How to Plan Your Napier Cape Kidnappers Gannet Nature Sightseeing Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Napier, New Zealand, make sure to add the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Nature Sightseeing Tour to your itinerary. This tour takes visitors to the largest mainland gannet colony in the world, where they can witness the 20,000 gannets of the Booby family in their natural habitat. In this blog post, we will guide you through how to plan your Napier Cape Kidnappers Gannet Nature Sightseeing Tour.

Experience

The Napier Cape Kidnappers Gannet Nature Sightseeing Tour is a unique opportunity to discover the largest mainland gannet colony in the world. Visitors will travel with a knowledgeable and insightful driver/guide who will share local Maori legends and stories. The tour also takes visitors through a predator-proof reserve and a native New Zealand forest.

Highlights

The tour’s main highlight is the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony, where visitors can witness the 20,000 gannets of the Booby family in their natural habitat. Visitors can see the adults and young nesting in serried rows, carrying out their daily routine, while the amazing birds with their 6-foot wingspan swoop and dive in the air above. In addition to the gannets, visitors will also have the opportunity to explore a predator-proof reserve that protects other native New Zealand birds, including the kiwi. The tour also takes visitors through a native New Zealand forest, where they can see a variety of plant and bird life.

Tour Description

The Cape Kidnappers Gannet Nature Sightseeing Tour is a half-day tour that takes visitors to the largest mainland gannet colony in the world. The tour starts in the morning and lasts approximately four hours. Visitors will be picked up from their accommodation in Napier by a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. The tour will take visitors along the scenic coast to Cape Kidnappers, where they will be met by their knowledgeable and insightful driver/guide. The guide will provide visitors with information about the local Maori legends and stories. Visitors will then take a short walk to the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony. At the colony, visitors will witness the 20,000 gannets of the Booby family in their natural habitat. The gannets can be seen from September to early April. In September, they return from their winter escape to build their nests ready for the arrival of the chicks during December. Visitors can observe the gannets from a safe vantage point on the tour, as well as from the air above their heads, where they can appreciate their impressive 6-foot wingspan. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the pairs preen and perform the dance of the gannets’ recognition ritual. After visiting the gannet colony, visitors will be taken on a short tour through a predator-proof reserve where they can see other native New Zealand birds, including the kiwi. Visitors will also venture through a native New Zealand forest, where they can see a variety of plant and bird life.

Booking the Tour

If you’re interested in booking the Napier Cape Kidnappers Gannet Nature Sightseeing Tour, visit Get Your Guide. This is a third-party company that offers the tour. Simply click on the provided link and choose your preferred date and time for the tour. Book the tour ahead of time to ensure a spot, especially during peak season.

Book Your Tour Now

The Napier Cape Kidnappers Gannet Nature Sightseeing Tour is a must-see destination in Napier, New Zealand. Visitors will witness the largest mainland gannet colony in the world and explore a predator-proof reserve and a native New Zealand forest. We hope this blog post has provided you with all the information you need to plan your next tour in Napier. Remember to book ahead of time to secure your spot on the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Nature Sightseeing Tour.

Napier City FAQs

If you’re planning to visit New Zealand, make sure to include Napier in your itinerary. It is a charming city located on the east coast of North Island, and it’s known for its Art Deco architecture, great weather, and wine. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Napier that might help you prepare for your trip.

1. What is Napier famous for?

Napier is famous for its Art Deco architecture, which was built after a massive earthquake in 1931 that destroyed most of the city’s buildings. The city was rebuilt with the Art Deco style, which is characterized by geometric shapes and bold colors. Every year, Napier celebrates its Art Deco heritage with a festival called “Art Deco Weekend,” where the locals and tourists dress up in vintage clothing and participate in various activities.

2. What is the weather like in Napier?

Napier has a mild, Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. The summer months, from December to February, are the warmest and driest, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The winter months, from June to August, are cooler, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 15°C. Make sure to bring sunscreen and a hat if you’re visiting during the summer months.

