Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony Walk
Walk or ride to the world's most accessible mainland Australasian gannet colony, perched dramatically on the headlands at the tip of Hawke's Bay.
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Clifton Beach Start
The beach walk to Cape Kidnappers begins at Clifton Reserve, 20 km south of Napier — a tractor shuttle is available at high tide for the 8-km beach walk.
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Black Reef Gannet Colony
The first gannet colony sits on the Black Reef rocks — thousands of birds nest here from July to March, their distinctive black-and-white plumage unmistakable.
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Clifftop Gannet Walk
An alternative clifftop trail offers dramatic views of the coastline and a chance to see gannets gliding on the updrafts along the Hawke's Bay cliffs.
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Cape Kidnappers Plateau
The large plateau colony at the cape tip holds up to 6,500 breeding pairs — arguably the most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world.
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Gannet Viewing Area
Visitors can approach within metres of nesting gannets, which show little fear of humans — the sight, sound, and smell of so many birds is overwhelming.
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Cape Kidnappers Headland
The dramatic headland was named by Captain Cook in 1769 after Māori tried to kidnap his Tahitian interpreter — the view back to Hawke's Bay is magnificent.