Gannet Colony, Cape Kidnappers
This journey is a birders' epic. A guided walk with legendary conservationist, volcanic island sanctuary, gannet colony, kiwis at the National Birding Centre and finally a trip to Kapiti Island where you encounter Maori culture and stories whilst visiting this very special island reserve...
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Day 1 - Albany, Auckland
- Stay
- Warblers Retreat
Relax in the 5 acre gardens at Warblers Retreat listening to native birdsong from you outdoor bath.
Day 2 - Albany, Auckland
- Stay
- Warblers Retreat
Get out to Tiritirimatangi Island bird sanctuary, boats leave from Gulf Harbour pier Wednesday to Sunday, or drive to Murawai Beach and visit the gannet colony and the lovely beaches of west Auckland.
Day 3 - Tairua, Eastern Coromandel
- Stay
- Colleith Lodge
The scenic drive from Auckland takes you past Miranda Shorebird Centre before arriving at the seaside town of Tairua. There are 3 good dining options in this little town.
Day 4 - Tairua, Eastern Coromandel
- Stay
- Colleith Lodge
After breakfast at the huge conservatory table looking out to sea, Jan and Doug from Kiwi Dundee will pick you up and take you for a day of discovery. Active conservationists, keen botanists and fountains of knowledge; you will have a great day.
Day 5 - Rotorua, Central Plateau
- Stay
- Koura Lodge
Your drive brings you to Koura Lodge on Rotorua's lakefront. Relax and borrow one of the lodge's kayaks or take in an evening Maori cultural show.
Day 6 - Rotorua, Central Plateau
- Stay
- Koura Lodge
Select either the White Island Tour to explore this active island volcano or Moutohora (Whale Island) Tour - a dormant volcano five nautical miles off Whakatane - is a wildlife sanctuary, providing refuge for endangered birds (including kiwi) and plants.
Return to Koura Lodge.
Day 7 - Napier, Hawke's Bay
Your next stop is Napier, Art Deco capital of New Zealand. Your host will recommend the best restaurants or winery cafes for dinner tonight.
Day 8 - Napier, Hawke's Bay
The Cape Kidnapper Gannet colony is only accessible by minibus or private tour. Get amongst these beautiful birds and share the magnificent views.
Keen golfers may like to fit in a round of golf at Cape Kidnappers Golf Course this afternoon.
Wine lovers may enjoy a Twilight Odessy which is a progressive dinner visiting several Hawkes Bay wineries
Day 9 - Peka Peka Beach, Kapiti Coast
- Stay
- Atahuri Lodge
The drive from Napier to the Kapiti Coast is 3 hours. A 30 minute detour will take you to Pukaha Mt Bruce national wildlife centre where you can see kiwis and other native species such as tuatara, kokako and takahe and conservation in action.
Day 10 - Peka Peka Beach, Kapiti Coast
- Stay
- Atahuri Lodge
Kapiti Island is a very special predator-free island reserve. Strictly limited numbers are allowed on the island each day to encounter native birds and hear Maori stories of the area.
Day 11 - Journey's End
Leave this itinerary in Wellington, either taking a domestic flight, a flight to Australia or the ferry to the South Island.
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At a glance
Duration: 11 days, 10 nights
Connection points:
Auckland airport
Wellington airport or Inter Islander ferry
Activity level: moderate
Best season: October-April
Driving times
Auckland - Tairua: 2 hours
Tairua - Rotorua: 2 1/2 hours
Rotorua - Napier: 2 1/2 hours
Napier - Kapiti Coast: 3 hours
[allow 1 hour to detour via Mt Bruce]
Kapiti Coast - Wellington: 1 hours
Indicative Price from $5,952
Price is for accommodation only and excludes meals, ground or air transport unless stated. Contact one of our Travel Agents or use My Holiday to contact the operators and book direct.
Birds of the North
A birder's paradise
North Island