Ultimate Guide: Napier Cape Kidnappers Gannet Nature Sightseeing Tour

Are you looking for a unique memorable experience on your trip to Napier? Look no further than the Napier Cape Kidnappers Gannet Nature Sightseeing Tour. You’ll get the chance to witness the largest mainland gannet colony in the world and make unforgettable memories. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Cape Kidnappers adventure.

Experience

The Napier Cape Kidnappers Gannet Nature Sightseeing Tour is a once in a lifetime experience. You’ll be surrounded by over 20,000 gannets at Cape Kidnappers, members of the Booby family. Witness their daily routine as they build nests, raise chicks, and soar the skies with their 6-foot wingspan. You’ll also have the chance to observe these majestic birds in their natural habitat, on the ground and in the air.

Highlights

The tour is led by a knowledgeable and insightful driver/guide. Along the way, they will tell you about the local Maori legends and stories that surround the area making the experience even more enriching. The nature reserve is predator proof, which means you will be able to experience the bird’s behaviour and habitat at close range without the presence of predators. Visitors will get to view a native New Zealand forest full of flora and fauna that makes the native culture special. Your tour guide would teach you about the significance of each of these flora and fauna to the indigenous culture of New Zealand.

The Gannet Colony

The Napier Cape Kidnappers Gannet Nature Sightseeing Tour is a 4-hour tour that takes you on a journey through the beautiful East Coast of New Zealand. The amazing Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony is only a 20-minute scenic drive from the main city of Hawke’s Bay. If you’re lucky, you might see dolphins or New Zealand fur seals along the way. During the months of September to April, visitors can witness the adult and young gannets in serried rows, with their distinctive black eye markings and pale gold crowns. Watch as they swoop, dive, and perform their recognition ritual to one another. The tour offers an up-close and rare experience of witnessing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

How to Book

To book the Napier Cape Kidnappers Gannet Nature Sightseeing Tour, visit the GetYourGuide website. The tour* includes return transport from a central Napier location to the comfortable, air-conditioned minivan used throughout the tour. So what are you waiting for? Book your tour today and get ready to be amazed by the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony. Make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.

Book Your Tour Now

The Napier Cape Kidnappers Gannet Nature Sightseeing Tour is a unique and unforgettable experience. Witness the largest mainland gannet colony in the world and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Napier on this 4-hour tour. With a knowledgeable guide, beautiful scenery, and amazing wildlife, this tour has something for everyone. *Please note that the Napier Cape Kidnappers Gannet Nature Sightseeing Tour is offered by a third-party company and we don’t offer this tour.

FAQs About Napier

1. Where is Napier located?

Napier is a coastal city in the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand’s North Island. It is located on the east coast of the island, roughly 320km northeast of Wellington.

2. What is the weather like in Napier?

Napier has a warm, temperate climate with mild winters and long, sunny summers. The city receives a high amount of sunshine throughout the year, with temperatures typically ranging from 10°C to 25°C.

3. What are some popular things to do in Napier?

Napier is known for its Art Deco architecture, great food and wine, and beautiful beaches. Some popular things to do include:

• Taking a guided Art Deco walking tour
• Visiting Napier’s many wineries and vineyards
• Relaxing on the city’s beaches, such as Marine Parade Beach
• Exploring the city’s many galleries and art studios
• Attending the annual Art Deco Festival

4. Is Napier a safe city?

Napier is generally considered a safe city for visitors. However, as with any destination, it’s always a good idea to take basic safety precautions such as locking your car and being aware of your surroundings.

5. What is the best way to get around Napier?

Napier is a small, walkable city, so walking or cycling are both great options. However, if you want to explore some of the surrounding areas, renting a car is a good choice. Taxis and shuttle services are also available.

6. What is Napier’s food scene like?

Napier is known for its excellent food and wine scene, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving up locally-sourced cuisine. Some popular dishes include seafood, lamb, and venison.

