Plan your visit
Plan your Visit
Prepare for a half-day trip to the Hawke's Bay coast. Review transport options, essential packing lists, and timing for the best views.
Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony Tours
396 Clifton Road, Te Awanga
GPS -39.6416, 177.0827
Open directionsGetting there
Most visitors drive to the tour bases just outside Napier.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Gannet Safaris Overland 4WD tour from Te Awanga | 3 hours | about $99 NZD | Drives across private farmland directly to the plateau, requiring no walking. |
| Tour: Gannet Beach Adventures tractor tour from Clifton | 4 hours | Varies | Rides on open-air vintage tractors along the beach. Departures depend on daily low tides. |
| Car: Drive from Napier to Te Awanga or Clifton base | 25-30 mins | Free parking | Most visitors drive to the tour bases at Te Awanga or Clifton to start their journey. |
| Walk: Hike from Clifton along the beach | 4-5 hours | Free | 19km hike over sand and pebbles. Extreme landslide and rockfall risk. DOC strictly discourages stopping under cliffs. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The colony is accessible from September 1 to April 30. The absolute best months are November to February. This is when the first chicks hatch and bird activity peaks. Tours do not run during the winter months.
What to bring
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Always pack a windbreaker.
The coastal plateau can be extremely windy.
How the day runs
Suggested ways to structure your time.
Take the standard 4WD safari for direct access to the birds.
- Drive from Napier
Head to 396 Clifton Road, Te Awanga (25-30 mins).
- Tour departs
Board the 4WD for the 36 km return journey.
- Plateau viewing
Spend time observing the gannets at the main colony.
- Return to base
Arrive back at Te Awanga and continue your day.
What to pack
The open plateau offers very little shade. Bring sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses to protect against the harsh UV rays. A windbreaker or light jacket is essential as the cape gets very windy.
Bring binoculars for close-up views of the nesting birds. A camera with a good zoom lens is great for photography. Wear sturdy walking shoes to move safely around the plateau.
Easiest way to do it
Gannet Safaris Overland tour to Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony
3 h 4.9 (1,049)
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Beverages
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Transport by air-conditioned minivan
From$58per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
What should I wear to a Cape Kidnappers tour?
Wear layers, including a windbreaker or light jacket. The plateau is exposed and windy. Bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sturdy walking shoes.
Can you drive your own car to Cape Kidnappers gannet colony?
No, you cannot drive your own vehicle to the colony. You must book a guided 4WD or tractor tour, as the route crosses private farmland and beaches.
Is the beach walk to Cape Kidnappers safe?
Walking the beach carries significant rockfall and landslide risks. The Department of Conservation highly discourages it. If you do walk, you must strictly time it with low tide.