At the bottom of Hawke's Bay, Cape Kidnappers, named by Captain Cook after an attempt by local Maori to abduct one of his crew, is home to the largest and most accessible gannet colony in the world. The 13 hectare reserve includes the Saddle and Black Reef gannet colonies. Gannets are exceptional flyers and conduct spectacular high dives into the sea to catch fish. They nest over summer with chicks hatching in November and departing the colony during May. Completed in 2004, the Cape Kidnappers golf course, and particularly the sixth hole, has been hailed as one of the great modern marvels in golf. Designed by legendary golf architect Tom Doak, the par 71 course measures 7,119 yards and will challenge golfers of all skill levels.
top of page
bottom of page