Cape Kidnappers

Cape Kidnappers is an extraordinary sandstone headland to the east of Hastings in Hawke's Bay. It was named by Captain Cook after an attempt by local Mäori to abduct one of his crew.

The cape is home to the largest and most accessible gannet colony in the world. The 13 hectare reserve includes the Saddle and Black Reef gannet colonies. Both are closed to public access, however the Black Reef colony can be viewed from the beach. There are several ways to get to the gannet colony - on foot, sitting on a tractor trailer, in a 4WD vehicle or by kayak.

The Australasian Gannet is a member of the booby family, which includes shags, pelicans and frigate birds. Adult Australasian gannets have a wing span of up to two metres and an average weight of two kilograms. Although ungainly on land, gannets are exceptional flyers and conduct spectacular high dives into the sea to catch fish. They nest over summer; the first chicks hatch in early November and the last chicks depart the colony during May.

The other major attraction at Cape Kidnappers is the golf course. Designed by American Tom Doak, the course makes the most of the breathtaking natural landscape. The sixth hole is widely regarded to be one of the great golf holes of the world.

Mahia Peninsula and Scenic Reserve

The Mahia Peninsula is a hilly promontory projecting south into the sea, between Poverty Bay and Hawke’s Bay. According to Maori legend, Mahia Peninsula is Te matau a Maui - the fish-hook of Maui.

The peninsula has a number of beautiful beaches and peaceful holiday villages and is a natural playground for people who like to surf, fish, dive, kayak and swim. It has an interesting mix of sandy and rocky beaches – some exposed to the ocean swells, others beautifully sheltered.

Discover the black sand of Black’s Beach and the tranquillity of Poutama and Mahia Beaches. If you want to catch some waves, Mahanga Beach and The Reefs are great destinations.

Make time for a walk in the Mahia Peninsula Scenic Reserve, one of the largest areas of lowland coastal forest in Eastland. This 374 hectare (935 acre) reserve is one of the last large tracts of lowland coastal forest remaining on the North Island’s east coast. A 3.5 kilometre track takes walkers through a range of different types of native vegetation – tawa, kohekohe, rewarewa, karaka, rimu, matai and kahikatea. You need to allow about two hours to complete the loop. The track is steep in places, but you can enjoy a rest in the picnic area which is nestled amongst stands of nikau, rimu and rewarewa - a lovely way to escape the sun for a couple of hours.

A special place of interest on the eastern side of the peninsula is Piko O Te Rangi, or Coronation Reserve. Within the reserve is a rock with a naturally formed basin. In early settlement times, it was used as a font when Maori were baptised into the Christian faith by Bishop William Williams. A hole in the wall of rocks nearby is believed to have been used to store bibles.

The longest place name in New Zealand

Near Porangahau in Hawke’s Bay is an unassuming hill known as ""Taumata whakatangi hangakoauau o tamatea turi pukakapiki maunga horo nuku pokai whenua kitanatahu"", which translates into English as ""the place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as 'landeater’, played his flute to his loved one."" Locals simply call it Taumata Hill.

Tamatea was a famous chief and warrior. One day, while travelling through the back of Porangahau, he encountered another tribe and had to fight them to get past. During the fight his brother was killed. Tamatea was so grieved over the loss of his brother that he stayed at the battle site for some days. Each morning he would sit on the hill and play a lament on what is called the koauau or Maori flute.

You can find the hill by driving south from Waipukurau for about 55 kilometres, turn right onto Wimbledon Road. A sign displaying the name is situated about five kilometres along this road. It’s a great photo opportunity. The hill is on private land, so permission is required before you can walk to it. Enquire at the Napier Visitor Information Centre.