Napier Shore Excursion to Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

4.90

4.9(10 reviews)

4 hours

German, English, Javanese, French

Mobile ticket

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Overview

Available languages

German

English

Javanese

French

4 hours

Mobile ticket

This is Hawkes Bay's most iconic tour. Gannet Safaris Overland has been guiding visitors over Cape Kidnappers for over 50 years. It’s the only tour which drives you to within meters of the remarkable gannets – no walking required - traversing riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, through stands of native bush, steep gullies and breath-taking views with spectacular cliff top with panoramic views of Hawke Bay. The amazing geology of the area can also be taken in. The 36km, three hour trip includes commentary by your tour guide on the farming operation of Cape Kidnappers Station and an introduction to the gannets.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Cape Kidnappers

Cape Kidnappers is the worlds largest accessible gannet colony. Learn local history - take in spectacular views, geology, legends and study the memorising gannet birds.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Cruise 2026-27

What‘s Included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Coffee and/or Tea

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.90

10 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing birds and scenery. Fantastic.
P1839SKsueh,Feb 21, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Interesting, amusing and informative. Tony was just great. Amazing knowledge of both the local Cape Kidnappers area and also the economics of the wider Hawke’s Bay. All interspersed with gentle humour. Oh and the gannets were fantastic too. We park within metres of the birds (thousands of them) and they totally ignore us and go about their business. Absolutely loved it, totally recommend it to anyone interested in the birds and also amazing New Zealand scenery.
Amazing
Experience91183,Feb 19, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great trip! Worth every penny. Don't miss the amazing birds! Best chance to use slo-mo mode on your iphone!
one of my best souvenirs from a wonderful cruise
Trufa,Feb 18, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Regent cruise from New Zealand to Bali, such gorgeous sites its hard to say which the best, but this for sure is a shore excursion not to be missed in Napier. Our guide Dawel took us thru an amazing natural envirment on a 2 hours unforgettable trip, till we reached the cliff where gannets live. Absolutely spectacular!
Must do experience!
Anuj D,Jan 28, 2020
- Review from Viator
5.00
The Gannet colony is in a privately owned property and it takes more than an hour to drive up to the colony. The drive is so beautiful with many picturesque landscapes. The Gannet colony was bigger than we expected and it was one of the best experiences for us to see the birds so close.
Gannet colony is the frosting on the cake!
fredrichd2017,Jan 27, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a great excursion from our cruise. Beautiful countryside including farm backroads to the Gannet colony. Jan, our driver and guide is local, very local and knows the back story. She knows about the Gannets in detail and was happy to answer questions. She made a good trip a great trip. She was truly a delight. And by the way, an excellent driver.
Fabulous tour!
685joanc,Jan 17, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a fantastic tour. We saw beautiful landscapes that were so extraordinary, heard the history of the land and the nature reserve, and had close encounters with the amazing gannet colony. Our guide Tony was so informative with his historical commentary, and he even added a quick stop at the world-famous golf course! This is a not-to-be missed experience!
Personal and up close
Donna M,Jan 5, 2020
- Review from Viator
5.00
Did not realize we would drive right up to the birds. The scenery going and coming was fantastically
Beautiful Gannets
Joseph L,Jan 1, 2020
- Review from Viator
4.00
To see these beautiful Gannets in person is a wonderful and unforgettable experience. However, if there was no confusing in the coordination of the ride ( there were a few people just walking in our fully occupied bus when we were in the rest area) I would have given them five stars.
Awesome, in the true sense of the word
Abeonaadiona,Dec 12, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
You can’t imagine how thrilling it is, after driving over an hour, to reach the summit of a lookout and see thousands upon thousands of nesting gannets just within a few feet of you. You can see males bringing seaweed to their mate, who will build a nest for the one egg that she will lay. Some males are lazy and wait around to steal the seaweed from other birds. We were lucky enough to see chicks of various ages and sizes. Some of these nests and birds are only 10 feet beyond the roped area. This was a close encounter that made it even more thrilling. A shout out to Rob, who was our excellent driver and guide. Make sure to put this on your list of things to do while visiting Napier. You will be glad that you did.