Cape Kidnappers

　　When you come to New Zealand, you have to talk about Cape Kidnappers. There’s a well-known saying in New Zealand: “If you haven’t been to Cape Kidnappers, you haven’t really been to New Zealand,” which shows just how famous this place is. Cape Kidnappers is a sandstone headland located in the southeastern part of Hawke's Bay, perched on cliffs 140 meters above sea level and about 20 kilometers from Napier. It boasts breathtaking scenery.

　　Most people find the name “Cape Kidnappers” quite puzzling—why would such a beautiful place have such a strange name? There’s actually a story behind it. Legend has it that when Captain Cook visited the area, local Māori attempted to kidnap one of his crew members, and as a result, he named the place Cape Kidnappers. Cape Kidnappers is not only a natural sports venue but also a captivating tourist destination. Its world-renowned Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is hailed as “the most challenging golf course in the world,” attracting golf enthusiasts from all over the globe. It’s also one of the best places to see gannets. The gannet colony here is the largest mainland gannet habitat in the world, with around 17,000 gannets breeding here every year—a truly spectacular sight.

　　Cape Kidnappers Reasons to Visit: One of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions Continent: Oceania Country/Region: New Zealand Province/State: Hawke's Bay Region