gannet colony

We were disappointed the beach tractor was fully booked.There had also been a landslip so tractor could only go part of the way. The overland safari bus is to be found on the right hand side en-route to the Cape Kidnappers. Dave, our driver gave a very informed commentary on flora and fauna on the way to the top of the cliffs on arrival we found ourselves within feet of these beautiful birds. Drinks and biscuits were served. The overall journey took around at least three hours.

No matter how you decide to see the gannets, it is without question one of the best things to do in Hawke's Bay and if you come to Hawke's Bay it should be a must-do.

There are three ways to go and see the gannets. You can walk 8.5 km along the beach, then climb for 20 minutes or so to the colony but you must do this at the appropriate tide times. You can take a tractor trailer ride along the beach which is a four hour trip - this one also requires that you climb up to see the birds. Or you can take the overland trip which we did. This travels through interesting farm country and drives you right to the gannet colony, great if you are short on time or don't want to do the steep climb up. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour the highlight of which was a 45 minute stop at the gannet colony to watch the birds and take pictures. This tour costs almost twice as much as the tractor trailer one but we felt it was good value.

A very lovely and enjoyable tractor ride! It was amazing to see thousands of gannets on the top of cape kidnappers. Very proud of how both DOC and private organizations and individuals protect our native birds!

Firstly, there's only one REAL way to visit the gannets, and that's to go with the Gannet Beach Adventures team on a tractor and trailer out to the colony. (See: http://www.gannets.com/ ) When I was younger, my father used to drive one of the tractors in the summertime. It's dependent on the tides, so check ahead, pack a picnic lunch, towels and plenty of sunblock, and enjoy the ride! It's not something you'll get in an airconditioned truck, and you may get your feet wet occasionally, but that's all part of the fun. These guys have been doing this for over 60 years. They know the history and some of the very tall tales that have built up over the years.Word of warning - the gannets are smelly - but also majestic creatures when they dive bomb the water for food. Book this, take you family out - you'll be talking about it for years!

Went out in the overland bus that does Gannet Safaris and took a couple visiting from England. They absolutely enjoyed the bus trip over the hills and the views. Given a cuppa on arrival. Would recommend to everyone. Even saw where the Golf course was that is the best around

We as an older couple paid out $42 and climbed on the trailer, all credit to the tractor driver as he negotiated the beach, rocks and water. Do wear warm clothing. At several stops along the way we had the geology of the area and earthquake faults explained, The walk up to the gannet colony isn't too tough and there are toilets at the bend of the ride. you get really close to the birds plus along the way we were very close to a turn colony. very good value for money

Is a must visit to see the Gannet colony and a great place to have a walk and see mother nature at its best. Bring plenty to drink and comfortable walking shoe. Visit is subjective to the tide of the sea.

we had a great afternoon with Colin our guide lots of information along the way. The walk is not easy up to the gannetts but if you pace yourself you will enjoy what's at the top and it certainly is worth the effort . It gets a bit cool on the way back so pack a nice warm top.

We loved our walk along the beach. You do need to look up the tides and start walking as the tide is lowering. The walk up the hill to the colony is well rewarded by gannets (and babies in February). So lucky to be able to visit these birds.

We recently visited Hawkes Bay and went out to Cape Kidnappers to see the resident colony of gannets. Unfortunately, weather was very poor so we were unable to participate in the scheduled tractor ride out to colony on the day. However, we did manage to find and spot some individual and a few small flocks of gannets fishing off the shore, just off Clifton Drive at the Cape Kidnapper's sign, just before the narrow road leading to the small campground. With binoculars we were able to watch gannets for around an hour, diving into the water from great heights. A couple times we could see them coming up with a freshly caught fish and gulping them up. This was neat to watch but would have been impossible without the aid of good binoculars. In the end, we were disappointed to not have been able to have gone out on the tractor ride but we were quite pleased to have still seen a few gannets during our trip.

A good option to the Cape for those who prefer a little more comfort. Gannet Safaris are very good at what they do. Very informative as you travel through the farm - we struck a very windy day which added to the occasion - not a lot of gannets at this time of year as they are just arriving to nest. But well worth the cost and better than the coast trip as it takes less time if you have some time restraints

Nature, nature, nature. Gorgeous beach ride on a sleigh pulled by a tractor. Very interesting and informative talk by our guide and enough time to see and appreciate the gannets in their preserve without disturbing them.

Me and my friends we went to Cape Kidnappers on 12th September 2014. The weather was beautiful and we started at 10:30. Recommended time for start is no sooner than 3 hours after high tide, which was that day at 7:22 (according to http://www.tides4fishing.com/nz/hawkes-bay/cape-kidnappers). We had to wait 30 min, till it was possible to go on the beach with a dry foot.The walk on the beach was amazing, sun was shining, calm wind blowing and we admired the beauty of old rocks, spectacular cliff formations milion years old, whispering trees on the top, yellow sand and murmuring ocean. We rescued a starfish that got stuck after low tide in the sand.We finished the walk on the beach at 2 pm. We took a short break, ate our snack enjoying astonishing view to the endless ocean. And hurray to visit a famous Australasian gannet's colony.Recommended departing from Cape is no later than 1,5 hour after low tide. That day it was at 1:36 pm. We left at 3 pm. The water rose fast up and luckily for us, in the middle of the way we met a very nice man we spoke with on the top. He came back with his car and picked us up. We get to the park place just in time, the last few meters we drove in the water.Rightfully is Cape Kidnappers the 36th most beautiful track in the world. We enjoyed it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED :-)

Whether you decide to go overland or on the tractors along the beach, you'll enjoy a unique experience and some of the most beautiful vistas in the world. Over and under steep cliffs plunging in wide blue seas, amazing colours. Everywhere you look is a postcard.Quick tip: keep the wind in your back when approaching the colony!