Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony Tours

Gannet Colony Tours Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safaris Overland tours takes you into the largest accessible mainland gannet nesting colony in the world. There are some 20,000 birds at Cape Kidnappers during the Gannets breeding season, offering one of New Zealand’s most fascinating wildlife sites to view these Gannets at close quarters.

The birds can be seen from September to April. In September they return and build their nests ready for the arrival of the chicks during December and January. The chicks are then fattened up ready for their first and departing flight in March/April when they migrate to warmer climates.

Gannet Safaris Overland offers three tour options for discovering the wonders of Cape Kidnappers gannet colony in Hawke’s Bay. Every tour provides a unique and ever changing experience & scenery which we know you’ll enjoy. During your tour there will be many fabulous photo opportunities which will leave you with fond memories that we hope you will share with your family and friends. 

Your travel to the gannet colony is in comfort and air conditioned 4WD vehicles through Cape Kidnappers Station; traversing riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, through stands of native bush, steep gullies and breathtaking inclines. There is a stop on the way at a spectacular cliff top with panoramic views of Hawke Bay right across to the Mahia Peninsula. The amazing geology of the area can also be taken in. The 36km, three-hour trip includes a commentary by your tour guide / driver on the farming operation on Cape Kidnappers Station, the wildlife sanctuary and an introduction to the gannets.

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safari Tour Options:

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safari’s – Daily Tours 

Price:  Adults $88 per person
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.

Gannet Safaris has been guiding visitors over Cape Kidnappers for over 50 years.  It’s the only tour which drives you to within metres of the remarkable gannets – no walking required – Ride in style and comfort over picturesque Cape Kidnappers Station in air-conditioned 4 x 4 vehicles – traversing riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, through stands of native bush, steep gullies and breathtaking views.  There is a stop on the way at a spectacular cliff top with panoramic views of Hawke Bay right across to the Mahia Peninsula. The amazing geology of the area can also be taken in. The 36km, three hour trip includes commentary by yourtour guide on the farming operation of Cape Kidnappers Station and an introduction to the gannets.

Included is a coffee or tea at the colony

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safari’s – Regular Tour & Transfers 

Price: Adults $124 per person
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

This tour includes transfers from Hawkes Bay’s three i-Site centres – Napier, Hastings or Havelock North departing at either 8.45am or 12.45pm. Our tour is the only company which has access through the wildlife sanctuary to the gannet colony.

Gannet Safaris has been guiding visitors over Cape Kidnappers for over 50 years. It’s the only tour which drives to within metres of the remarkable gannets – no walking required –

Ride in style and comfort over picturesque Cape Kidnappers Station in air-conditioned 4 x 4 vehicles – traversing riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, steep gullies and breath-taking views.  There are several stops along the way including a spectacular cliff top lookout with panoramic views of Hawkes Bay.

This 4 hour trip includes commentary by your tour guide on the geology, pre and post European history of Cape Kidnappers and an introduction to the gannets – Morning and afternoon tea is provided

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safari’s – Private Range Rover Tours 

Price:  Private small group $732 suitable upto 4 persons
Departure Times: By booking arrangement
Gannet Season:  between 1st September and 30th April
Tour Duration: Three Hours approx.

Have you own personal encounter with the birds anytime from sunrise to sunset  – A maximum of 4 people and 3 hours duration.

Your tour takes you overland to the largest accessible gannet colony in the world through Cape Kidnappers Station which is approximately 2,500 hectares and has a fascinating history. Inaddition to sheep and beef farming, the station today has a 200 hectare native bush conservatory hosting introduced Kiwi and Tuatara with a predator proof fence running from coast to coast.  There is a luxury lodge with a privately owned world class golf course. 

Stop on top of the cliff tops and look down at the remarkable geology of the cliffs and sweeping views across Hawkes Bay.When at the colony, you’ll be memorised by the specular birds with their eye markings and golden crowns. Be within just a few feet of adults and chicks nesting, preening themselves and performing their courtship dance.

Included is a coffee or tea at the colony

Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safari’s – Exclusive Sunrise Tour in Style

Price: Private Group $845 for upto 4 persons
Departure Times: 6:00 am 
Gannet Season:  between 1st September and 30th April
Tour Duration: Three Hours approx.

Enjoy a unique tour to Cape Kidnappers and watch the sun rise over the gannets.

Travel in our 4 x 4 Range Rover (maximum 4 people) on an exclusive tour to this iconic site – the largest accessible mainland gannet colony in the world!

Have you own personal encounter with the birds with the sun rising over the plateau. The East Cape of New Zealand is the first in the world to see the sunrise each day.  

Your 3-hour personal tour will take you overland through Cape Kidnappers Station, a working farm of approximately 2,500 hectares with a fascinating history. In addition to beef and sheep farming the station boasts a 200-hectare conservatory protected by a predator proof fence running from coast to coast across the promontory. The conservatory hosts introduced Kiwi and Tuatara along with a wide variety of native birds and wildlife which had previously been wiped out by predators such as stoats, weasels, opossums etc.

There is a luxury lodge on the farm with a privately-owned world class golf course. A cliff-top stop en route to the colony provides spectacular views across Hawke Bay to Napier and the distant Mahia Peninsula.

On arrival at the colony you will be mesmerised by the spectacular birds with their eye markings and golden crowns. From within just a few feet of the adults and nesting chicks see these remarkable birds preening themselves and performing their courtship dance ritual. 

On the sunrise tour a light breakfast is supplied with freshly brewed coffee.

Each Gannet Colony Tour Includes:

• Be accompanied by an experienced driver/guide who will provide a knowledgeable and insightful commentary throughout the tour
• Travel in air conditioned 4×4 comfort
• Experience some breathtaking scenery
• View a predator proof reserve
• Visit a New Zealand native forest
• View significant geological landscapes
• Visit a working farm of over 5000 acres
• View Cape Kidnappers’ International Golf Course
• Learn about local Maori legend
• And discover the largest mainland gannet colony in the world from your position at the brink of the cliffs edge – 100 metres above the ocean, whilst being served light refreshments as you enjoy watching the gannets perform around you.

All this will take approximately 3 hours and you need not take a step if you don’t want to!

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