3. What are the best things to do in Napier?

There are plenty of things to do in Napier, depending on your interests. Here are some of the must-see attractions:

a. Take a guided Art Deco Walk

Join a guided walk around the city and learn about the history and architecture of Napier. You’ll be amazed at the beautiful and well-preserved Art Deco buildings.

b. Visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand

The National Aquarium of New Zealand is home to a diverse range of marine life, including penguins, sharks, and kiwi. It’s a great place to visit with kids.

c. Explore the vineyards and wineries

Napier is located in the Hawke’s Bay region, which is known for its wine. Take a tour of the vineyards and wineries, and sample some of the best wines in the country.

d. Relax on the beach

Napier has some beautiful beaches, including Ocean Beach and Waimarama Beach. Spend a day relaxing on the beach and soaking up the sun.

e. Visit the Cape Kidnappers

The Cape Kidnappers is a scenic coastal area located on the outskirts of Napier. It’s home to thousands of gannets, and you can take a guided tour to see them up close.

4. What is the best time to visit Napier?

The best time to visit Napier is during the summer months, from December to February, when the weather is warm and dry. However, visiting during the shoulder season, from September to November or March to May, can also be a good option since the crowds are smaller, and the prices are lower.

5. How do I get to Napier?

You can fly to Napier Airport, which is located about 10 minutes from the city center. Alternatively, you can drive to Napier from Auckland, which takes around 6 hours, or from Wellington, which takes around 4 hours.

6. What is the currency used in Napier?

The currency used in Napier, as well as in the rest of New Zealand, is the New Zealand dollar (NZD).

7. What is the language spoken in Napier?

The official languages of New Zealand are English and Maori. English is the most commonly spoken language in Napier, and you won’t have any problems communicating with the locals.

8. Do I need a visa to visit Napier?

If you’re a citizen of a visa waiver country, such as the United States or the United Kingdom, you can visit New Zealand for up to 90 days without a visa. However, make sure to check the latest visa requirements before you travel.

9. What is the time zone in Napier?

Napier is located in the New Zealand Standard Time zone, which is GMT+12. During daylight saving time, which starts from the last Sunday in September and ends on the first Sunday in April, the time zone is GMT+13.

10. Is Napier safe for tourists?

Napier is generally a safe city for tourists, but it’s always a good idea to take some precautions, such as not leaving your valuables unattended and being aware of your surroundings at night.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Napier

Napier is a beautiful coastal city located in the Hawke’s Bay region of New Zealand’s North Island. It’s known for its Art Deco architecture, stunning beaches, and award-winning wineries. If you’re planning a trip to Napier, here are some tips on how to spend your time as a tourist.

1. Take a Walking Tour of the Art Deco Architecture

Napier is famous for its Art Deco architecture, which was built after a devastating earthquake in 1931. Taking a walking tour is a great way to learn about the history of the city and appreciate the unique buildings. The Art Deco Trust offers daily guided tours, or you can download a self-guided tour from their website.

2. Visit the Napier Prison

The Napier Prison is a historic site that has been transformed into a fascinating tourist attraction. You can take a guided tour of the prison, which includes a visit to the cells, the gallows, and the exercise yard. The tours are informative and entertaining and provide an insight into the harsh realities of prison life.

3. Explore the Marine Parade

The Marine Parade is a scenic coastal walkway that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. You can stroll along the beach, visit the Ocean Spa complex for a swim, or check out the various art installations along the way. There are also several cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

4. Visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand

The National Aquarium of New Zealand is home to a vast range of aquatic species, including sharks, stingrays, and penguins. You can explore the exhibits on your own or take a guided tour to learn more about the different animals. The aquarium also offers unique experiences like swimming with the sharks or feeding the penguins.

5. Take a Winery Tour

The Hawke’s Bay region is known for its award-winning wineries, so taking a winery tour is a must-do activity when in Napier. You can explore the vineyards, taste the wines, and learn about the winemaking process. There are several tour companies that offer winery tours or you can visit the wineries on your own.

6. Relax on the Beaches

Napier has several stunning beaches where you can soak up the sun or go for a swim. Some of the most popular beaches include Ocean Beach, Westshore Beach, and Waimarama Beach. There are also several picnic spots and BBQ areas where you can enjoy a family day out.

7. Explore the Gannet Colony

The Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony is home to thousands of seabirds, including the gannets, which are the stars of the show. You can take a guided tour to the colony to learn about the birds and their habitat. The tour also includes a tractor ride along the beach, which is an exciting experience in itself.

Book Your Tour Now

Napier has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature. By following these tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your time in this beautiful coastal city. Don’t forget to take lots of photos and create unforgettable memories in Napier.