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): $1550
- Van (up to 8 people): $1950
- Bus (up to 20 people): $3300
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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Sunrise Tours
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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
