Cape Kidnappers

Cape Prominent headland in Hawke's Bay with gannet colony

Hawke’s Bay’s Cape Kidnappers is famed for its large gannet colony on sheer coastal cliffs; guided tours and farm-road drives bring birdwatchers close to nesting colonies, with vineyards and Napier’s art‑deco architecture nearby.

Cape Kidnappers is a prominent headland on the southeast coast of New Zealand’s North Island in Hawke’s Bay, notable for its steep cliffs and important seabird colony. The headland supports one of the world’s largest mainland breeding colonies of Australasian gannets.

The main attraction is the gannet colony on the cliffs and slopes, with viewing areas and guided excursions that bring visitors close to large nesting concentrations. The coastal scenery and cliffs are also used for scenic walks and wildlife photography.

European settlers and local landowners have used the surrounding farmland for generations while the headland itself has been recognised for its ecological importance and protected status. Infrastructure for guided access has developed to manage visitor impacts to the colony.

The cape projects into Hawke Bay near the settlement areas south-east of Napier on New Zealand’s east coast, forming a conspicuous headland with steep seaward cliffs and farmland on its inland slopes.

Access options: Accessible by guided 4WD farm tours from the Hawke's Bay coast or by walking along the coastline; tours are the usual way to reach the colony without crossing private farmland unaccompanied.

What to See #

Gannet colony: A large mainland colony of Australasian gannets is located on the cliffs and headland; guided tours and viewing platforms give access to the colony at a safe distance.

How to Get to Cape Kidnappers #

Cape Kidnappers is on the southern coast of Hawke’s Bay near Napier. The common ways to visit are by boat from Napier Harbour (commercial scenic/eco-boat trips) or by organised farm/4WD tours and guided walks that start from car parks near Te Awanga/Clifton after driving south from Napier on State Highway 2.

Driving from Napier to the Te Awanga/Clifton access area is a short coastal drive (around 20-30 km); private access across farmland is restricted, so most visitors join a guided vehicle or boat trip.

Tips for Visiting Cape Kidnappers #

Book a guided gannet-viewing tour from Te Awanga or Napier rather than attempting an unguided beach drive; guided tours know the safe access routes and viewing zones and help protect nesting birds.
If you plan to walk to the colony, check tide times for the beach route and start early - parts of the route can be cut off by high tide, and the walk is long (several hours one way) so timing is important.
To avoid disturbing the birds and other visitors, stick to marked viewing areas and follow your guide's instructions; the best light for photography is usually in the early morning or late afternoon.