Full Description
Gannet Beach Adventures
More FUN than you ever imagined!
Discover the magic of Cape Kidnappers – join our experienced guides and visit the largest mainland gannet colony in the world. During your unique 4-hour eco-tour we will:
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spend time with and get incredibly close to the majestic gannets in their natural habitat;
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discover how nature has shaped and formed the towering cliffs of the Cape Kidnappers coastline;
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view ancient earthquake fault lines;
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enjoy a memorable tour experience while travelling on our iconic vintage tractors.
Established in 1952, Gannet Beach Adventures has a long history of providing tours on a spectacular stretch of the Hawke’s Bay coastline, from Clifton to Cape Kidnappers. This unique, fun eco-experience tour involves travel with local experienced guides by vintage tractors and trailers on a comfortable four-hour adventure to the largest mainland gannet colony in the world.
Departing on the days’ low tide, visitors travel by tractor and trailer along the majestically rugged coastline. Photographic opportunities abound as stops are made throughout the journey giving visitors an insight into how nature’s forces have shaped this amazing area.
Travelling through the Black Reef colony (one of two colonies we visit) visitors can almost touch the gannets in their natural environment, without even stepping off the trailer. It was at this site in 1769 local Maori kidnapped a crew member off Captain Cook’s ship The Endeavour, the incident from which Cape Kidnappers gets its name.
Continuing onto the Cape itself, an approximate 90 minute break enables visitors’ ample time to picnic, swim, or enjoy a scenic walk to the Plateau colony. Stunning views across Hawkes Bay from the top of the Cape grace many a visitor’s photo album.
Depending on the time of the season, visitors can witness new-born chicks, through to 4-month old gannets preparing for their first ever flight, which will take them all the way to Australia.
“Where else in the world can you jump on the back of a trailer and get towed along the beach by a 1949 Minneapolis-Moline tractor to a bird colony?”
Environment Friendly Action
We recycle where possible
We use bio-degradable cleaning agents
We instruct staff in green practices
We conserve/care for wildlife in our area/ natural pest eradication
We participate in community environmental initiatives
Tariff
$39 Adult / $24 Child
Family & group rates available
All Year Available
Oct-April only
Directions
Departure Point - 495 Clifton Road, RD2, Hastings 4172 (in camping ground on left-hand side of road).
From Napier: Head south on SH2 to Clive, turn left at Mill Road following Cape Kidnappers/Clifton signs.
From Hastings: Head north on SH2 to Mangateretere, turn right at Pilcher Road following Cape Kidnappers/Clifton signs.
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