Gannet Beach Adventures

“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.  
At the Black Reef colony visitors can almost touch the gannets in their natural environment, without even stepping off the trailer.  An approximate 90 minute break at Cape Kidnappers itself enables visitors ample time to enjoy a scenic walk to the Plateau colony, where the Saddle & Whalebone Reef colonies can also be seen.  
Depending on the time of the season, visitors can witness new-born chicks through to 4-month olds preparing for their first ever flight to Australia.
But our tour is not just about the gannets!  The geology alone will amaze you - from earthquake faultlines and fossils, to other bird and wildlife that we encounter along the way, our tour will give you much more than you ever expected! 
As a Department of Conservation Concessionaire, a percentage of each fare is paid to DOC to help maintain the Reserve at Cape Kidnappers, as well as other natural areas around the country.  Our season runs from late September/early October through to the end of April and is suitable for all age groups (moderate fitness level required).  As we travel along the beach, our departure times are tide dependent.  Either contact us for times, or check our departure schedule on our website.

Gannet Beach Adventures Contact Details