Cape Sanctuary Tour
at Ocean beach Wildness area
A collaboration between the Cape Sanctuary and Gannet Safaris Overland
Venture across the formidable landscape of the Ocean Beach Wilderness Area, the heart of New Zealand’s largest privately owned and operated wildlife sanctuary. Our guides will take you through a journey of past and present, from pre-historic times, early occupation, barren hillsides to luscious coastal forest. Experience the impact of Cape Sanctuary’s conservation efforts in real-time through up-close encounters with takahe and kakariki. Travel high above the Ocean Beach Cliffs, and greet the all-encompassing view of our coastline as you enter our pest-free slice of paradise, the ‘sea bird site’. Learn about Cape Sanctuary’s nationally significant sand-dune restoration, coastal revegetation, species translocations and leading sea-bird restoration projects with a well-deserved drink on the panoramic verandah of our newly built hut. Experience one of Hawke’s Bay’s best kept secrets in this three hour journey!
Species encounters with:
- Takahe
- Red Crowned Kakariki
- Giant Weta
- Tuatara
- Tui, Fantail, Kereru
Total time: 3 hours.
This tour is available all year round – depending on weather
Tours depart from Cape Sanctuary office
389 Ocean Beach Road, Hawkes Bay
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- Range Rover (up to 4 people): $1200
- Van (up to 8 people): $1800
- Bus (up to 20 people): $3000
Cancellation Policy
Payments accepted by Bank Credit Cards, Cash or Agent Voucher. – Tours must be pre-paid. We reserve the right to cancel for events beyond our control & if minimum number are not meet for a tour to operate.
Should you cancel within 48 hours of tour, no refund given.
Cancelling outside of 48 hours of tour is eligible for a 100% refund less booking and credit card fees.
Should we cancel 100% of payment made will be refunded.
Child & Infant Policy
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Infant under 4 years – Free of charge, no seat allocation and must be on lap. – Only 1 infant per adult.
Tour Highlights
Frequently asked questions
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Child & Infant Policy
Children 5-18 years inclusive – 50% of adult fare.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Infant under 4 years – Free of charge, no seat allocation and must be on lap. – Only 1 infant per adult. -
What is your cancellation policy?
Payments accepted by Bank Credit Cards, Cash or Agent Voucher. – Tours must be pre-paid. We reserve the right to cancel for events beyond our control & if minimum number are not meet for a tour to operate.
Should you cancel within 48 hours of tour, no refund given.
Cancelling outside of 48 hours of tour is eligible for a 100% refund less booking and credit card fees.
Should we cancel 100% of payment made will be refunded. -
Is there room to park our motorhome?
Yes, we have a large off-road carpark, plenty big enough for several motorhomes to safely park up while you enjoy our tour.
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How long does it take to get to your base?
our base is a 25-minute drive from Napier, Hastings and Havelock North
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How many people are on a bus?
a maximum of 20 people
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Are we governed by the tides?
No – as we travel overland above the cliff tops
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Is the morning or afternoon better to see the birds?
The birds are just as active in the morning as they are in the afternoon, no time is better than the other.
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Are there bathrooms on the tour?
The last chance to dance is at our base where we have very good bathroom facilities. On the tour there is only the odd tree for emergencies.
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If the tour good for photographers?
Absolutely – we get plenty of photographers. Everyone has different light preferences… some even do a morning trip one day and an afternoon trip the next so they can get the right shot. Photographers also love the sunrise tour.
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Can we take our small well-behaved dog on the tour?
Unfortunately no, as we ae traveling through a wildlife sanctuary and got to a Doc reserve with over 20,000 gannets – dogs are not permitted.
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Is the tour good for all ages?
Absolutely. As long as you can hop on and off the bus unaided then the tour is good for you! The plateau it is all flat ground so walking is very safe and easy, there are bench seats that can be sat on. Everything can also be seen from the bus without having to get out.
Other tours you may like
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Regular Tours
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Private Tours
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Sunrise Tours
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Cruise Ship Tours
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“As many people have commented here, this excursion is much more than just "going to see some birds". Not only do you have fantastic scenery you get to learn so much communicated in an entertaining way. Tony our guide is responsible for this and his knowledge breath is remarkable. You'll learn about the conservation effort being carried out there, local farming, lost golf balls and everything else in-between, too much to mention here. Highly recommended if you are in the area.”
Trip Advisor - December 2022
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“
Fabulous tour, such fun, very inclusive, enjoyed opening gates. Guide was amazing and super knowledgeable. Real value for money - couldn't recommend it more highly!
”Trip Advisor - December 2022
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“Fantastic! Great info given out. Spectacular scenery, amazing gannets. This was the highlight of my holiday. I will recommend to others.”
Trip Advisor - September 2022
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“We loved every minute of the tour. Wayne was so experienced with non stop information that made the trip really interesting. The gannets were amazing - the flying, nesting, feeding. A really great 3 hours from start to finish”
Trip Advisor - September 2022
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“Fantastic tour with lots of interesting information along the way from our lovely guide. This has been the highlight of our NZ trip so far. Great scenery and superb weather definitely helped. But the gannet behaviour in their natural environment was great to watch, without feeling that we were impacting on their habitat.”
Trip Advisor - October 2022
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“Great 1/2 day experience to visit Cape Kidnappers and the gannet colonies there. Informative commentary about the private property that owns the land, as well as landscape fauna & flora. 2 stops (1 includes cup of tea/coffee and a bikkie) including 45min spent watching the gannet colony. Comfortable clean air-conditioned mini-bus. Spectacular scenery, so bring your camera!”
Trip Advisor - November 2022
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“We took this tour as part of a Holland America cruise ship visit, and it was my favourite tour in New Zealand. I'm not a "birder" at all, but I like tours that get you out to see the countryside. Our driver and guide was very good. He gave us history of the area, of the nature preserve and of the various iterations of the property around the cape.”
Trip Advisor - December 2022
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“
Highlight of our Hawkes Bay stay. Friendly and knowledgable hosts/ drivers. History and conservation aspect of the area super interesting. Element of adventure... plus the gannets! Time and money well spent. Highly recommend.
”Get Your Guide - September 2022
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“The visit was perfect, the guide excellent, thank you so much. You must do if you are in Napier.”
Trip Advisor - October 2022
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“Fascinating trip to the gannets, made very special by the knowledge of our tour host Graham. A great afternoon out. great views, local knowledge and wonderful births of chicks!”
Trip Advisor - November 2022
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“The best 3 hours I spent in New Zealand and the most instructive. A fabulous photography experience and the rather precarious journey there and back was made enjoyable by the commentary of the guide who was amusing and extremely knowledgable. Highly recommended.”
Get Your Guide - November 2022
