Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony Beach Tours
Discover the magic of Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Maui
Where else in the world can you jump on the back of a trailer and get towed along the beach by a 1949 vintage tractor to a bird colony?
Come on a unique, fun eco-experience tour, in a beautiful and iconic part of the Hawke’s Bay region.
Our one-of-a-kind Gannet Colony trip offers a 4-hour moderate adventure on vintage American tractors around the beautifully craggy coastline from Clifton to Cape Kidnappers. The Cape is not only home to four gannet colonies that bustle with the daily rituals of these remarkable seabirds, but it is also one of our country’s most geologically intriguing regions. Our professional guides have securely carried clients and helped them appreciate this magnificent location for almost 70 years, and the tour is ideal for all ages and fitness levels.
Price: $55 adults pp Children $26 pp (Family rates available)
Duration: 4 Hours
Departs: Departure times change daily.
During your time with us you will experience:
- Spend time with and get incredibly close to the majestic gannets in their natural habitat;
- Discover how nature has shaped and formed (and continues to!) the towering cliffs of the Cape Kidnappers coastline;
- View ancient earthquake fault lines & fossils, and see gullies formed by wind and water;
- Enjoy a memorable tour experience while travelling on our iconic vintage tractors.
A ride with Gannet Beach Adventures may be many things: a relaxing day by the sea, a chance to see the beautiful animals, or a journey through time as recounted by the layers in the coastal cliffs. Put them all together, and you get a very unique experience – come and see for yourself!
By the time we open in September, the adult gannets have returned in full force, settling down and constructing their nests. The first chicks are usually seen in the Black Reef colony between mid and late November, and they depart the colonies at roughly 15-16 weeks of age. Bird counts do drop in the later part of our season (late March/April) when adults begin to leave once their baby has fledged.
2021-22 Departure Schedule
Departure times change daily, please check out our schedule to see what time we are departing on your chosen day – you might be in for an early wake-up or a lovely twilight tour.
Whether it’s an early, late or middle of the day departure, pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the most scenic spots in NZ!
Why not give a fun and exciting eco-experience with Gannet Beach Adventures this summer? It’s simple, buy a Gift Voucher here!
