Napier Gannet Tour

Gannet Tours From Napier, Compared

23 questions answered, from what the tour is like to which one suits you best.

Australasian gannets nesting on a grassy cliff plateau above the sea

Are There Gannets In New Zealand?

Yes, New Zealand has gannets: the Australasian gannet nests at Cape Kidnappers near Napier, the largest and most accessible mainland colony in the world. Here is where, when and how to see them.

Coastal cliffs at Cape Kidnappers above a quiet pebble beach, low morning light

Can You Bring A Dog To Cape Kidnappers?

Dogs are not allowed at the Cape Kidnappers gannet reserve or on the overland tours. Here is what the rules are, why they exist, and what dog owners can do instead.

Coastal farmland track running along clifftops above the sea at Cape Kidnappers

Can You Drive To Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony?

No, you cannot drive yourself to the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony. Self-drive gets you to Clifton, and the overland tours cross private farmland to the plateau. Here is what that means for your trip.

A long empty beach beneath high cliffs curving toward a distant headland

Can You Walk To The Gannet Colony?

Yes, you can walk to the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony: the DOC beach walk is 19 km return, Expert grade, at least 5 hours, only around low tide. Here is how it works, and how the overland tours compare.

Gannets nesting on the cliff top at Cape Kidnappers above blue sea

How Long Is The Cape Kidnappers Walk?

The Cape Kidnappers gannet walk is 19 km return, graded Expert, with DOC advising at least 5 hours. Here is what that means in practice, plus the faster overland tour options.

Australasian gannets nesting in dense rows on a grassy clifftop plateau above the sea

How Many Gannets Are At Cape Kidnappers?

DOC puts the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony at 6,500 pairs, the largest and most accessible mainland colony in the world. Here is what that number means for your visit.

Australasian gannets nesting in dense rows on a grassy clifftop plateau above the sea

How To See Gannets At Cape Kidnappers?

The practical ways to see the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony in Hawke's Bay: overland tours, the DOC beach walk, and the bike and tractor alternatives, with prices, durations and start points.

Gannets nesting on grassy clifftop plateau above the sea at Cape Kidnappers

Is Cape Kidnappers Open To The Public?

Cape Kidnappers is open to the public, with two legitimate ways in: the free DOC beach walk and a guided overland tour. Here is how access, closures and the rules actually work.

Coastal cliffs above a long empty beach stretching toward a distant headland

Is The Cape Kidnappers Walk Closed?

Whether the Cape Kidnappers beach walk and plateau track are closed, the seasonal closure, landslide history and the Clifton Road change, plus how to see the gannets when the track is shut.

A crowded gannet colony of white adults nesting close together on a grassy clifftop plateau above the sea

What Is A Group Of Gannets Called?

A group of gannets is called a colony, or a gannetry. Here is what that means, how big the Cape Kidnappers gannetry is, and how to see it from Napier.

Cliff face above a rugged beach on the Cape Kidnappers coastline with no people

Why Is Cape Kidnappers Closed?

The real reasons Cape Kidnappers closes: the seasonal plateau track closure, landslide risk on the beach, tides, and the Clifton road changes, plus what still runs.

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