It means so much to a traveller to feel welcomed, especially when there’s a chocolate Easter Bunny and a bottle of local involved. We’re staying in Te Awanga Cottages for a few days in the semi rural settlement of Te Awanga, 20mins drive from Havelock North Village. The cottage is enclosed by bush and it provides the peace we crave and the welcome!
Clifton Beach is just down the road and I’m embracing each day here!
It’s always been on our “Bucket List” to do the “Gannet Beach Adventures” at Cape Kidnappers. This tour company uses bright red modern tractors to pull along trailers linked at the back. It’s become an iconic ‘Kiwi’ experience for many visitors to New Zealand and the Hawkes Bay in particular.
The tour began at the end of the road at Clifton Bay Point. As with many coastal tours in New Zealand the tides dictate the schedule. We began at 11am for this 4-hour trip. After a quick pep talk by the tour leader and a few amusing ‘porkies’, we set off down the beach towards Cape Kidnappers with the wind and surf in our hair. Fun in buckets!
The local beaches have had a few storms recently and today the tractors had to negotiate their way through stony parts as well as rather deep holes. There were a few exaggerated shrieks but we were kept dry and very entertained!
Mother nature has formed steep cliff faces over a period up to 4.5 million year A number of layers built up over that time, so that, plus substantial earthquakes (pre-human era) have lifted the cliffs out of the ocean.
After about 1.5 hours we finally reached the “tractor parking” area near the Cape. There is a Doc (Department of Conversation) shelter and fresh water facilities. Most fellow travellers bought their own food for a picnic lunch. We had about 1.5 hours to explore the area.
Following a steep walk toward the actual Cape Kidnappers Gannet colony takes about 30 minute walk one-way. It’s a glorious April day and Michael’s very keen to meet those birds!
And it seems they’re expecting him. It’s heartening to see my fellow travellers sitting down and quietly viewing this wildlife scene with the respect it deserves. What a special memory they’ll take away.Beautiful scenery here folks. It’s wild and tame at the same time; a combination of blue ocean, paddocks and limestone cliffs.
The tour usually returns on the same route it started but Michael, intrepid explorer that he is, decided to walk 10 kilometres from the Gannet colony to Clifton Bay. He’d seen a number of walkers doing this return trip on foot and thought it would be fun. It was a lovely, easy walk along the grand cliffs and pass gentle rolling surf. At some point the shoes had to be removed to negotiate through shallow water, but he considered it all part of the experience.
After many years of having the Cape Kidnappers Gannet colony on our “bucket list” I am very happy with this experience. It refreshes the spirits and for nature lovers, very enriching. On a warm day, it’s the ideal way to explore this beautiful part of the Hawkes Bay region. Time to rest up Michael.
Happy Travelling.
