3-Hour Tour, Lowest Price

Napier: Cape Kidnappers Gannet, Nature & Sightseeing Tour

★ 4.8 378 reviews

from $55 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

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

Overview

Gannet Safaris Overland drives you to the largest and most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world at Cape Kidnappers, home to 6,500 pairs. You ride in an air-conditioned 4WD coach with a driver-guide who commentates on the landscape, local Māori legends and the wildlife along the way. No walking is required: the vehicle brings you close to the colony, and what you see depends on the season.

The tour runs about three hours from meeting at the Clifton Road base in Te Awanga. On the drive out you pass a production forest and a predator-proof reserve before reaching the colony site above the cliffs. Tours run from 1 August to 30 April, and the best viewing is early November to late February. The colony is wild, so weather and the season decide what you see.

This tour suits travellers who want close wildlife viewing without a hike, since no walking is required if you do not want it. It does not suit cruise ship passengers, who cannot book it. Bring a jacket, as the cape can get windy and a bit chilly.

From$55 per person

Duration3 hours

Rating4.8 from 378 reviews

What's Included

Included

Experienced driver/guide
Light refreshments
Gannet Colony viewing and interaction
Comfortable air-conditioned transport

Not Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food

Run byGannet Safaris Overland

Itinerary

Meet at BaseMeet your driver-guide at 396 Clifton Road, Te Awanga.
Overland drive to the capeTravel in an air-conditioned 4WD coach, passing a production forest and a predator-proof reserve while the driver-guide gives commentary.
Gannet colony viewingThe vehicle stops close to the colony for unhurried viewing with no walking required; what is there depends on the season. Light refreshments are provided.
Return Drive to BaseThe coach returns to the Clifton Road base in Te Awanga, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most from the three hours on the cape.

Looking down a grassy headland onto a very dense gannet colony with the sea and a long beach far below

No walking needed. Absolutely no walking is required. The 4WD coach drives right up to the colony, so the tour works for travellers who cannot manage trails or long stands.
Bring a jacket. A jacket or jumper is advised because the cape gets windy and chilly. Comfortable shoes are also recommended, even though you stay near the vehicle.
Guides carry the tour. Reviewers repeatedly single out the guides for their knowledge and clear explanations. Expect informative commentary throughout the drive.
Rough track. One reviewer called the track a bit hair-raising but exciting, so expect some bumps along the way. Sit back and treat the drive as part of the experience.
Refreshments only. Light refreshments are included, but food is not. Eat before pickup if you want more than a snack over the three hours.
Season matters. Tours run from 1 August to 30 April, and the best viewing is early November to late February. The colony is wild, so weather and the season decide what you see.

From$55 per person

Rating4.8 from 378 reviews

Check availability →

Common issues. The tour is unavailable to cruise ship passengers. One reviewer was disappointed not to see gannets diving for fish. Some travellers note that commentary can be harder to hear while the vehicle is moving, so sitting closer to the guide may help. Bringing a jacket or jumper is advised in case conditions turn windy or chilly.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The tour meets at the operator's base at 396 Clifton Road, Te Awanga, about a 25 minute drive from Napier.

How Long Is The Tour?

Allow about three hours from meeting at the base. Reviewers describe being looked after for the whole time, with the colony visit as the centrepiece.

Is Any Walking Involved?

No. The 4WD vehicle brings you close to the colony, and no walking is required.

What Is Included In The Price?

An experienced driver-guide, air-conditioned 4WD transport, light refreshments and gannet colony viewing are all included. Food is not included, so bring anything more substantial yourself.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the booking page for the terms that apply after that point.

When Is The Best Time To See The Gannets?

Tours run from 1 August to 30 April, with the best viewing early November to late February. The colony is wild, so weather and the season decide what you see.