Cape Kidnappers
Cape Kidnappers
4.5
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4.5
336 reviews
Excellent
260
Very good
59
Average
9
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Sandra P
Norwich, UK67 contributions
Jan 2020
We opted for the tractor tour to see the Gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.
Fantastic, a bumpy and exhilarating ride along the beach with stops along the way to point out all the various rock formations culminating in a wonderful close encounter with the Gannets.
Our main aim was to see the Gannets but the amusing and entertaining cometary along-the way with the sometimes hairy ride made it even more enjoyable.
Fantastic, a bumpy and exhilarating ride along the beach with stops along the way to point out all the various rock formations culminating in a wonderful close encounter with the Gannets.
Our main aim was to see the Gannets but the amusing and entertaining cometary along-the way with the sometimes hairy ride made it even more enjoyable.
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan M
Takamatsu, Japan54 contributions
Jan 2020
The trip was worth it for the gannets alone but our guide Graham did a terrific job explaining the site, showing us the geology, explaining how a very special nature reserve is being developed and giving us an insight into the history and the local families who have been developing this special place. Great stuff. The gannets are of course spectacular...
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lenny H
Auckland, New Zealand920 contributions
May 2023
An amazing experience from beginning to end. The rooms are incredible, the food is fantastic, but what was better than anywhere else was the level of service. Every single staff member has been trained in how to look after guests and make the experience special. All the buildings were special, the pool is in a great setting and the grounds are simply stunning. It is far from cheap, but if you are lucky enough to be able to stay here, you should!
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SachuPuchuAdventure
Tawa, New Zealand14 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
The tour guide was amazing and shared a a lot of facts and history about cape kidnappers. We also stopped at picturesque locations. We saw the Gannett at the top of cape kidnappers which was a worth doing experience.
Remember to take water and snacks.
The tour guide also provide tea/coffee and cookies.
Remember to take water and snacks.
The tour guide also provide tea/coffee and cookies.
Written 23 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JayTraveler1
New York City, NY23 contributions
Dec 2022
Outstanding stay on all levels. The lodge is stunning and very tastefully decorated, with incredible views. The guest service is incredible -- the entire team make you feel at home without being in your way. It is the very highest standard in guest service. Can't wait to return.
Written 11 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chef165
Christchurch, New Zealand45 contributions
Sept 2015 • Couples
As a 59 year old, I had always looked forward to visiting such an Historically significant site and I was truly disappointed that access is so heavily restricted to anyone not willing to fork our to the various Tour operators. I visited at high tide so I couldn't even walk along the beach.
I would have thought such an important place would have been very much more accessible.
It wasn't Gannet season and it was awful weather... what gives?
Has New Zealand sunk into the depths where only those who pay private tour operators can ever hope to see a place of cultural and historic significance.
I would have thought such an important place would have been very much more accessible.
It wasn't Gannet season and it was awful weather... what gives?
Has New Zealand sunk into the depths where only those who pay private tour operators can ever hope to see a place of cultural and historic significance.
Written 28 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yorkshirellass
Carrickfergus, UK56 contributions
Dec 2012 • Friends
Had an amazing experience riding a Quad Bike for the first time at Cape Kidnappers. The guy that runs the Quad Biking is separate to the hotel so outsiders not staying in the hotel can still book this incredibly fun experience and ride over to the cliffs where we walked right up to hundreds of gannet birds nesting at our feet with young chicks. They were not afraid of us at all and I got amazing photos. To access the Quad biking you have to go into the grounds of Cape Kidnappers. Need to book ahead!
Written 26 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel
Newcastle, Australia84 contributions
June 2014 • Family
I used to travel out to the Cape as a young boy. My dad even used to drive the tractors out there before the overland track existed. I used to love heading out there during school holidays for a swim and some fishing.
Having been back there recently it is still just as I remembered. I still prefer going along the beach as opposed to overland. It is fun having to beat the tide to get out there!
There are a few things you need to before you head out, and after reading some of the reviews it is obvious that these things are clear:
1) Cape Kidnappers is not accessible by car - you either need to park at the dodgy looking camping ground (with its deliverance-esque inhabitants) and walk along the beach, or you need to book on one of the tour trips at Hasting or Napier information centres.
2) If you are taking the beach then it is only accessible during low tide. If you are walking then you need to leave about 2 hours before low tide and head back just after low tide. If you don't then you may be stuck there for the night.
3) The gannets smell - they are wild birds and aren't toilet trained so be prepared.
