The Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safari is an adventure amidst some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery. Its majestic headland and seascape are breathtaking on the teal waters of Hawke’s Bay. Plus, it’s also home to the world’s largest accessible Gannet Colony. So, read on to discover why this is a fascinating place to visit, bird lover or not.
Cape Kidnappers and Gannet Colony Background
This amazing cape is a headland on Hawke’s Bay, just 20 km (12 m) southeast of Napier. Day tours take you out here from Clifton or Napier. Also, the headland was named after an attempt by a local Maori to kidnap a member of Captain Cook’s crew back in the 18th century. However, by gunfire and cannon, they were able to rescue the crewmember back. However, the cape’s name commemorates it still today. The cliffs and beaches around Cape Kidnappers are gorgeous with endlessly breathtaking views.
Cape Kidnappers and the sea cliffs are also home to the world’s largest accessible Gannet Colony. This is the breeding site for 3,000 pairs of Australasian Gannets. Tours are available from September to April. This large seabird is of the booby and gannet family, Sulidae. Furthermore, they are beautiful birds, with colors mostly white, with black wingtips, yellow heads, blue-grey bill and blue-rimmed eyes. The mates lay 1 pale blue egg a year.
Starting Point in Napier
“Art Deco Capital of the World”
As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I asked one of the ship’s Shore Excursion Consultants. What is the best thing to see at Napier? I remember here adamantly saying, “Don’t miss Cape Kidnappers and the Gannet Colony.” So glad that I took her advice and had one of the best days of my life here.
Truly stunning and awesome, this is a safari for both scenery and wildlife. I started my tour from Napier. Napier is a unique coastal city, known as the Art Deco Capital of the World and beautiful beaches. Furthermore, after the 1931 earthquake, the city was rebuilt in Art Deco, leaving behind an idyllic remnant of the era. It’s also a big tourist hub and port-of call for cruise ships. This is where my journey began on the Cape Kidnapper’s Gannet Safari.
My Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safari
The drive there was picturesque, taking scenic stops along the dramatic cliffside settings. Furthermore, the pale-colored rocks of the sea cliffs alongside the New Zealand teal waters makes for majestic photos and scenery. The Gannet Colony sits on a large clifftop, overlooking Cape Kidnappers and Hawke’s Bay. Moreover, in the safari, we were able to walk right on the clifftop among the gannets. They seem to be used to people and carry on as though we were not even there.
I was absolutely mesmerized among these thousands of beautiful birds all around me. Some were nestled on the rocks with their mates and others hovering over the rocks in flight. Overall, this is the closest I have ever experienced to being a bird. I had to remind myself, that I do not have wings in the lofty, windy precipice. I found it also interesting that the rock colors blended with these birds, almost camouflaging them.
Overall…
Cape Kidnapper’s Gannet Colony is worth a pilgrimage across the world if you are a bird lover. This adventure is the essence of New Zealand’s unique landscapes, sea and wildlife. Also, I am not exaggerating to say that this is one of the best travel experiences of my life. So, I can highly recommend this adventure for anyone, bird lover or not.
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