Last updated July 2026
The Clifton to Cape Kidnappers Coastal Walk is a challenging beach route along the Hawke’s Bay coastline near Hastings, New Zealand. This trail follows the shore beneath towering cliffs to reach the Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui Gannet Reserve, home to the world’s largest and most accessible mainland Australasian gannet colony. The walk is only possible at low tide due to the risk of being cut off by rising water and frequent landslides and rockfalls from the unstable cliffs. Visitors must check current tide times and safety alerts before attempting the route, which DOC rates as expert level because of the significant natural hazards.
Practical Information
| Location | Clifton, 18 km east of Hastings and 21 km south of Napier |
| Distance | Approximately 19 km return (9.5 km one way to the colony area) |
| Duration | 5 hours return |
| Difficulty | Expert (high landslide and rockfall risk) |
| Access | Beach route only at low tide; check NIWA or MetService tide tables |
| Best time | Early November to late February for gannet viewing |
| Facilities | Car park, café and motor camp at Clifton trailhead; none on the beach |
| Fees | Free for the beach walk; guided tours available at extra cost |
| Dogs | Not permitted |
About Clifton to Cape Kidnappers Coastal Walk
The Clifton to Cape Kidnappers Coastal Walk starts at the end of Clifton Road and follows the beach for roughly 7.5 km to Black Reef, the first gannet nesting site. A steep, rough 1 km climb then leads to a viewpoint for the main Plateau colony. The route passes dramatic sandstone, mudstone and conglomerate cliffs that reveal layers of gravel, pumice and fossils shaped by ancient river and volcanic activity.
The area holds deep cultural significance. According to Māori tradition, the cape formed from the jawbone hook used by Maui to fish up the North Island. Captain Cook named the cape in 1769 after an incident involving local Māori and a Tahitian boy during his visit to the region.
The reserve protects around 6,500 pairs of Australasian gannets/takapu, the largest mainland colony in the world. Nesting begins in mid-September, with chicks hatching from early November and fledging by May. The DOC track to the Plateau colony closes each year from July until the week before Labour Weekend to reduce disturbance to returning birds.
Hastings District Council and DOC jointly manage the site. Temporary fencing marks some erosion drop-offs, and visitors must stay well clear of the cliffs, avoid stopping on the beach, and report any fresh rockfalls. Commercial overland tractor tours provide a lower-risk alternative for reaching the gannet colony.
Tide Timing and Safety
The beach route can only be walked safely around low tide. Recommended departure from Clifton is at least 2.5 hours before low tide, with return from the cape no later than 1.5 hours after low tide. High tides and big seas regularly block sections of the beach. Hastings District Council monitors landslide risk and may close the beach after heavy rain, earthquakes or new rockfall activity.
Key hazards include unpredictable landslides and rockfalls that have caused serious injuries in the past. Walkers should spend minimal time on the beach, keep distance from the cliffs, and carry a communication device, head torch, sturdy footwear, water and weather protection. The route is managed to tramping standard with no formed track on the beach section.
Wildlife and Viewing the Gannet Colony
The gannet colony offers close views of nesting birds between early November and late February. Visitors must remain behind barriers or at least five metres from the birds and avoid loud noises or sudden movements. Other seabirds such as white-fronted terns, variable oystercatchers and little blue penguins also frequent the area, while offshore reefs support diverse marine life.
Dogs, horses, motorbikes and vehicles are prohibited in the reserve. Fires and camping are not permitted. The best viewing occurs at the Plateau colony on private land, reached either by the beach climb or by commercial tour.
History and Geology
The towering cliffs expose a geological record of sandstone, conglomerate, river gravels and pumice laid down over millions of years. Coastal erosion continues to reshape the landscape, contributing to the landslide risk. The site lies within the Cape to City restoration project, which aims to support native species across the Hawke’s Bay landscape.
What Visitors Often Say
Walkers describe the dramatic cliffs and close-up gannet views as spectacular, but stress that the route feels remote and risky. Many recommend checking tides meticulously and allowing extra time, while others prefer guided tractor tours to avoid the beach hazards altogether.
Reviewers note the trailhead facilities at Clifton are convenient and appreciate the free access, but warn that conditions can change quickly with weather or recent rockfalls. Several mention the steep final climb to the viewpoint as rewarding yet demanding.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Official safety alerts, tide guidance and reserve rules for the gannet colony.
Hastings District Council: Current beach access updates and landslide monitoring information.
NIWA Tide Forecaster: Precise low-tide times for Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Clifton to Cape Kidnappers walk currently open?
Access can change at short notice due to landslides or rockfalls. Always check the latest safety alert on the DOC website and Hastings District Council updates before travelling.
How far is it from Hastings?
The trailhead at Clifton is approximately 18 km east of Hastings, a short drive of around 20–25 minutes.
Are dogs allowed on the walk?
No, dogs are not permitted anywhere in the Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui Gannet Reserve to protect the nesting birds.
What is the best time to see the gannets?
Early November through late February offers the best viewing when most birds are nesting and chicks are present.
Is there a fee for the beach walk?
The beach route from Clifton is free. Commercial overland tours to the colony charge a fee.
Are there toilets on the trail?
No facilities exist along the beach. Toilets are available at the Clifton trailhead only.
Can I camp at Cape Kidnappers?
Camping and fires are prohibited in the reserve. The nearby Clifton Motor Camp provides accommodation options at the trailhead.
What should I take?
Sturdy footwear, plenty of water, weatherproof clothing, sunscreen, a hat, head torch and a communication device are essential. Check the tide timetable and current safety alerts before departure.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.