3-Hour Tour, Meet At Base

Gannet Safaris Overland tour to Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

★ 4.9 1,052 reviews

from $56.23 per person

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Duration: 3 hours
Meeting point: 396 Clifton Road, Te Awanga
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Gannet Safaris Overland

Overview

This is Gannet Safaris Overland's three-hour overland tour to the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. You meet at the operator's base on Clifton Road in Te Awanga, about 25 minutes from Napier, unless you add hotel pickup when you book.

The route is a large part of the appeal. Reviews regularly describe the drive across working farmland as interesting in itself, with guides sharing local history and pointing out flora and fauna along the way. At the colony you get remarkably close to the gannets in their own habitat, and travellers late in the season have still reported hundreds of birds present.

Beverages, including coffee or tea, are included, and the operator mentions a cuppa with biscuits. The tour suits most travellers: no difficult walking is involved, you just need to manage getting on and off the vehicle. It is not available for cruise ship passengers, and the group is capped at 50 travellers per departure.

From$56.23 per person

Duration3 hours

Rating4.9 from 1,052 reviews

What's Included

Included

Beverages
Air-conditioned vehicle
Transport by air-conditioned minivan
Coffee and/or Tea

Not Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
This tour is not available for cruise ship passengers

Run byGannet Safaris Overland

Itinerary

Meet at Clifton baseCheck in at 396 Clifton Road, Te Awanga, about 25 minutes from Napier. Hotel pickup and drop-off is an option at booking if selected.
Overland drive to the capeTravel by air-conditioned vehicle across private farmland toward Cape Kidnappers, with commentary on the land, its history, and the wildlife along the route.
Cape Kidnappers gannet colonyVisit the colony and view the gannets up close in their natural habitat. Reviewers describe the setting as stunning and the birds as the highlight of the trip.
Return to Clifton baseThe vehicle returns to the starting point at 396 Clifton Road. The full experience runs about three hours.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical things will shape how this tour goes for you.

A 4WD stopped on a stony farm track above the sea cliffs with the dense white gannet colony of Cape Kidnappers beyond.

What to wear. A reviewer recommends taking a hat and a light jacket, and notes that sunscreen is provided.
Fitness and pace. The tour is not physically demanding. One reviewer described it as not a difficult challenge, but you must be able to get on and off the vehicle, which is described as a small bus.
The ride itself. One reviewer mentions the ride to the colony is over some rather rough terrain. Travellers generally describe the drive as an enjoyable and interesting part of the experience rather than a downside.
Drinks and snacks. Beverages, including coffee or tea, are included. A hot coffee and a cuppa with biscuits make the visit complete, so you do not need to bring your own.
Guides and commentary. Reviewers repeatedly praise the driver-guides as knowledgeable and entertaining, covering the history of the area, the gannets, and the surrounding flora and fauna. Expect informative commentary throughout the drive.
Season and bird numbers. Bird numbers vary through the season, and travellers heading out late in the season have been advised that fewer gannets may be present. Even so, one late-season group reported hundreds of birds and a parent feeding a young gannet.

From$56.23 per person

Rating4.9 from 1,052 reviews

Check availability →

Common issues. The tour needs good weather and a minimum number of travellers to run. If the tour is cancelled, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel yourself free of charge up to 24 hours before start time. Hotel pickup and drop-off is not included unless you select that option when booking, so the default arrangement is making your own way to Clifton. The experience is not wheelchair accessible and is not available for cruise ship passengers. The group is capped at 50 travellers per departure.

Common Questions

Where Does The Tour Start And Is Hotel Pickup Included?

The default meeting point is 396 Clifton Road, Te Awanga, about 25 minutes from Napier. Hotel pickup and drop-off is an option at booking, but it is not included unless you select it. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What Is Included In The Price?

Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, beverages, and coffee or tea are included. Hotel pickup and drop-off is only included if you select that option at booking.

How Long Does The Tour Take?

The duration is approximately three hours, covering the drive out, the time at the colony, and the return. The whole excursion takes about that long.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

Pushchairs are accessible and most travellers can participate. However, it is not wheelchair accessible, and the trip requires getting on and off the vehicle, a small bus.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers, and if it is cancelled for either reason you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I Join This Tour From A Cruise Ship?

No. This tour is not available for cruise ship passengers. Cruise visitors should look at the [shore excursions](/cruise-shore-excursion-gannet-tours/) instead.