4) If you are walking then let someone know that you are going. The beach is exposed and windswept so it is best done on a fine sunny day but the weather can change out there pretty quickly.
When you get to the end of the Cape there is a track up and over that brings you to the Gannet colony. From there you have awesome views back to Napier, across to Mahia and down the coast to Waimarama and Ocean Beach. Enjoy!
Having been back there recently it is still just as I remembered. I still prefer going along the beach as opposed to overland. It is fun having to beat the tide to get out there!
There are a few things you need to before you head out, and after reading some of the reviews it is obvious that these things are clear:
1) Cape Kidnappers is not accessible by car - you either need to park at the dodgy looking camping ground (with its deliverance-esque inhabitants) and walk along the beach, or you need to book on one of the tour trips at Hasting or Napier information centres.
2) If you are taking the beach then it is only accessible during low tide. If you are walking then you need to leave about 2 hours before low tide and head back just after low tide. If you don't then you may be stuck there for the night.
3) The gannets smell - they are wild birds and aren't toilet trained so be prepared.
4) If you are walking then let someone know that you are going. The beach is exposed and windswept so it is best done on a fine sunny day but the weather can change out there pretty quickly.
When you get to the end of the Cape there is a track up and over that brings you to the Gannet colony. From there you have awesome views back to Napier, across to Mahia and down the coast to Waimarama and Ocean Beach. Enjoy!
Written 26 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SPYC
Hastings, New Zealand657 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
Although one can go by tractor trailer (for a cost), for free you can do the approx. 8.5km walk from Clifton Camp. Will cost $1 to go through the camp to the nearest car park. It's worth it as it's less walking & you can use the camp toilets, showers etc. There is a shop at the camp & a cafe not far away. This is one coastal walk where I found myself looking inland more than out to sea as the stratification & geology of the cliffs is fascinating. Worth reading the information panels at the shelter/toilets as you leave the beach for the 20min climb up to the Gannet colony. Best to do in summer as birds will have chicks. Be aware of sunburn & dehydration, & at colony, the smell if wind in wrong direction. WARNING: Leave a couple of hours after high tide so as to enjoy the walk with no risk of getting caught against the cliffs hundreds of meters high.
Written 25 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CRPalma
Lisbon, Portugal140 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
We took the tractor ride and found it definitely worth it. The rocky beach is wonderful and, at the end of a 20-min climb, you reach the main gannet colony. These birds are truly amazing! You walk right up to the colony to see them, but bring binoculars if you also want to look for other wildlife - we could spot a couple of sea lions on the cliff, oystercatchers, various gulls, terns, shags and even a heron!
Written 24 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you drive up the course using your own vehicle?
Written 17 December 2018
Yes. Gate with a code and you have to have a tee time. Then we had to walk because the course was wet (no carts allowed). Beautiful and expensive.
Written 26 January 2019
are there operating hours to this attraction?
any entry fee?
possible to self-drive to gannet colony visit without guide or tractor?
Written 12 July 2016
You can walk from the village at road end but it takes hours and is tide dependent
You cannot self drive cars to the Cape
Some locals do go out by 4 wheel motorbike and similar all terrain vehicles
We went on trailers towed behind vintage tractors - reasonably priced and great fun. The information about this should be available on the Hawkes Bay tourism website or search google for 'Cape Kidnappers' and 'tractor'
Written 16 July 2016
We expect to be there on March 28(2017). Are the birds gone?(migrating) I read they arrive in July * mi
grate end of march. TRUE?
Written 1 June 2016
Sorry for the delay. Best time to go is November to February. I'd still say worth the walk in March though, regardless of whether there's too many birds around or not.
Written 29 June 2016
Hi, I would like to know how to book a quad tour in januari at cape kidnappers. What is the site or e-mail adress?
Written 4 November 2015
Sorry for the delay. It won't let me post the weblink, but google Cape Kidnappers tractor and it will give you options for the tractor, quad etc
Written 29 June 2016
What is the entry fee/ tractor ride, for adults & children, and what are times for the tractor rides and viewing Gannets
Written 12 January 2015
Sorry for the delay. Do a google search 'Capekidnappers tractor' which will give you the info you need. The tractor leaves depending on the tide, usually fairly early in the morning. Best time to view gannets is November - February.
Written 29 June 2016
We are staying at Hotel Jen for 3 nights next week, then will be away in New Zealand for 31 nights before returning at the end of November. Can we leave a bag of clothes while we are away, and if so is there a charge.
Thanks, P & J H
Written 8 January 2015
Sorry for the delay. You've probably been and gone now :)
Written 29 June 2016
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