Guided tour

Napier: Cape Kidnappers Gannet, Nature & Sightseeing Tour

4.8 / 5

75 reviews

Activity provider:Gannet Safaris Overland
Guided tour

Napier: Cape Kidnappers Gannet, Nature & Sightseeing Tour

Activity provider:Gannet Safaris Overland

From US$ 58.02 per person

Eco-certified

Embark on a wildlife encounter to the world's largest mainland gannet colony perched above majestic cliffs. Be within feet of these magical birds.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Discover the largest mainland gannet colony in the world
  • Travel with a knowledgeable and insightful driver/guide
  • Learn about local Maori legends and stories
  • View a predator proof reserve
  • Visit a native New Zealand forest
Full description

Discover Cape Kidnappers, the largest most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. Witness the 20,000 gannets at the cape which are members of the Booby family, with distinctive black eye markings and a pale gold crown. Visitors to the colony will see adults and young nesting in serried rows carrying out their daily routine. In the air above your heads, these amazing birds with their 6-foot wingspan (2 m) swoop and dive as they bring back fish. On the ground, just a few feet away, the pairs preen and perform the dance of the gannets’ recognition ritual. The birds can be seen from September to early April. In September they return from their winter escape to 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 late April when they go off on their annual ritual to warmer climates. After being driven to the Cape in an air-conditioned 4 x 4 coach there will be absolutely no walking required. You are taken right to within a few feet of these remarkable birds. Along the way, take in the breathtaking scenery of the geological landscapes and remarkable nature that this part of the country has to offer. Visit a production forest, view a predator-proof reserve and be accompanied by an experienced driver/guide who will provide a knowledgeable and insightful commentary throughout the tour.

Includes
  • Experienced driver/guide
  • Light refreshments
  • Gannet Colony viewing and interaction
  • Comfortable air-conditioned transport
  • Transfers are only available with direct bookings via our website
  • This tour is not available for cruise ship passengers, (cruise ship excursion only available via our website)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Gannet Safaris Overland Ltd, 396 Clifton Rd, Te Awanga 4172, New Zealand. Look for the Gannet Safaris sign on the side of the road.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Jacket

Know before you go

  • Walking is not required for this tour if you do not want to
  • Bring a jacket/jumper in case it gets windy or a bit chilly.
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 75 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Service
    5/5
  • Organization
    5/5

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Star rating:

On the 4 March 2023 we had an absolutely amazing experience. Our host was fantastic. Very thorough. Very funny. The scenery while travelling to the gannets was beautiful, the time we could sit and watch the adult and young gannets was very generous. Was a wonderful experience for the 4 of us Australian women and we intend on doing it again next year. We do all hope it’s with the same cheeky funny host

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March 27, 2023

This is a must do and see. On this the bus takes you right to the birds where you can get up close and watch them making their nests. Flying above your head and won’t both you at all. Would love to do this again the comintry is well worth it Thankyou to our guide for a spectacular day Bernadette

January 9, 2023

The best 3 hours I spent in New Zealand and the most instructive. A fabulous photography experience and the rather precarious journey there and back was made enjoyable by the commentary of the guide who was amusing and extremely knowledgeable. Highly recommended

November 26, 2022

Product ID: 240687