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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“Fantastic experience, very knowledgeable driver and a great trip to do. Unbelievable how close we got to the birds!”
Viator - January 2025
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Birds, Scenery and Farmland a taste of rural NZ!
Amazing views. The gannets were flying all around us, not at all bothered by us. We were very close to them and a wonderful experience. The bus driver, also the guide was very knowledgeable, not only about gannets, but also about the local history. All up, a very enjoyable afternoon.
”Trip Advisor - January 2025
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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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“This tour is a must I just loved it. Wayne was so knowledgeable on all his details he gave us about the farm the animals and birds. He made you feel so welcome. When we got to the gannets they were amazing to see they are such a graceful bird. This is a three hour trip well with doing”
Trip Advisor - March 2025
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“What a great experience, up close with the amazing birds and views to die for. Highly recommend.”
Get Your Guide - March 2025
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“Beautiful area which you don't get to see normally as mostly private land. Knowledgeable guides and fantastic wildlife - would highly recommend this!”
Trip Advisor - April 2025
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“This highlight is not to be missed! The tour is highly recommended. The bus ride through the varied landscape with its steep climbs and spectacular views is an experience in itself. The destination of the tour is the huge gannet colony on the high plateau. Everything here is still very natural, although you can get up to about 1 m to the animals and take great photos. We were lucky enough to be able to see the baby birds that had obviously hatched recently. Another "highlight" was our driver Marcus, who made the trip very entertaining with lots of information and anecdotes. The journey was (almost) the destination, but seeing the birds up close without disturbing them is something very special. If you are in Napier or the surrounding area, you should not miss this beautiful tour.”
Get Your Guide - November 2024
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Well worth the 3 hour journey there and back to Cape Kidnappers. The destination, the Gannet colonies out on the Cape, was breathtaking and enlightening but the journey there and back was itself a major part of the experience. This trip was highlight of our 4 days in Hawkes Bay. Just do it.
”Viator - February 2025
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“It was a terrific tour! Marcus was a great guide and very knowledgeable. We learned much and enjoyed the stuffing landscape and magnificent birds. A must do!”
Get Your Guide - April 2025
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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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