Viator Rating : 5 (935 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.3/10 (Verified Excellent)
North Island
Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony: An Overland Safari Adventure
180
Overview
Gannet Safaris Overland offers a unique 4WD tour to Cape Kidnappers gannet colony. Enjoy stunning views of Hawkes Bay and observe gannets up close without walking. A fully guided tour brings you meters from the birds, with complimentary tea & coffee served. Not for cruise ship passengers. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Crowd Density (8 - Empty / Light) : Very few people, free movement
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Mobility (7 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Highlights
Up-Close Gannet Encounters: Witness the majestic gannets diving and swooping within mere meters, providing an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience.
Exclusive Overland Access: Enjoy a comfortable 4WD journey directly to the gannet plateau, eliminating the need for strenuous walking.
Breathtaking Hawkes Bay Views: Capture stunning panoramic vistas of the scenic Hawkes Bay region, adding to the overall tour experience.
Guided Expert Insights: Benefit from the knowledge of experienced guides who share fascinating facts about the gannets and the local environment.
Sentiment Analysis
Close encounters with gannets are mesmerizing.
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Spectacular, panoramic views of Hawkes Bay.
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Informative and engaging guided tour.
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Convenient transport right to the colony.
Limited availability for cruise ship passengers.
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Tour duration might be too long for some.
Review Summary
Customers find this tour to be an exceptional and unforgettable wildlife experience with outstanding value. The most frequently praised aspects include the knowledgeable, entertaining guides (particularly noted guides like Marcus, Tony, and Graham), the unmatched proximity to over 20,000 gannets without requiring strenuous walking, and the spectacular coastal views across Hawke's Bay. Visitors consistently highlight the comfort of the air-conditioned 4WD vehicle, the quality of photo opportunities, and the informative commentary about the station's history, geology, and conservation efforts. The only noted limitation is that the tour is not available for cruise ship passengers, which some travelers found inconvenient. Overall, reviewers rank this as a must-do experience for bird and nature lovers visiting the North Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
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