Cape Kidnappers

This headland on the east coast of the North Island is located 20 kilometres southeast of Napier city. Cape Kidnappers is situated at the end of an 8km peninsula and is the site of the largest and most accessible gannet colony in the world. An internationally renowned golf course is also situated on the Cape.

Administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC), this area presents a special, up close opportunity to observe the Gannet in its natural environment as well as take in the scenery and coastline.

It is named after an incident in1769 during Captain James Cook's first voyage when an attempt was made to trade with the occupants of an armed canoe. Tiata, the Tahitian servant of Tupia, Cook's interpreter, was seized by the Māoris and escaped by jumping into the sea when the canoe was fired on. The cape was named to commemorate the event.

The Maori name for Cape Kidnappers is Mataupo Maui, the fish hook of Maui.

Image: NASA World Wind composite satellite image showing Napier, Hastings, and Cape Kidnappers.