We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 40 Napier Attractions »

Gannet Beach Adventures

PO Box 52 | Hastings, Hawke's Bay, Napier, New Zealand
+64 (0) 6 875 0898
Website
Lots of Gannets at the Plateau Colony
Gannets at top of Cape Kidnappers
Posing on the tractor!
gannets galore
41 visitor photos
Ranked #2 of 15 tours in Napier
5.0 of 5 stars 19 Reviews
Type: Tours
Owner description: “Where else in the world can you jump on the back of a trailer and get towed along the beach by a 1949 Minneapolis-Moline tractor to a bird...... more » Owner description: “Where else in the world can you jump on the back of a trailer and get towed along the beach by a 1949 Minneapolis-Moline tractor to a bird colony?”Established in 1952, Gannet Beach Adventures has a long history of providing tours on a spectacular stretch of the Hawke’s Bay coastline, from Clifton to Cape Kidnappers. This unique, fun eco-experience tour involves travel with local experienced guides by vintage tractors and trailers on a comfortable four-hour adventure to the largest mainland gannet colony in the world. Departing on the days’ low tide, visitors travel by tractor and trailer along the majestically rugged coastline. Photographic opportunities abound as stops are made throughout the journey giving visitors an insight into how nature’s forces have shaped this amazing area. Travelling through the Black Reef colony (one of two colonies we visit) visitors can almost touch the gannets in their natural environment, without even stepping off the trailer. It was at this site in 1769 local Maori kidnapped a crew member off Captain Cook’s ship The Endeavour, the incident from which Cape Kidnappers gets its name. Continuing onto the Cape itself, an approximate 90 minute break enables visitors’ ample time to picnic, swim, or enjoy a scenic walk to the Plateau colony. Stunning views across Hawkes Bay from the top of the Cape grace many a visitor’s photo album. Depending on the time of the season, visitors can witness new-born chicks, through to 4-month old gannets preparing for their first ever flight, which will take them all the way to Australia.Our season runs from mid-October to the end of April and is suitable for all age groups with moderate fitness levels – ideal for families, schools, club get-togethers, social outings, or corporate groups. « less
Useful Information: Activities for older children
Write a Review

19 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    19
    0
    0
    0
    0
Date Rating
Jeroen S
Leiden, The Netherlands
Contributor
16 reviews
“What a fun!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 February 2012 NEW

This tour to the huge Gannet colonies at Cape Kidnappers is an absolute "must do" experience. The tour over the beach to the end of the rocks takes about 4 to 5 hours. The guides are fantastic and give information about the rockformations and ofcourse the Gannets. There are several options to visit the colonies, but this one is unique.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
NorfolkTonka
Norwich, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews
“A fantastic trip”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 February 2012

A great tractor journey along the beach to the gannet colony, with the guide/driver giving everyone an insight into the geology of the cliffs - fascinating. At the end of the ride we took a 25 minute fairly steep walk to the colony, which was well worth the effort, as you could get up very close to the birds. A... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Cindy-Sevasti
Cape Town Central, South Africa
2 reviews
“Amazing Fun informative and the best value for money tour we have done in New Zealand”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 February 2012

Very interesting part of the world as regards the geology etc and the driver/tour guide really amusing - we had a lot of fun. A bit of a walk up to the main gannet colony so we did that first and then came back down to enjoy our 'brunch'. The day we went, the weather was beautiful so in that... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
KempK
1 review
“Fantastic value for money trip :)”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 February 2012

Fantastic guides with lots of knowledge of the area and gannets. Extremely good value for money. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Sean M
norfolk uk
1 review
“gannets. were a bonus”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 January 2012

Seeing the gannets were a bonus as the guides / tractor drivers really made the tour with the history on the cliffs and the sence of humour. A must do, but bring walking boots as steep walk up to see gannets. A MUST. Do trip Thanks again. :-) More

Was this review helpful? Yes
NaomiM452
Auckland, New Zealand
Contributor
11 reviews
6 helpful votes
“Unique and Exciting Experience”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 January 2012

This is a truly unique experience. Lots of fun for all ages (kids can be put in the middle so they don't fall out!). The ride both there and back was informative and entertaining. As a geologist, I found the information accurate and thought it was presented in a public-friendly manner (i.e. how I might explain things to non-geologists). The... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
twinser55
Christchurch, New Zealand
2 reviews
“Brilliant day.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 January 2012

A fantastic day travelling to see the Gannets; our tractor driver was fantastic taking very good care of the passengers and as well had an excellent level of knowledge of the geology of the cliffs plus the bird life. A great trip that should be done if at all possible. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
VCJones
Wellington, New Zealand
1 review
“Best value for money experience in NZ”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 December 2011

I did this trip with my in-laws and there wasn't a single person on the tour, young or old, who didn't enjoy it. $39 for 4.5hrs is extremely good value. While the Gannet's are a highlight, you don't have to climb the hill at the end to see them. The tractor trailer ride along the beach was heaps of fun,... More

2 Photos
Was this review helpful? Yes
PSSH
New Zealand
1 review
“Fantastic Day out”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 December 2011

A must do activity in the Hawkes Bay. Great guides and great fun! An amazingf trip for all ages, rain or shine! More

2 Photos
Was this review helpful? Yes
YuliaNZ
Auckland
Contributor
14 reviews
1 helpful vote
“An amazing discovery”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 November 2011
1
person found this review helpful

This is certainly a must-do in the North Island. The guide was awesome, the trip unforgettable and informative. Don't forget to bring a good jacket because of the strong winds and the weather being very different from Napier More

4 Photos
Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Gannet Beach Adventures also viewed

Grape Escape Wine Tours
Grape Escape Wine Tours
5 of 5 stars 48 Reviews
Napier, Hawke's Bay
Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours Ltd
Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours Ltd
5 of 5 stars 12 Reviews
Napier, Hawke's Bay
 
Cape Kidnappers
Cape Kidnappers
5 of 5 stars 31 Reviews
Napier, Hawke's Bay
Mohaka Rafting
Mohaka Rafting
5 of 5 stars 49 Reviews
Napier, Hawke's Bay
 
All things to do in Napier (40)

Been to Gannet Beach Adventures? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Do You Own Gannet Beach Adventures?

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

Start here - visit your Management Centre | Add photos | Add videos
Compare Rates for Napier Hotels
Check Rates

Free Napier Guide

Get your quick guide to the top hotels, restaurants and things to do.
 
Download your guide now!
Get it now

Popular Napier attractions

Hotels around Napier

Napier resources

Explore the world
Sightseeing
Hotels