Cape Kidnappers is the largest and most spectacular mainland nesting place for gannets in the world.
Up to 20,000 birds populate the colony on dramatic cliffs high above the Pacific Ocean. The gannets are part of the Booby family and feature a distinctive golden crown and black eye marking. Visitors to the colony see adults and young nesting in serried rows. Pairs preen and perform the recognition ritual known as the 'dance of the gannets.' High above, a myriad of birds swoop and dive for fish just out to sea.
The famous Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony is located on Department of Conservation land. Over five acres was gifted to the people of New Zealand in the 1920s by the owners of Clifton Station. Gannet Safaris run daily in season (September through April). For more information use the following link to contact us.