusive personalised commentary from your guide.
- Close-up viewing of thousands of nesting gannets.
- Scenic stop overlooking Hawke’s Bay.
- Tea or coffee served at the colony.
- Ideal for photographers and special occasions.
Exclusive Sunrise Tour in Style
Price: Private Group $1090 for upto 4 persons
Departure Times: 6:00 am
Gannet Season: between 1st September and 30th April
Tour Duration: Three Hours approx.
Enjoy a exclusive unique tour:
Best for: Photographers, bird enthusiasts and travellers wanting the most exclusive Cape Kidnappers experience.
Experience Cape Kidnappers at its most spectacular as the rising sun illuminates thousands of nesting gannets along the dramatic coastal cliffs. This exclusive private tour offers peaceful early-morning conditions, beautiful golden light and unforgettable photography opportunities before the colony becomes busier later in the day.
Tour Highlights
- Exclusive private sunrise tour for up to four guests.
- Travel by luxury 4WD Range Rover.
- Watch the sun rise over the gannet colony.
- Close-up access to the world’s largest accessible mainland gannet colony.
- Spectacular views across Hawke’s Bay from the cliff tops.
- Light breakfast and freshly brewed coffee included.
- Exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography
Every Cape Kidnappers Gannet Tour Includes:
Every Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safari has been designed to provide a comfortable, informative and unforgettable wildlife experience. Whether you choose a standard overland safari or an exclusive private tour, you’ll enjoy expert local knowledge, spectacular scenery and close-up views of one of New Zealand’s most remarkable natural attractions.
Every Tour Includes:
✔ Experienced local driver/guide with informative commentary
✔ Comfortable air-conditioned 4WD transport
✔ Scenic journey through historic Cape Kidnappers Station
✔ Panoramic cliff-top viewpoints across Hawke’s Bay
✔ Access to the predator-proof wildlife sanctuary
✔ Visit to native bush and conservation areas
✔ Views of the internationally renowned Cape Kidnappers Golf Course
✔ Fascinating stories about local Māori history and legends
✔ Close-up viewing of the world’s largest accessible mainland gannet colony
✔ Tea or coffee at the colony (light breakfast included on the Sunrise Tour)
✔ Approximately three hours of unforgettable wildlife and scenic experiences
Frequently Asked Questions – Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony Tours
When is the best time to see gannets at Cape Kidnappers?
The best time to visit Cape Kidnappers is during the breeding season from September to April, when up to 20,000 Australasian gannets gather to nest and raise their chicks. This is the busiest time at the colony, with spectacular courtship displays, nesting activity and adults constantly arriving with fish, making it the ideal season for wildlife viewing and photography.
Do you have to walk to reach the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony?
No. Unlike other ways of visiting Cape Kidnappers, Gannet Safaris Overland takes you by specially designed 4WD vehicles directly to within metres of the gannet colony. There is no long walk required, making the tour suitable for visitors of most ages and fitness levels.
How long do Cape Kidnappers gannet colony tours take?
The standard overland safari and private Range Rover tours take approximately 3 hours. Tours that include return transfers from Napier, Hastings or Havelock North allow around 4 hours, including transport.
Why is the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony so famous?
Cape Kidnappers is home to the world’s largest accessible mainland gannet colony, where up to 20,000 Australasian gannets gather during the breeding season. The colony offers one of the closest wildlife encounters in New Zealand, allowing visitors to observe nesting birds, chicks and spectacular courtship displays from just a few metres away.
What makes the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safari different from other tours?
Gannet Safaris Overland is the only tour that travels through Cape Kidnappers Station to the gannet colony in purpose-built 4WD vehicles, allowing visitors to reach the birds without a long walk. Tours also include expert local commentary, panoramic Hawke’s Bay viewpoints and more than 50 years of experience operating at Cape Kidnappers.
Is the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Tour suitable for children and older visitors?
Yes. Because the tour travels almost entirely by comfortable 4WD vehicle, it’s suitable for families with children, photographers and older visitors who may not wish to undertake long coastal walks. The close access to the colony makes it one of New Zealand’s most accessible wildlife experiences.
