Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui Route: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

This route is along a beach and is subject to landslides and rockfall. It can only be attempted at low tide.

This DOC directory entry covers Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui Route in Hawke's Bay, within Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui Gannet Reserve. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 19 km return via same track
• Walking time: 5 hr return
• DOC grade: Expert

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

• Cape Kidnappers / Te Kauwae-a-Māui farmland Route closed; First published on 13 February 2026. Last reviewed on 24 September 2026.

Seasonal restrictions

This walk is along a beach and can only be attempted during low tide. Don’t get caught out by the tide – leave yourself enough time to return safely by checking the tide timetable. The track from the beach to the plateau gannet colony is closed from July to the week before Labour Weekend each year, to limit disturbance to the returning birds. Labour Weekend dates.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

Follow the beach from Clifton to Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui. This beach is subject to landslides and rockfall. The risk is real and significant and people who choose to travel down the beach are accepting this risk. The walk can only be attempted around low tide, and high tides and big seas will block the beach access.

Temporary orange barrier fencing is in place to manage steep drop offs caused by coastal erosion.

Black Reef is the first gannet nesting site, 7.5 km from Clifton. A 1 km climb takes you from the beach to a benched area on the hill where you can view the second colony. This access is steep and rough, and can be very muddy and slippery.

Getting there

The track starts at Clifton, 21 km south of Napier and 18 km east of Hastings.

Local tourism operators can provide transport to/from the gannet colony if you don't want to walk there along the beach.

Know before you go

When to go

If undertaking the walk, the best time is between early November and late February. Nesting occurs between mid-September and mid-December. The first chicks hatch around the beginning of November and the last chicks migrate to Australia in May.

The track from the beach to the plateau gannet colony is closed from July to the week before Labour Weekend each year, to limit disturbance to the returning birds.

What to expect

• Change in elevation: +/- 100 m

Landslides and rockfalls

The geology of the cliffs at Cape Kidnappers influences the nature and frequency of landslides. The type of landslides at this beach can’t be predicted. Although there are some events that make them more likely to happen – such as earthquakes or rain – there is no obvious trigger for many of the landslides.

Serious landslides and rockfalls have injured people in the past. Do not attempt to climb the cliffs. Spend as little time as possible on the beach to reduce the risks, and do not stop or picnic here.

A significant landslide seriously injured two tourists in January 2019, and another large landslide occurred in February 2020 leading to closure of the beach.

If you are not comfortable taking on high risk adventures, this is not the trip for you. There is an alternative way of visiting the plateau gannet colony using an overland commercial operator.

Avoid high tides

This walk is along a beach and can only be attempted during low tide. Ensure you check the tide timetable and leave yourself enough time to return safely. It's best to:

• departing from Clifton to the Cape: leave at least 2 hours 30 minutes before low tide

• returning from the Cape to Clifton: leave the Cape no later than 1 hour 30 minutes after low tide.

Cape Kidnappers/Te Kauwae-a-Māui tide timetable

Occasionally, high tides and big seas block access along the beach.

Amenities

• The DOC track at the end of the beach is tramping standard.

Ensure you take:

• plenty of drinking water

• a water/windproof jacket, a hat and gloves, sunscreen and wear warm, layered clothing

• sturdy footwear such as tramping boots

• head torch

• communication device.

Tsunami risk

This area is susceptible to tsunami. If a siren sounds or a tsunami alert is received move to higher ground and stay away from the coast until the risk or alert period is over.

How to pack for a day walk

Learn more about preparing for a day walk in the Day walks guide: English | Français | Español | Deutsch

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.