Cape Kidnappers — Attraction in North Island

Cape Kidnappers is the famed location in Hawkes Bay where you can find the gannet colony that resides here much of the year.

Unfortunately bad weather resulted in our not being able to participate in the popular tractor ride to visit the gannet colony during our recent trip. However, we were pleased to find and spot individual and a few small flocks of gannets fishing off the shore, just off Clifton Drive at the Cape Kidnapper's sign, just before the narrow road leading to the small campground.

With binoculars we were able to watch gannets, diving into the water from great heights. A couple times we could see them coming up with a freshly caught fish and gulping them. This was really neat to see, even at great distances. While not the same as being able to see the gannets up close, this was a nice consolation. It must be noted that you will need binoculars to see the gannets in action.

Another activity we found in the area that is well worth the time to explore is the British Car Museum on East Road on the way out of Cape Kidnappers. Here you can find an old hanger, stuffed with and incredible collection of vintage British vehicles, a great way to spend time here when weather is poor.

Overall, we were disappointed to not be able to participate in the tractor ride this time around but happy to found alternative ways to enjoy ourselves in the area. This is a neat area to visit and explore...

It's such a shame that the New Zealand government allows the privatization of land around some natural beauty. The free trail is along the beach, but you have to calculate the tide times because it takes a total of 5 hours to go and come back and the tide has to be low to be able to complete the entire trail. There is no longer the option of going over the top, because it is now private land and you have to pay 100 dollars for a tour to see the birds. It's better to see the gannets for free at Muriwai Beach in Auckland, don't sponsor...

Even if you don’t go all the way to the bird colony at the end, it’s a stunning walk along the beach. Towering cliffs overhead. Beautiful geography. An easy to navigate beach walk, though pay attention to tides.

There are some inlets to explore that look like they fill with water when it rains. But don’t expect to be able to climb up to the top of the cliff face anywhere easily.

There is parking at the end of the road, then walking through a trailer park at the beginning of the beach.

Great views. Highly...