• Best places for bird watching in New Zealand

New Zealand is the land of birds. With no mammalian predators for millions of years, our birds evolved to be weird and wonderful, with no fear of ground predation. We’re also a seabird mecca, with more species than anywhere else in the world. This gives us no shortage of magical bird-watching spots, where you can get up close and personal with all sorts of species, from secretive kiwi to raucous kākā to soaring gannets. Read on for our favourite places.

Best places

  • Cape Kidnappers International Golf Course

    Designed by legendary golf architect Tom Doak, the Cape Kidnappers par 71 golf course measures 7,147 yards (6,569 meters) and will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Completed in 2004, our spectacular New Zealand golf course has been hailed as one of the great modern marvels in golf. Built on a ridge-and-valley landscape and with stunning sea views, Cape Kidnappers Golf Course plays high above the ocean atop dramatic cliffs.

     

  • Te Awanga Estate Winery

    Nestled on an elevated site in the Te Awanga foothills, our Cellar Door has views down through 42 acres of vines, across the Te Awanga basin and out to the Pacific Ocean.
    Decked out in white and plywood, our Cellar Door, with its sea views and salty air, is reminiscent of a New Zealand summer spent relaxing at the bach (holiday home). Chill, take your time, and taste your way across the full Rod McDonald Wines range – Wildsong, Trademark, Quarter Acre, Mister and One Off.

     

  • Kuku Cottages

    A beautifully decorated private, sunny cottage. Only minutes to the beach, a choice of wineries, Cape Kidnappers world renowned golf course and Hawkes Bay’s famous bike trails. Fully self-contained and ideal for entertaining both inside and out.

     

  • Clearview Winery

    Established in 1987, owner-operated Clearview Estate is located in Te Awanga on the Cape Coast Hawke’s Bay cycle trail.  The Estate’s restaurant and cellar door are long-established havens of Mediterranean inspired hospitality.

     

  • Clifton Glamping

    Hidden amongst the rolling hills of Clifton Station – Hawkes Bay, your luxury accommodation with a difference awaits.
    Clifton Glamping, the perfect balance of experience and luxury. Allowing you to enjoy the memorable aspects of camping while appreciating the finer comforts of private luxury accommodation.

     

  • Te Awanga Cottages

    These two delightful Cottages are situated in a picturesque Hawke’s Bay rural coastal setting; featuring beach walks, cycle trails, wine tasting, golfing and alfresco dining, yet only a 15-20 minute scenic drive to the towns of Hastings, Havelock North and Napier.

     

  • Elephant Hill Winery

    Elephant Hill is a stunning and innovative winery estate located on the idyllic Te Awanga coast in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.

     

  • Hygge – Clifton Bay Cafe

    Pronounced “hoo-ga”, a great beachside Cafe based on the concept of cozy contentment, and well being. Enjoying the small things in life!

     

  • Haumoana Farmyard Zoo

    Hawkes Bay Farmyard Zoo offers a wide range of animals, Horse treks,& Ridding lessons.A picnic area yo accomodate large groups such as Birthdays, work functions & Xmas Parties.

     

The morning bird catches ... the best bird pics?!

Did you know that Gannet Safari`s offers a sunrise tour? Be mesmerised by the shifting hues moving across the formidable landscape of Cape Kidnappers. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast within feet of New Zealand`s largest accessible mainland gannet/ takapū colony. This experience is a must do for all bird, landscape and photography enthusiasts!

#sunrise #gannet #takapu #landscape #capekidnappers #nzbirds #nz #lovenz #hbnz #hbtourism #newzealand #tourism #travelnz #mustdonz #nzbirds #hastingsnz #hawkesbaynz #napiernz

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The morning bird catches ... the best bird pics?! Did you know that Gannet Safari's offers a sunrise tour? Be mesmerised by the shifting hues moving across the formidable landscape of Cape Kidnappers. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast within feet of New Zealand's largest accessible mainland gannet/ takapū colony. This experience is a must do for all bird, landscape and photography enthusiasts! #sunrise #gannet #takapu #landscape #capekidnappers #nzbirds #nz #lovenz #hbnz #hbtourism #newzealand #tourism #travelnz #mustdonz #nzbirds #hastingsnz #hawkesbaynz #napiernz

Fancy a gannet pie? 🥧

In 1789 a hungry Captain James Cook documented his kiwi take on the classic Christmas `goose pie` reporting that "our goose pye was eat with great approbation" by the crew. Well before the invention of Gannet pie, young takapū were an important part of Māori diet. Nowadays, like most of our native birds gannets enjoy full protection. Whilst gannet pie is certainly off the menu, visiting these cutie pies isn`t - with only a few more days of tours available be sure to get your ticket ASAP!

