The Gannets of Cape Kidnappers
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Port
Napier, New Zealand
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$220
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Begin your excursion with a drive down Napier's beautiful Marine Parade, with its stand of tall Norfolk pines.
Continue along the Hawke's Bay coast to Cape Kidnappers Station (ranch). From there, the unpaved road crosses rolling pastures, riverbeds and gullies, and leads to Cape Kidnappers -- one of only two known mainland gannet colonies in the world. Just a few yards from the gannet colony, you will take in this amazing, close-up look at the birds. The gannet is a member of the booby family, and is easily recognized by its distinctive black eye markings and pale gold crown. The birds arrive here at the colony in the latter part of July, and their chicks hatch in late November and December. Migration begins again in March. See the gannets swooping and diving into the sea for food, while others preen themselves or perform the ritual dance of recognition.
On return to the farm, enjoy light refreshments; then, relax for the 30-minute journey back to the ship in Napier with an orientation drive through the Art Deco district .
Please note: Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with back or neck problems.