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Clifton, Te Awanga
19 km
5 hours
100 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you’re looking for a hike that perfectly captures the rugged, raw beauty of the Hawke’s Bay coastline, look no further than the Cape Kidnappers Track. This isn't your average bush walk; it’s an epic 19-kilometre coastal pilgrimage that takes you along the base of towering cliffs to the world’s largest accessible mainland gannet colony.
Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your backyard or a tourist seeking that iconic New Zealand "big sky" experience, this trail delivers in spades. However, it’s a hike that demands respect. With a "hard" difficulty rating due to its length and the logistical challenge of the tides, it’s a journey for those who are fit, prepared, and ready for a bit of an adventure.
The journey begins at the end of the road in Clifton, just past Te Awanga. From the moment you step onto the beach, the scale of the landscape hits you. To your right, the Pacific Ocean stretches infinitely toward the horizon; to your left, the massive, stratified cliffs of sandstone and mudstone rise like ancient fortress walls.
The terrain for the majority of the 19km return trip is the beach itself. This is a mix of hard-packed sand, loose shingle, and occasional rocky patches. While the elevation gain is a modest 100 metres, don't let that fool you—walking 19 kilometres on shifting beach surfaces is a serious workout for the calves and ankles.
As you trek towards the Cape, you’ll feel incredibly small beneath those towering cliffs. They tell a story of millions of years of geological upheaval, with visible layers of fossils and sediment. About 7km in, you’ll reach Black Reef. Here, the first of the gannet colonies comes into view, with birds nesting on the flat rocks just offshore.
The final "sting in the tail" is a short but steep climb that leaves the beach and winds up to the plateau. This is where your 100m of elevation gain happens. Once you reach the top, the reward is immediate: panoramic views across the entire sweep of Hawke’s Bay, from Mahia Peninsula in the north to the rugged range behind you.
The undisputed crown jewel of this hike is the Australasian Gannet colony. Seeing these birds up close is a world-class wildlife experience. At the Plateau colony, you are just metres away from thousands of birds. Watching them perform their "sky-pointing" courtship rituals or seeing a parent return from the ocean to feed a fluffy chick is something you won't soon forget.
Free public parking is available at the end of Clifton Road in Clifton, near the Clifton Motor Camp and Hygge at Clifton Bay cafe, which serves as the trailhead.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Morus serrator
These impressive large seabirds are renowned for their spectacular plunge-diving technique, hitting the water at high speeds to catch fish.
Best time: Spring-Autumn
Larus dominicanus
A large, robust gull species commonly found along New Zealand's coastlines, distinguishable by its dark back and powerful bill.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
100m away
A delightful beachside cafe right at the trailhead, known for its local, ethical, and organic menu, family-friendly atmosphere, and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Cape Kidnappers.
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Out and back
Beyond the birds, the geology of the cliffs is a major drawcard. Look closely at the fallen rocks near Black Reef (but don't linger too long under the cliff face!) to find fossilised shells embedded in the stone. These are remnants of an ancient seabed, thrust upward by tectonic forces.
For the photographers, the stratified cliff faces provide a dramatic backdrop. The way the light hits the pale mudstone during the "golden hour" creates a glow that is simply spectacular. And of course, the view from the Cape Kidnappers Lighthouse area offers a 360-degree perspective of the Pacific that makes the long walk entirely worth it.
Finding the trailhead is straightforward. Head to the coastal settlement of Clifton, which is about a 25-minute drive from Napier or Hastings. Follow Clifton Road all the way to the end.
There is a large, free public parking area located near the Clifton Motor Camp. This area serves as the gateway to the walk. You’ll find information signs here detailing the current tide times—pay close attention to these! The trailhead begins right on the beach in front of the Hygge at Clifton Bay cafe.
While the Australasian Gannet (tākapu) is the star of the show, they aren't the only residents. Between September and April, the colony is a hive of activity. You’ll see them dive-bombing into the ocean at incredible speeds to catch fish, a display of precision and power that is mesmerising to watch.
Note: Because this is a sensitive wildlife sanctuary, dogs are strictly prohibited. The presence of dogs, even on a lead, can cause significant distress to the nesting birds.
A Note on Rockfall: The cliffs are beautiful but unstable. Do not stop for breaks or picnics directly under the cliffs. Landslides can happen at any time without warning. Stay as close to the water’s edge as safely possible while walking.
The Cape is known to Māori as Te Kauwae-a-Māui (The Fishhook of Māui). According to legend, the cape represents the hook used by the demigod Māui to pull the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) from the sea.
Its English name, Cape Kidnappers, was bestowed by Captain James Cook in 1769. The story goes that local Māori attempted to kidnap a Tahitian cabin boy from Cook’s ship, the Endeavour. While the boy eventually escaped back to the ship, the name stuck as a reminder of that early, tense encounter between two worlds.
Today, the area is a mix of private land (the famous Cape Kidnappers Station and golf course) and public reserve. The gannet colony is managed by the Department of Conservation, and it remains a shining example of how wildlife can thrive on the mainland when protected.
After five hours on your feet, you’re going to be hungry! Luckily, the Te Awanga area is a bit of a foodie heaven.
The Cape Kidnappers Track is a "bucket list" New Zealand hike. It’s a physical challenge that rewards you with prehistoric landscapes and an intimate look at one of nature's most fascinating birds. Just remember: check the tides, keep your distance from the cliffs, and enjoy the rhythm of the ocean as you walk the edge of the world.
Tadorna variegata
Large, colourful duck endemic to New Zealand. Males have dark plumage; females have white heads and chestnut bodies.
Best time: Year-round
Circus approximans
New Zealand's largest bird of prey, the kāhu (Swamp Harrier) is often seen soaring slowly over open country, wetlands, and farmlands.
Best time: Year-round
Microcarbo melanoleucos brevirostris
Little shags are commonly found along the Nelson coastline, including the Boulder Bank, where they forage in both marine and freshwater environments.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
200m away
Located directly at the start of the Cape Kidnappers walk, offering camping facilities and basic amenities for visitors. It's considered the gateway to the gannet colony.
1.5km away
A renowned winery and restaurant in Te Awanga, offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, award-winning Chardonnay and red wines, and a rustic dining experience amidst the vines. Perfect for a post-hike lunch.
1.7km away
A stunning and innovative winery estate on the Te Awanga coast, offering contemporary cuisine, exquisite wines, and breathtaking views over the vineyards, Pacific Ocean, and Cape Kidnappers.