#gannets #takapu #seabirds #newzealand #hawkesbay #hbnz #hawkesbaynz #hastingsnz #capekidnappers #nzbirds #lovebirds #birds #birdphotography #nzexperience #lovenz #napiernz #havelocknorthnz #seabird #conservation

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Fancy a gannet pie? 🥧 In 1789 a hungry Captain James Cook documented his kiwi take on the classic Christmas 'goose pie' reporting that "our goose pye was eat with great approbation" by the crew. Well before the invention of Gannet pie, young takapū were an important part of Māori diet. Nowadays, like most of our native birds gannets enjoy full protection. Whilst gannet pie is certainly off the menu, visiting these cutie pies isn't - with only a few more days of tours available be sure to get your ticket ASAP! #gannets #takapu #seabirds #newzealand #hawkesbay #hbnz #hawkesbaynz #hastingsnz #capekidnappers #nzbirds #lovebirds #birds #birdphotography #nzexperience #lovenz #napiernz #havelocknorthnz #seabird #conservation

There`s only two weeks to go before bookings for #gannetsafarisoverland tours close! Get your camera packed, sunblock on and a smile ready for Hawkes Bay`s most #instaworthy view!

#gannets #gannetsafaris #gannetsafarisoverland #gannetbirds #takapu #hbnz #hbtourism #hastingsNZ #havelocknorthNZ #napiernz #nzbirds #mustsee

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There's only two weeks to go before bookings for #gannetsafarisoverland tours close! Get your camera packed, sunblock on and a smile ready for Hawkes Bay's most #instaworthy view! #gannets #gannetsafaris #gannetsafarisoverland #gannetbirds #takapu #hbnz #hbtourism #hastingsNZ #havelocknorthNZ #napiernz #nzbirds #mustsee

Ever wondered how a #gannet nest is made?

In late winter and early spring, the Takapū/ Australasian gannets are often sighted flying around with seaweed - a key component in their nest structure. By use of a build up of guano, nutrient packed excrement, the gannets form a concrete like cylindrical wall that is softened with seaweed. These nests are incredibly resilient and can last for years!

Only the males return with seaweed, a helpful tip for distinguishing sexes.

#gannets #nzgannets #capekidnappers #takapu #nativebirdsnz #newzealand #australisiangannet #amazingbirds #hbnz #hastingsNZ #havelocknorthNZ #gannetsNZ #hbtourism

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Ever wondered how a #gannet nest is made? In late winter and early spring, the Takapū/ Australasian gannets are often sighted flying around with seaweed - a key component in their nest structure. By use of a build up of guano, nutrient packed excrement, the gannets form a concrete like cylindrical wall that is softened with seaweed. These nests are incredibly resilient and can last for years! Only the males return with seaweed, a helpful tip for distinguishing sexes. #gannets #nzgannets #capekidnappers #takapu #nativebirdsnz #newzealand #australisiangannet #amazingbirds #hbnz #hastingsNZ #havelocknorthNZ #gannetsNZ #hbtourism

Be sure to book your end of season #gannetsafarisoverland tour before April 30th!

If seeing #NewZealands largest, accessible mainland colony of takapū/ Australasian gannets has been on your bucket list, the coming weeks are your last chance for an up-close experience with these incredible birds.

Visit our website, www.gannetsafarisoverland.co.nz for more information

#gannets #hbnz #hastings #gannetsafarisoverland #gannetsafaris #hawkesbaynz #hastingsnz #hbtourism #capekidnappers #dosomethingnew #explore #adventure #nature #nzbirds #conservation

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Be sure to book your end of season #gannetsafarisoverland tour before April 30th! If seeing #NewZealands largest, accessible mainland colony of takapū/ Australasian gannets has been on your bucket list, the coming weeks are your last chance for an up-close experience with these incredible birds. Visit our website, www.gannetsafarisoverland.co.nz for more information #gannets #hbnz #hastings #gannetsafarisoverland #gannetsafaris #hawkesbaynz #hastingsnz #hbtourism #capekidnappers #dosomethingnew #explore #adventure #nature #nzbirds #conservation

Hey Gary, can you not read the sign? Get back on your side of the barrier 😉🐦

#capekidnappers #gannetsafarisoverland #hawkesbay #hawkesbaynz

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Hey Gary, can you not read the sign? Get back on your side of the barrier 😉🐦 #capekidnappers #gannetsafarisoverland #hawkesbay #hawkesbaynz

Our cruise ship passengers favourite post-tour treat! We love @scottsstrawberryfarm locally grown strawberries 🍓🍓
#hawkesbaynz #gannetsafarisoverland #capekidnappers #cruiseexcursion

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Our cruise ship passengers favourite post-tour treat! We love @scottsstrawberryfarm locally grown strawberries 🍓🍓 #hawkesbaynz #gannetsafarisoverland #capekidnappers #cruiseexcursion

So exciting to have our first cruise ship visitors of the season. We loved having #nationalgeographicorion as our first group 🚢🐦🥳🥳 #napiernz #hawkesbay #hawkesbaynz #capekidnappers #newzealand #gannetsafarisoverland #cruiseshipexcursion

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So exciting to have our first cruise ship visitors of the season. We loved having #nationalgeographicorion as our first group 🚢🐦🥳🥳 #napiernz #hawkesbay #hawkesbaynz #capekidnappers #newzealand #gannetsafarisoverland #cruiseshipexcursion

It was awesome having all the managers from the iSite’s across New Zealand experience a famil with us while at their conference held in Napier last week. Such an awesome team to host. 🌞
#napierconferences #napierisite #gannets #capekidnappers

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It was awesome having all the managers from the iSite’s across New Zealand experience a famil with us while at their conference held in Napier last week. Such an awesome team to host. 🌞 #napierconferences #napierisite #gannets #capekidnappers
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