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.

Each winery will offer between 4 and 7 wines for a tasting split between reds and whites.  Chardonnay is the dominant white wine variety produced in Hawkes Bay, but lovers of Sauvignon Blanc should not worry, as you'll also be tasting that at Mission Estate. Shiraz and Bordeaux blends are some of the dominant red varieties. The first estate winery you'll visit is Mission Estate, which was established in 1851. The tasting hall and associated restaurant are located in a two-story Victorian mansion that offers magnificent views over the vineyards. The next stop is the Urban Winery, located in the National Tobacco building, which is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. This stop is optional if you wish to enjoy three craft beers of your choosing. Next door is the National Gin Distillery, where you'll get to taste five gins. Then, take a 15-minute drive past the orchards and vineyards of Esk Valley, arriving at Linden Estate. Linden produces only 60,000 bottles of wine split between 13 different varietals. This will be a seated tasting with a complimentary cheese board of New Zealand cheeses. Afterward, travel back to Napier for drop-off in the early evening.

Embark on a shore excursion of Napier, exploring the highlights of the Art-Deco downtown and surrounding orchards and vineyards. Ride in a comfortable minibus, with stops at Bluff Hill, Old Port, the Colonial Mission House, the Sacred Baley, and more. After meeting with your local guide at the Napier Aquarium on Marine Parade, your guided shore excursion will begin. Throughout your tour, you will view Napier's Art-Deco city center from a comfortable minibus with big windows for better viewing. Stop first at Napier's Bluff Hill lookout for spectacular views of your ship berthed directly below. Next, discover the house and grounds of your guide. View his colorful gardens and panoramic views of the Bay and hear about the 14 square kilometers of land reclaimed as a result of the 1931 earthquake. Then, get back on the bus for a drive through the Old Port area of Napier and onto the Mission complex. The grand Colonial Mission House was built in 1905, then remarkably, it was moved by traction engine to its current elevated site. From the Mission, the tour travels through Puketapu (the Sacred Valley) past orchards, vineyards, and green rolling hills grazed by sheep and cattle. The tour then stops at the Esk Valley War Memorial Church which would not be out of place if located somewhere in Tuscany. From the church, drive next door to Linden Estate Vineyards. Enjoy wine, cheese, and biscuits, served under the vines at a site exclusive to this tour. Return afterward to Napier, but time permitting a stop at a local fruit shop for fresh fruit or some real ice cream. Get dropped off at the cruise ship shuttle, or downtown Napier.

Download an exciting MP3 Self-Guided Audio Tour combined with a fully detailed map of the area. This fascinating and raw tour of New Zealand's oldest prison will take you on a historic journey through the undulating corridors which survived the 1931 Napier Earthquake. The corridors are twisted and walls misshapen. You will learn about some of the most terrifying prisoners, including Drug Barons and Mass murderers, and an infamous "Eye Eater". Check out the graffiti on the prisoner's bed bases and hear how toothpaste had multiple uses for incarcerated criminals. This tour shows how they lived behind the huge Kauri doors and how some of them died. You will hear tales about villains, victims and heroes, and wander around the old complex while viewing the Pound (solitary and padded cell area), Mess Hall, Remand Hallway, Cell 6, Key Men and Trustees, Cages, The Dome, Women's Wing, Te Kooti, John Yalash, Ghosts, Garden, Terry Clark, Teresa Cormack, Graveyard, and the Hanging Yard with replica kitset gallows. Hear of the few escapes and view the open Shower Block which was not for the fainthearted. Only closed in 1993, the prison complex has been the site of many TV shows such as a 10 part brat camp, "Redemption Hill", and was featured on "Off the Rails", "Epitaph" and several news and documentary shows. Please note this is a downloadable self-guided audio tour, therefore you will have no physical tour guide leading you through your travels.