Discover the Australasian Gannet – Takapu
Did you know that the four gannet colonies here at Cape Kidnappers are the largest and most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world? An estimated 20,000 birds live here, with a nesting history going back into the 1870’s.
Adult gannets arrive at Cape Kidnappers every year around July to begin courtship and nest building. Most gannets will not breed until they are at least 4 or 5 years old. But when they do mate, it is often for life long which can be up to 33 years, although 20-24 is more common. Paired gannets rub their beaks and necks together, preen head feathers, bow, and call each other. These displays are performed during courtship and when a partner returns home to its nest site.
If you see lone gannets swinging their heads from side to side and bowing their beaks beneath their wings, you are witnessing ‘solo bowing,’ or you may be watching a gannet on its territory who is feeling threatened by another bird. Males may perform this most intensely when a female gannet (not its partner) calls or lands nearby. Female and male gannets look the same. They share both incubation duties and the responsibility of rearing the chick.
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From September to December watch the birds carrying nesting material (seaweed, grass, or feathers) or pilfering from other nests. Generally, only the male brings in nesting material. A chick will live at this colony for about 15 weeks. In that time its appearance will change dramatically.
From its black ‘naked’ birth state to a white fluffy month-old chick and then, by 3 months it will have become a grey speckled juvenile. At flying age, the average chick will weigh 50 times its 60 gram birth weight. However, most extra fat will be lost once it starts to fly and feed for itself. The chicks depart for their first flight to Australia at 15-16 weeks old. It takes them about 8 days to get there. 70-80% of these birds will die over the next 2-3 years before they have a chance to return to Cape Kidnappers.
Gannets eat live fish, in particular herrings, pilchards, mullet, saury, garfish, anchovies and squid. Their strong flight will be abruptly broken off as they spot a school of fish. They plummet up to thirty meters to hit the water at speeds up to 140kph – the impact cushioned by air sacs in the forehead, neck, and chest wall. They then swim down, catch a fish, and swallow it on the surface, all in a few seconds. The gannet may spend up to 15 hours away from the nest while feeding. Chicks are fed on demand but usually near dawn and dusk.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get almost face to face with a Gannet and it’s an experience you do not want to miss.
For specific details of the Gannet Tour options available select the required tour below.
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Regular Tours
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Private Tours
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Sunrise Tours
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Shore Excursion Tours for Cruise Ships
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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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