The gannets were first noted at Cape Kidnappers in small numbers in about 1850 by Henry Hill, a New Zealand naturalist.

Cape Kidnappers now accommodates around 17,000 birds spread over four main nesting colonies: The Plateau, Saddle, and Black Reef, three of which are visited during the tour.

The gannets are present at Cape Kidnappers from August to early May of each year solely for nesting. The colonies are officially closed to the public from June to October. Amazingly, at only 13-16 weeks old the chicks make their first ever flight - and what a flight! - a solo instinctive migration to Australia. They return to Cape Kidnappers three to five years later as an adult to nest.

Gannets are an impressive sight with their defined marking and colours and their superb elegance in flight. Diving for fish is a sight to see.

Their tolerance towards visitors allow us to get very close without causing disturbance. During our tour you will enjoy close up viewing of the gannets in their natural habitat at the Black Reef colony and the nesting rocks on the beach. Take a stroll to the Lighthouse at Cape Kidnappers to view the Plateau and Saddle Gannet Colonies.

To learn and understand more of these beautiful gannets, come and visit us and have "more FUN than you ever imagined!"