Cape Kidnappers, Napier

Cape Kidnappers, Napier

Located 20 kilometres south-east of Napier, Cape Kidnappers is a sandstone headland on Hawke's Bay that lies at the end of an 8 kilometre long peninsula which protrudes into the Pacific Ocean.

Located 20 kilometres south-east of Napier, Cape Kidnappers is a sandstone headland on Hawke's Bay that lies at the end of an 8 kilometre long peninsula which protrudes into the Pacific Ocean. This breathtaking setting is not its only draw; it is also home to the world’s largest Australasian gannet colony. The 13 hectare reserve has the Saddle and Black Reef gannet colonies, of which the latter can be viewed from the beach. Nesting season is from mid-September to mid-December, with chicks hatching around the beginning of November and migrating to Australia in May. The Cape Kidnappers Walking Track from Clifton offers magnificent views of the cliffs and sea, as well as sightings of marine wildlife such as the white-fronted tern (tara), variable oystercatcher (tōrea), blue penguns (kororā), reef heron (matuku waitai), and Caspian tern (taranui). Cape Kidnappers' other draw is the 18-hole golf course near Te Awanga.