Discover Cape Kidnappers, the largest most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. Witness the 20,000 gannets at the cape which are members of the Booby family, with distinctive black eye markings and a pale gold crown. Visitors to the colony will see adults and young nesting in serried rows carrying out their daily routine. In the air above your heads, these amazing birds with their 6-foot wingspan (2 m) swoop and dive as they bring back fish. On the ground, just a few feet away, the pairs preen and perform the dance of the gannets’ recognition ritual. The birds can be seen from September to early April. In September they return from their winter escape to build their nests ready for the arrival of the chicks during December and January. The chicks are then fattened up ready for their first and departing flight in late April when they go off on their annual ritual to warmer climates. After being driven to the Cape in an air-conditioned 4 x 4 coach there will be absolutely no walking required. You are taken right to within a few feet of these remarkable birds. Along the way, take in the breathtaking scenery of the geological landscapes and remarkable nature that this part of the country has to offer. Visit a production forest, view a predator-proof reserve and be accompanied by an experienced driver/guide who will provide a knowledgeable and insightful commentary throughout the tour.

Enjoy a unique tour to Cape Kidnappers and watch the sunrise over the gannets. The East Cape of New Zealand is the first in the world to see the sunrise each day. Travel in a 4 x 4 Range Rover (maximum 4 people) on an exclusive tour to the largest accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. Journey overland through Cape Kidnappers Station, a working farm of approximately 2,500 hectares with a fascinating history. In addition to beef and sheep farming, the station boasts a 200-hectare conservatory protected by a predator-proof fence running from coast to coast across the promontory.  See Kiwi and Tuatara along with a wide variety of native birds and wildlife which had previously been wiped out by predators. Enjoy spectacular views across Hawkes Bay to Napier and the distant Mahia Peninsula when you stop at a cliff-top viewpoint along the way. On arrival at the colony, be mesmerized by the spectacular birds with their eye markings and golden crowns. From within just a few feet of the adults and nesting chicks, see these remarkable birds preening themselves and performing their courtship dance ritual.

Experience a personal encounter with birds on a guided tour to the largest accessible gannet colony in the world. Venture through the 2,500 acres of Cape Kidnappers Station, see the sheep and beef farming, the 200-hectare native bush conservatory, Kiwi and Tuatara, and more. Stop on top of the cliff tops and look down at the remarkable geology of the cliffs and sweeping views across Hawkes Bay. Get within just a few feet of adults and chicks nesting, preening themselves, and performing their courtship dance. When at the colony, you'll be mesmerized by the spectacular birds with their exquisite eye markings and golden crowns.