• 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 gannets have returned to Cape Kidnappers, marking the start of an exciting new season!

For over 50 years, Gannet Safaris has brought visitors close to the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. With stunning views and an immersive wildlife experience, it’s a must-do for nature lovers.

🌅 Have you been on a Gannet Safari before? Share your favourite moment in the comments!

📸: @hastings_nz

#GannetSafari #CapeKidnappers #NZWildlife #NZNature #HawkesBay

View
Open
The gannets have returned to Cape Kidnappers, marking the start of an exciting new season! For over 50 years, Gannet Safaris has brought visitors close to the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. With stunning views and an immersive wildlife experience, it’s a must-do for nature lovers. 🌅 Have you been on a Gannet Safari before? Share your favourite moment in the comments! 📸: @hastings_nz #GannetSafari #CapeKidnappers #NZWildlife #NZNature #HawkesBay

Our first review of the new season and it’s an epic one, like all our reviews are. 🙌
Book a tour today and see what it’s all about 🐦🐦

View
Open
Our first review of the new season and it’s an epic one, like all our reviews are. 🙌 Book a tour today and see what it’s all about 🐦🐦

Gannet Safari`s is proud to support the conservation efforts of #capesanctuary through our tourism partnership. While the #gannet season has pressed pause for the winter months, Cape Sanctuary tours are still up and running! Book now to se Hawke`s Bays best kept secret and a chance for up close encounters with critically endangered takahē and more!

View
Open
Gannet Safari's is proud to support the conservation efforts of #capesanctuary through our tourism partnership. While the #gannet season has pressed pause for the winter months, Cape Sanctuary tours are still up and running! Book now to se Hawke's Bays best kept secret and a chance for up close encounters with critically endangered takahē and more!

Gannet Safaris Overland has once again been awarded a 2024 Travellers Choice Award from TripAdvisor. 🙌

Many thanks to everyone for their wonderful reviews and for coming and experiencing our awesome tour with us 🐦🚌🛳. @tripadvisor #capekidnappers #gannets

View
Open
Gannet Safaris Overland has once again been awarded a 2024 Travellers Choice Award from TripAdvisor. 🙌 Many thanks to everyone for their wonderful reviews and for coming and experiencing our awesome tour with us 🐦🚌🛳. @tripadvisor #capekidnappers #gannets

We are absolutely thrilled to have been named as finalists by Tourism Export Council New Zealand for the 2024 Small Allied Tour Operator of the Year Award. We’re honoured to be in such good company alongside Mackenzie helicopters Helicopters.

Wishing the very best to all of the finalists ahead of the awards in Invercargill this August

View
Open
We are absolutely thrilled to have been named as finalists by Tourism Export Council New Zealand for the 2024 Small Allied Tour Operator of the Year Award. We’re honoured to be in such good company alongside Mackenzie helicopters Helicopters. Wishing the very best to all of the finalists ahead of the awards in Invercargill this August

The Cape Kidnappers Gannet colony offers an exquisite opportunity for photographers to capture the beauty of thousands of birds against a stunning backdrop.

With thousands of birds only meters away, everyone and every camera leaves with incredible photos to match the memories.

Book your summer experience online now to see why photographers, amateurs and professionals alike label #GannetSafaris as a must do experience!

#photography #hawkesbay #gannetsafaris #gannetsafarisoverland #capekidnappers #hbtourism

View
Open
The Cape Kidnappers Gannet colony offers an exquisite opportunity for photographers to capture the beauty of thousands of birds against a stunning backdrop. With thousands of birds only meters away, everyone and every camera leaves with incredible photos to match the memories. Book your summer experience online now to see why photographers, amateurs and professionals alike label #GannetSafaris as a must do experience! #photography #hawkesbay #gannetsafaris #gannetsafarisoverland #capekidnappers #hbtourism

Gannets aren’t the only bird who call the Cape Kidnappers Peninsula home!

Hundreds of little blue penguins burrow along the shoreline of the peninsula, inhabiting sand dune, coastal grasses and cliffside. In fact, the lower gannet colony shares terrain with penguin burrows.

These gorgeous penguins are kept safe by the pest control and habitat restoration work of the @cape_sanctuary team!

#penguins #littlebluepenguin #gannetsafaris #gannets #capekidnappers #hbtourism #gannet #nzbirds

View
Open
Gannets aren’t the only bird who call the Cape Kidnappers Peninsula home! Hundreds of little blue penguins burrow along the shoreline of the peninsula, inhabiting sand dune, coastal grasses and cliffside. In fact, the lower gannet colony shares terrain with penguin burrows. These gorgeous penguins are kept safe by the pest control and habitat restoration work of the @cape_sanctuary team! #penguins #littlebluepenguin #gannetsafaris #gannets #capekidnappers #hbtourism #gannet #nzbirds

Did you know there’s not one, not two but three colonies at the Cape Kidnappers point! Located below the steep cliffs of the main colony is a slightly smaller seaside colony where gannets and fur seals share the rocky shore. Further along the point is the ‘saddle’ colony, a smaller collective only viewed from the main platform as erosion has rendered the cliff side impassable.

#gannets #nz #nativebirdsnz #capekidnappers #gannetsafarisoverland #gannets #takapu #nz #hbnz #tourism

View
Open
Did you know there’s not one, not two but three colonies at the Cape Kidnappers point! Located below the steep cliffs of the main colony is a slightly smaller seaside colony where gannets and fur seals share the rocky shore. Further along the point is the ‘saddle’ colony, a smaller collective only viewed from the main platform as erosion has rendered the cliff side impassable. #gannets #nz #nativebirdsnz #capekidnappers #gannetsafarisoverland #gannets #takapu #nz #hbnz #tourism
top
By using Gannet Safaris, you accept our use of cookies.
OK