Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony tour: Drive to birds

Get close to thousands of gannets without leaving your seat

This Napier shore excursion drives you to Cape Kidnappers, the world's largest accessible gannet colony, in an air-conditioned vehicle over 36 kilometers of farmland, riverbeds and cliff-top terrain. The 4-hour tour includes guide commentary on the station's farming operation, local history, geology and the gannet birds themselves. Coffee and tea are provided. No walking is required to see the colony.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

• Drive through riverbeds and pastures
• Traverse native bush and steep gullies
• Enjoy panoramic cliff top views
• Learn about local history and geology
• Observe the gannet birds closely

The experience

Cape Kidnappers is reached by a route most visitors never drive: the tour crosses riverbeds, rolling pastures, native bush and steep gullies to arrive at the cliff top where thousands of gannets nest and breed. The operator has guided this route for over 50 years, and the vehicle gets you close enough to watch the birds without stepping out. A difference that matters if walking long distances isn't an option or if you want to spend your time observing rather than hiking. The 36-kilometer journey itself is the point: the geology of the headland, the working farm that surrounds it, and the views across Hawke Bay frame what you're seeing.

Your guide provides running commentary on the station's farming operation and the gannet colony's history and behavior as you travel. Coffee and tea come with the tour. The whole outing takes four hours from Napier, and the air-conditioned vehicle means you're comfortable regardless of the weather outside.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with guide commentary.
• coffee and tea.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday5 departure times: the first at 08:45, the last at 12:45

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Child (5 to 16 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 40

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Gannet Safaris Overland

Is this one for you?The vehicle-based format suits anyone who wants to see the gannet colony without walking, or who prefers to stay seated while observing the birds and the surrounding farmland and geology of Cape Kidnappers.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 16 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly are gannets and why do so many live at Cape Kidnappers?

Gannets are large seabirds that dive for fish, and Cape Kidnappers hosts the world's largest accessible gannet colony. The headland's cliffs and isolation make it ideal breeding habitat, and the birds return to the same nesting sites year after year.

Do I have to walk to see the gannets on this tour?

No. The vehicle drives you to within meters of the colony, so you can watch the birds from your seat without any walking required.

How long is the drive from Napier to Cape Kidnappers?

The full tour is 4 hours and covers 36 kilometers, including time at the gannet colony and the drive across the station's farmland and terrain.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes the air-conditioned vehicle, guide commentary on the farming operation and local history, and coffee and tea during the outing.