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 tour provides a 4-hour mild adventure, travelling along the majestically rugged coastline from Clifton to Cape Kidnappers, on vintage American tractors. The Cape is not only home to four gannet colonies which bustle with the daily rituals of these amazing seabirds, but is one of the most geologically fascinating parts of our country. The trip is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and our experienced guides have safely transported passengers and helped them enjoy this amazing area for almost 70 years
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 can be many things – a nice day beside the sea, an opportunity to view the amazing wildlife, or a trip back in time as told by the layers in the coastal cliffs. Put them all together and it is a really special experience – come and see for yourself!
The adult gannets are back in full-force by the time we open each September, settling back in and preparing their nests. We generally see the first chicks at the Black Reef colony, from mid to late November, and they will leave the colonies at around 15-16 weeks of age. As the adults start to leave once their chick has fledged, bird numbers do get low during the latter part of our season (late March/April).
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!
