A Unique Wildlife Encounter
Captivating champion divers and masters of the sea, Gannets are true acrobats. Brace yourself for a journey that takes you from coast to cape, to the world’s largest and most accessible Gannet colony in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay. Discover the mesmerising birds in an almost face to face experience and take in the stunning vista of the area.
Let’s take you on a Cape Kidnappers Gannet Safari
For over 50 years, Cape Kidnapper’s Gannet Safaris has been the only tour to take you overland, bringing you close and personal with the fierce seabirds and their thriving environment for nesting and breeding.
Starting off at our Te Awanga base, our fleet of 4×4 vehicles will take you through pristine coastline, working farm, native bush to New Zealand’s largest, privately-owned nature reserve. The guided safari will take you on a stunning discovery tour to the top of Cape Kidnappers’ Gannet Colony where you will come to encounter over 20,000 gannets. Watch the seabirds in their natural habitat – nesting, preening, dancing swooping and diving into the sea right before your eyes.
With the vast Pacific Ocean in sight, beneath the land of the long white clouds, and surrounded by beautiful, winged wonders; discover the land, sea and sky of Aotearoa with Gannet Safaris Overland Safari.
Explore our amazing backyard
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The Gannets
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About Us
About Us
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Conservation
Conservation
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Hawkes Bay
Hawkes Bay
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“Beautiful day in a magical place. You have to see to believe. You can not missed this tour if you are in Hawke's Bay area”
Viator - February 2026
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This was one of the best tours we have been on. The guide was more than knowledgeable, he was truly an expert on the history of the area, the gannets, vineyards and his stories were great. The colony itself is so unusual, something I will not see elsewhere. I highly recommend this tour
”Trip Advisor - March 2026
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“Garth was a wonderful, friendly and informative guide for this amazing trip across the stunning Cape Kidnapper peninsula landscape to see the Gannet colony. These beautiful birds were an incredible sight to see, especially also with this being the largest and most closely accessible gannet colony in the Southern Hemisphere. The trip was done with amazing international fellow travellers and we feel is highly recommended as a trip to do for anyone visiting beautiful Hawke’s Bay.”
Trip Advisor - September 2025
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“The weather made a perfect show of Mother Nature. The stunning views of Cape Kidnappers coast, the fascinating Gannet colony, learning about their life cycle and how far they fly when they leave the nest which is mind boggling. It's a must do tour!”
Google Reviews - March 2026
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“Excellent experience that everyone should do at least once, tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave a good rundown of the history of the area and sanctuary that the tour drives through. It is a great privilege to be able to get so close to the birds on their nests and to see them flying in”
Google Reviews - March 2026
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“As a wildlife enthusiast I absolutely loved being driven up to this fabulous gannet colony. Our guide was very interesting and enthusiastic about the nature and conservation of the area. It was a very special experience which I will remember for ever. Thank you.”
Get Your Guide - February 2026
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“Wonderful 11/10!!!. We passed by the private farm, allowing us to see the true New Zealand farms. The view in the colony is just stunning, gannets choose well their place ! With a nice hot coffee makes this visit perfect! Of course we could get so close to the amazing beautiful Gannets ! ”
Viator - January 2026
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This tour was amazing! Could stay up there forever, just watching this beautiful birds in their natural habitat. Shoutout to our guide as well!!!
”Get Your Guide - March 2026
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“Visited Gannet colony in cape kidnappers. Guide was very knowledgeable, gave lots of information during the drive to the gannets. Beautiful scenery en route. Gannets were amazing, quite smelly! You are able to get very close to the birds, plenty of time given to enjoy the bird colony. An extra treat was the coffee and biscuits provided by the guides. Worth the money.”
Trip Advisor - March 2026
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“What a incredible adventurous journey to see the Gannets. Thousands in the colony did not disappoint; it was amazing. We were close to them and watched quite a while. Another group was off a cliff down below us. Dramatic scenery with the gannets was an adventure we'll never forget.”
Google Reviews - September 2025
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