Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

　　   Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony is situated at Cape Kidnappers in the Hawke’s Bay region, spanning 13 hectares. It is the world’s largest mainland gannet colony and was established to protect the gannets’ nesting grounds. Gannets are among the largest seabirds alive today, with some weighing up to 13 kilograms. They inhabit lakes, rivers, and coastal areas in many parts of the world.

　　   The colony consists of two main sites: The Saddle and Black Reef gannet colonies. At their peak, these areas are home to up to 17,000 gannets. Unfortunately, these sites are not open to the public, but visitors can still admire this stunning natural reserve—boasting breathtaking scenery and tens of thousands of gannets—from the beach. The best time to visit is from November to February each year, as the first chicks typically hatch in early November, and the last ones leave the colony around May. Visitors may spot migrating seabirds such as Australasian gannets, reef herons, oystercatchers, little black cormorants, pied cormorants, and white-faced storm petrels. Although clumsy on land, these birds are powerful fliers that dive from great heights into the ocean to catch fish with remarkable speed.

　　   Cape Kidnappers Gannet Reserve Must-visit reason: The world’s largest mainland gannet colony Continent: Oceania Country/Region: New Zealand Province/State: Hawke’s Bay Region