New Zealand Wildlife Sanctuary Tour: Gannet Colony

Explore Cape Kidnappers’ wildlife sanctuary, witness 20,000 gannets up close, and uncover local legends and geology on a private tour.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Cape Kidnappers - Explore the world’s largest accessible mainland gannet colony. Get up close to 20,000 birds.
What's Included
  • Tea and coffee
Additional Information

Explore New Zealand’s largest privately-owned wildlife sanctuary and discover insights into a working farm, local history, legends, and the area’s geology. Pause at a lookout point to enjoy breathtaking views.

Get up close to the extraordinary gannet birds, adorned with striking golden crowns, where 20,000 gannets nest. This is the largest accessible mainland colony in the world.

Location
Gannet Safaris Overland Ltd
Clifton Road
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(7 Ratings)
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1 star
Venture283123
Sep 8, 2023
What a privilege to see thousands of gannets close up. - What an adventure. The scenery on the drive to the Gannets was beautiful and remote. The two large gannet colonies was quite impressive. We were within a few feet of one colony as they flew in and out of the colony, preened for each other and greeted with affection. The second colony was hundreds of feet below on a rocky area that jutted out into the ocean. Thousands of beautiful gannets were so impressive to see so close up. It was a delightful experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tapaslover51
Dec 29, 2022
Thoroughly entertaining and emjoyable... - My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience although the smell was a bit overpowering when the door of the 4WD was opened when we reached the gannet colony! Richard was our guide and in my opinion, he was the best guide in all of the tours we had around the Nth Island of NZ. He is knowledgeable, friendly yet professional - an excellent driver over the hilly terrain. I'm not a bird 'enthusiast' but the commentary he gave us was very entertaining (even though he did mention that the NZ sheep on the property had two legs longer on one side of their body so as they stayed upright on the hills!!!) but his humour and a couple of 'tall tales' made it extremely interesting. In my opinion, it is well worth going to the gannet colony - they are exceptional birds and ask for Richard if he is available for your tour as you will certainly enjoy it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amdesmond
Mar 6, 2021
Great experience ! - We had a fantastic afternoon ! Our guide was the best - bringing in his experience as a Shepard on the property and local historical knowledge to relay great stories ! Highly recommend the personal tour as a brilliant thing to do.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mat6174
Jan 3, 2021
Stunning views and encounter with bird colony - The tour goes through a private piece of land, where there is several species of birds and trees - great view from the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean. The encounter with the gannet colony is up close, as if the birds understand they are safe on their side of the barrier. Mature, juvenile and baby birds are there and communicate with one another, fight, teach, feed... The guides were friendly and set up a small morning tea which helps forget the smell of the colony.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Napieraro
Nov 25, 2020
Overland Encounter - Years ago I went by tractor along the beach to the see gannet colony, but a massive slip has now ended that route. How wonderful therefore that today we were able to travel overland by four wheel drive bus to the same destination. It was fabulous! Our driver David imparted his knowledge with enthusiasm and passion as we drove through the Cape Kidnappers reserve. I was unaware that a huge effort is underway to restore the native bird life to the area and of the massive pest eradication programme. David is part of this effort and is clearly very knowledgeable and proud of the results achieved to date. The gannets are fabulous. You can get so close to them and observe their behaviour as they go about their daily lives. David told us the meanings behind some of the behaviours we saw in the birds. There was even a lovely morning tea set up for us. It's great to return to a place from one's past that's better than remembered, and that was most certainly the case. Get out there Kiwis and explore your backyard. This operator will not disappoint.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Allanjk5920fr
Oct 9, 2020
Wonderful experience. Thanks David. - Excellent morning up close and personal with the Gannet’s and out to the picturesque Flat Rock. Amazing time, well looked after by David our personal guide. Thanks David. A pleasure meeting you. We really enjoyed your thorough knowledge and company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
405melissab
Mar 6, 2020
Wonderful and informative experience - We had a great tour with Tony! Not only did he share a ton of information about the area and animals, but he also made it very entertaining and fun! Would definitely recommend this tour to everyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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