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Gannet Safaris Overland - Cape Kidnappers New Zealand
Cape Kidnappers safari experience takes you to Hawke's Bay Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony - the world's largest, most accessible Gannet nesting place.
It's the only way of being taken right to within a few feet of these remarkable birds - there is no walking required!
Overland Safaris to Cape Kidnappers
Drive along the scenic coast from Napier to Te Awanga and join Gannet Safaris Overland to visit the worlds largest, most accessible gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand.
Gannet Safaris has been guiding visitors over Cape Kidnappers for over 35 years. Our safaris are the only way to be driven right to within a few feet of these remarkable birds. There is absolutely no walking required.
You will travel in comfort in our air conditioned 4 x 4 Mini Coach, through Cape Kidnappers Station - traversing riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, through stands of native bush, steep gullies and breathtaking inclines. There is a stop on the way at a spectacular cliff top with panoramic views of Hawke Bay right across to the Mahia Peninsula. The amazing geology of the area can also be taken in. The 36km, three hour trip includes a commentary by your tour guide / driver on the farming operation on Cape Kidnappers Station and an introduction to the gannets.
On arrival at the gannets you can stretch your legs and take in the mouthwatering scenery from your position at the brink of the cliffs edge - 100 metres above the ocean. Here your driver / guide will serve you light refreshments whilst you enjoy watching the gannets perform around you.
Our Safaris cater for small or large groups. The seating capacity is 100 at any time. Private exclusive tours are available on request.
- Tours daily 9.30am and 1.30pm (excluding Christmas Day)
- Private and group tours available
The Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers
Cape Kidnappers is the largest most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world.
The 20,000 gannets at the cape 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 six foot wing span (2 metres) 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 1st September to 30th April. In September they return and 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 your air conditioned 4 x 4 Mini Coach there’s absolutely no walking required. You are taken right to within a few feet of these remarkable birds.
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Address:
396 Clifton Road
Te Awanga 4172
Phone: +64 6 875 0888
Fax: +64 6 875 0893
Web: Visit website
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