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Napier Nature & adventure

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Napier: Cape Kidnappers Gannet, Nature & Sightseeing Tour

1. Napier: Cape Kidnappers Gannet, Nature & Sightseeing Tour

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.

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What people are saying about Napier

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 4 reviews

A minibus through the reserve with a couple of stops for views.. and then to the gannets. Very interesting and knowledgeable driver guide who gave lots of colour to the tour. Amazing seeing the gannets nesting so close up. Lots of photographic opportunities. Nice coffee and biscuit up there.. Highly recommend

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

I didn't realize how close we would be to the gannets! It was great watching their behaviours up close, they are such beautiful and fascinating birds. The location is also great. Worth it. Fair warning though, they do smell quite fishy.

I was pleased that we spent about 40 minutes photographing the Gannets. I would have been happy to spend another 40 minutes with the good weather we had on the site.

Fantastic day out, we had the best tour guide Richard. Couldn’t have asked for a better day.