7. What is the best time of year to visit Napier?

The best time to visit Napier depends on what you’re interested in. The summer months (December – February) have long, sunny days and are great for outdoor activities like hiking and beach-going. However, they are also peak tourist season and can be crowded. The shoulder seasons of spring (September – November) and autumn (March – May) offer slightly cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making them a good choice for those who want to avoid the busiest times of year.

8. Are there any cultural events or festivals in Napier?

Yes, Napier hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year. One of the most popular is the annual Art Deco Festival, which celebrates the city’s Art Deco heritage with parades, parties, and other events. Other events include the Napier Seafood Festival, the Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival, and the Tremains Art Deco Market.

9. What are some day trips from Napier?

Napier is located in the heart of the Hawke’s Bay wine region, so a winery tour is a popular day trip option. Other nearby attractions include:

• The Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers
• Te Mata Peak
• The Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
• The Waitomo Glowworm Caves

10. Is there a local airport in Napier?

Yes, Napier has its own airport, Hawke’s Bay Airport, which is located approximately 10 minutes from the city center. The airport offers flights to and from several major New Zealand cities, including Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Book Your Tour Now

Napier is a beautiful and welcoming city with plenty to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in wine-tasting, outdoor activities, or exploring the city’s fascinating Art Deco architecture, there is something for everyone in Napier. With its mild climate, excellent food and wine, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that Napier is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers from all over the world.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Napier

Napier, located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is a charming city known for its Art Deco architecture, beautiful beaches, stunning vineyards, and delicious food. Whether you are a history buff, wine lover, beachgoer, or art enthusiast, there is something for everyone in Napier. In this guide, we will take you through some of the top things to do and see in Napier that will make your trip an unforgettable experience.

1. Explore Napier’s Art Deco Architecture

Napier is world-famous for its Art Deco architecture, which was built after a devastating earthquake in 1931. The city was rebuilt in the Art Deco style, and today it is one of the best-preserved Art Deco cities in the world. To explore the city’s architecture, take a self-guided walking tour or book a guided tour. Some of the must-see Art Deco buildings include the Daily Telegraph building, the National Tobacco Company building, and the Municipal Theatre.

2. Visit Napier’s Vineyards

Napier is home to some of the best wineries in New Zealand, thanks to its warm, sunny climate and fertile soils. Take a winery tour, where you can visit some of the top vineyards, sample the wine, and learn about the wine-making process. Some of the must-visit vineyards include Mission Estate Winery, Church Road Winery, and Elephant Hill Winery.

3. Relax on the Beaches

Napier has several gorgeous beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Some of the top beaches in Napier include Ocean Beach, Waimarama Beach, and Te Awanga Beach.

4. Visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand

The National Aquarium of New Zealand is a popular attraction in Napier and is home to thousands of marine animals, including sharks, stingrays, and penguins. Visitors can also watch feeding and training sessions and learn about marine conservation efforts.

5. Explore Napier’s Food Scene

Napier is known for its delicious food, especially seafood. Take a food tour and sample some of the city’s best dishes, including fish and chips, crayfish, and oysters. Some of the top restaurants in Napier include Pacifica, Mister D, and Bistronomy.

6. Visit the Napier Museum

The Napier Museum is a must-see attraction for history buffs. The museum has a vast collection of artifacts from the region’s Maori history, as well as exhibits about the city’s European settlement and Art Deco architecture.

7. Take a Scenic Flight

For a bird’s eye view of Napier’s stunning landscapes, take a scenic helicopter or plane flight. You will see gorgeous vineyards, beaches, and mountains like never before.

8. Explore the Cape Kidnappers

Cape Kidnappers is a stunning marine reserve just outside of Napier, known for its stunning cliffs and home to a large gannet colony. Take a guided tour and learn about the history and wildlife of the reserve while taking in the beautiful scenery.

9. Attend the Art Deco Festival

The Art Deco Festival is a celebration of Napier’s famous architecture, held every February. The festival includes vintage car parades, jazz performances, and parties that take you back to the 1920s and 1930s.

Book Your Tour Now

Napier is a unique and beautiful city that has something for everyone. Whether you love history, food, wine, or nature, Napier has it all. Follow this guide and explore Napier’s many attractions to make the most of your trip.