Cape Kidnappers, Napier Overview

To the extreme southeast of Hawke’s Bay sits the mesmerizing headland known as Cape Kidnappers. It is seated on the eastern coast of the North Island, at the far end of a peninsula which runs eight kilometres before protruding into the vast Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most tranquil places to visit while paying a trip to Hawke’s Bay, with a sprawling golf course and a serene atmosphere engulfing it.

Cape Kidnappers is also a wonderful place for bird-watching, and BirdLife International has marked this place as an Important Bird Area, particularly because it has been and still continues to be a breeding site for at least three thousand pairs of the beautiful Australasian gannets, if not more.

The Tale Behind the Name

Cape Kidnappers is named so following an incident that took place while Captain Cook was on his journey aboard HMS Endeavour, in October 1769. The local Maori tribe had tried to abduct one of the crew members, a twelve-year-old cabin boy named Taiata.

A Maori fishing vessel came up to the boy when he was over the side of Endeavour, and offered to trade fish with them. Before Taiata could understand what was going on, the Maoris seized him and started to flee. The other crew members, noticing the commotion, came out at once and started firing at the Maori canoe, thereby assassinating two of them, while wounding another.

Amid the firing, Taiata escaped and swam back to Cook’s ship, while the Maori vessel fled to the shore. It was in 2018, after the Heretaunga Tamatea Claims Settlement Act was passed, that the name of the cape was changed into Cape Kidnappers. It is also referred to as Te Kauwae-a-Maui among the locals, which translates to ‘the fish hook of Maui’.

Things to Do at Cape Kidnappers

Cape Kidnappers Golf Course:-

Designed by Tom Doak, a renowned golf architect, the Cape Kidnappers Golf Course houses eighteen strategically placed golf holes, thus providing a vast area for the golfers to sharpen their skills, or just have some fun. The golf course has been ranked as the sixteenth best golf course in the world and has also been hailed as the Best Golf Resort in Australasia by Golf Digest.

From the golf course, you can witness gorgeous views of the sea, as the waves crash against the tall cliffs. Being built on a landscape comprising of ridges and valleys, this golf course has many awards acclaimed to its name. The accompanying accommodation at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is also one of the most popular hotels in New Zealand, with a reputation that is praiseworthy.

The expected time to start playing is at 4:15 PM.

Price Per Round

1. New Zealand Affiliated

NZD 295 from October to April
NZD 215 from May to September

2. International Guests

NZD 569 from October to April
NZD 360 from May to September

Note: Guests residing in The Farm at Cape Kidnappers are liable to a discount of ten percent.

Gannets Galore:-

The wonderful Gannets Galore is the world’s largest mainland colony which teems with the exotic Australasian gannets that come here every year in large numbers to breed. Here, you can witness the beauty of these birds from just within a few feet, since it is the most accessible galore in the world. Perched at the top of Cape’s sheer, this place also offers tours for visitors –

Gannets Safaris Overland Tour

Gannet Safaris have been guiding visitors through the Cape for over fifty years. In this tour, you need not walk at all since the authorities will take drive you to the gannets until you can see them up close, with the characteristic black markings in their eyes and the golden crown on their heads.

Travelling through riverbeds, across sprawled out, green pastures, by thick, lush bush, and up the steep gullies, you shall get to take in the breathtaking, panoramic view of the entire Hawke’s Bay from here. The trip lasts for three hours and covers a total area of thirty-six kilometers. Throughout the trip, a local guide will provide you tidbits on gannets, Cape Kidnappers, and Hawke’s Bay.

Additional Tour Information:-

i. The tour operates from 1st September to 30th April, since after that the gannets migrate to warmer areas.

ii. It is suggested that you bring along warm clothes and fully covered footwear with you.

iii. Cameras are allowed.

iv. Pre-booking is mandatory.

Gannet Beach Adventures

Taking you from the stretch of Hawke’s Bay Beach to the colony of gannets that reside at Cape Kidnappers on a vintage trailer or tractor, the Gannet Beach Adventures offer you an extraordinary experience.

In addition to seeing the gorgeous gannets from up close, you shall also get a deep insight into the spectacular geological marvels of this area. From eccentric ancient fossils to fascinating gullies to breathtaking earthquake fault lines, this tour takes you through four million years at a span of only four hours.

Additional Tour Information

i. The tour operates from 29th September to 30th April.

ii. It is suggested that you bring along warm clothes, sunscreen, sunhat, and water with you.

iii. Wear comfortable footwear that is suitable for walking.

iv. Cameras are allowed.

v. Being completely dependent on tides, the departure time of the tour may vary.

vi. Pre-booking is mandatory.

How To Reach Cape Kidnappers

Lying at a distance of around four hundred and forty-five kilometers from Auckland, it takes about six hours to reach Cape Kidnappers by car via Thermal Explorer Highway.
Taking the same route, it takes about an hour and thirty minutes to reach Cape Kidnappers from Hawke’s Bay.
If you are travelling from Hastings, it will take about thirty minutes to get to Cape Kidnapper via Clifton Road