Wed, Jun 4th 2008, 00:00
Cape Kidnappers is a prime viewing territory for the fascinating bird species, the Gannet.
Cape Kidnappers lies at the southern end of Hawkes Bay 20 kilometres southeast of the city of Napier on New Zealand North Island.
The name Cape Kidnappers was given to the piece of land jutting out at the south end of Hawkes Bay by Captain Cook when he sailed into the bay to trade with the local Maori. His Tahitian assistant was in the boat and the Maori, believing him to be a prisoner, seized the boy and took him in their canoe. The European sailors fired on the Maori and the Tahitian boy managed to jump overboard and get back to the ship.
The Maori know the area as Mataupo Maui, the fish hook of Maui. According to their legends, New Zealand North Island is a giant fish caught by the hero Maui. The hook of land at Cape Kidnappers resembles the hook he used.
Cape Kidnappers is most famous for its huge colony of gannets who nest here. These black and white seabirds are spectacular divers, plunging into the water from a dizzy height to catch fish and squid. There are over 2,200 breeding pairs at Cape Kidnappers and the area is alive with their calls and elaborate greeting rituals.
The area is good for walking and geology enthusiasts will enjoy the stratified rock beds along the way. The beach is a beachcombers delight and bird lovers can not only visit the gannet colony, but see the black-backed gulls and pigeons nesting on the sheer cliffs. Camping and caravanning facilities are available nearby.
The Cape Kidnappers Golf Course can also be found nearby, one of over 20 golf courses in the Hawkes Bay region.
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