New Zealand North Island Exclusive 13 Day Package

Take a 15 minute private launch excursion to the natural hot springs of Lake Tarawera. Best accessed pre breakfast, - enjoy soaking in thermal waters rising gently through the lake bed as the morning sun filters through native bush.

This half day experience starts with a short speedboat trip to the trout laden Tarawera outlet stream, - the starting point for the scenic hike to the Tarawera Falls. The stream is the outlet for several lakes and eventually heads underground to emerge later as a spectacular 200 foot high waterfall.  Walk through native bush alive, rest at swimming holes along the way and indulge in a picnic lunch to the rhythmic background of cascading waters. Return transfers included.

Departing from Solitaire Lodge’s Jetty, John Hamill’s generous Catamaran takes you on a private lake excursion jigging and trolling to proven fishing grounds. Lake Tarawera boasts the largest water volume in the Lakes District, at an average of 200ft deep, catching 4 to 5 pound trout is a regular occurrence, the excitement of which is only matched by the lure of the chase, and the enjoyment of fresh trout prepared for you by our Chef.

Take the lush forestry trail past Rotokakahi (Green) Lake, Tikitapu (Blue) Lake and untouched forests to meet the geo-thermal cycle trail. Highlights along the route include a natural hot stream for soaking, Rainbow Mountain (a smoldering mountain of coloured earth), the Waimangu and Wai O Tapu valleys with steaming and multi coloured lakes. Thermal bathing is available at Waikite pools where you will be collected for return to the Lodge.

Whether it is a twenty-minute stroll, an early morning jog or a two-hour walk, Cape Kidnappers delivers. Jog or walk along Trigg Road with its truly amazing views of Ocean Beach and Bare Island; head back to the Rough Block and down into an old creek bed to discover rejuvenating native bush; or capture inspirational images of the coastline by walking down and through the pines towards a historic Maori Pa site for views right out across the Pacific.

Enjoy this stunning setting while playing our top New Zealand golf course, designed by the legendary golf architect Tom Doak. The par 71 golf course measures 7,119 yards (6,510 meters) and will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Completed in 2004, Cape Kidnappers has been hailed as one of the great modern marvels in golf and is currently ranked the 38th best golf course in the world by Golf Magazine.

With an abundance of secluded and picturesque locations on property, you could spend a lifetime picnicking at Cape Kidnappers. So whether you wish to walk or be delivered, why not experience the station with one of our gourmet picnic hampers and a glass of Hawke’s Bay wine in tow?

Deep within rugged ravines, glance away from the horizon and bring your focus in for a spot of Clay Bird Shooting. Stand near the mighty cliff edge and fire at targets as they are launched over the Pacific Ocean. Firearms are provided for this experience, all you need to bring is your hand / eye coordination!

Horse riding is the best way to soak up the atmosphere of Cape Kidnappers Station

You will take the reins of a gentle, well-trained horse and head out across the vast 6,000 acre station.

See all that Cape Kidnappers has to offer with rolling hills, deep ravines and expansive views both across the Pacific Ocean and out over thousands of acres of working farmland.

Your guide will choose a horse and trail that best matches your size and ability before you head out to explore the countryside or pick your way through rejuvenating native bush. Take a picnic lunch and you will be sure to find a sublime spot where you can dismount and relax before continuing your cross-country trek.

Horseback is a wonderful way to visit the Cape Kidnappers Black Reef gannet colony, and see the life and workings of this rugged coastal sheep and beef station.

Largely inaccessible to regular vehicles, Cape Kidnappers is best explored by Can-Am. Discover this rugged terrain with a personal guide as you travel to the very edges of this vast coastal property. Breathe in the southward views towards Ocean Beach and Bare Island before turning back to unrivalled vistas across the entire farm towards Napier and the surrounding ranges; venture through an old creek bed, across expansive farmland and down to historic Rangaika Beach. Ideal for all age groups and fitness levels, this tour is an absolute highlight.

Hit the tracks and explore our 6,000 acre property by mountain bike. Cape Kidnappers has men’s, women’s and children’s bikes available for use.

An experience like no other and exclusive to guests of Cape Kidnappers, this is your chance to see the rare, endangered kiwi in its own, natural habitat. Venture into the pine forests surrounding the lodge with an experienced guide as they carry out essential monitoring of kiwi chicks.

Assist your guide as they check the kiwi’s radio transmitters, weigh and measure the birds to monitor their wellbeing. Proceeds from this experience go to the Cape Kidnappers’ Sanctuary to ensure the continuation of their work preserving our native species.

Limited to just two groups a day of no more than six guests, this is something many New Zealanders themselves will never have the chance to experience.

Season availability applies for this experience.

Join our shepherd for an introduction to life on a 6,000 acre working sheep and beef farm.

A farm by name and nature, Cape Kidnappers is a spectacularly rugged farmland. The sheer expanse of coastal Cape Kidnappers Station is awe-inspiring, and with rolling hills and river flats that serve as paddocks for sheep and cattle, the farm's Shepherding Experience is not to be missed.

A must-do for our younger guests, prepare to be amazed as you witness the farm dogs muster sheep. Highly-trained, these dogs are key members of the team at Cape Kidnappers Station and children and adults alike are fascinated by this mustering and shearing display.

Sanctuary Experience
Discover the Cape Sanctuary; how it operates, why we need it and its incredible success stories—the kakariki, kaka and tuatara.

New Zealand’s endangered kakariki and kaka are native New Zealand birds that have been reintroduced to the peninsula. Be there when these stunning birds are fed and witness how their wild population now flourishes here.

Meet the ancient tuatara; a “living fossil” that has remained unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs. One of the world’s oldest living species, the tuatara has been reintroduced in to the Cape Sanctuary, which is now one of the only places on the New Zealand mainland where breeding has occurred in the wild for over 200 years.

Our Sanctuary tuatara will come out of their burrow to be fed, allowing guests to see and assist with routine health checks.

Hanging Rock Gorge Walking Tour
One for the true nature lover, this bespoke experience gives you a deeper look at the natural beauty of the Sanctuary.

This bespoke tour begins with a visit to the aviary to see the ancient tuatara and endangered birdlife, before taking a 4WD drive into the heart of the Sanctuary and up a dry river bed for 30 minutes.

From here, continue on foot to the head of the river and a stunning, hidden gorge. During this 2km round trip, your guide will point out native plants, their role in this unique ecosystem, the geology of the area and how Maori people first used the forest.

As native bird call surrounds you, join your guide in bird call, reptile and invertebrate counts, all which play a crucial role in the Sanctuary’s monitoring programme. Enjoy native kawakawa tea refreshments before returning to the lodge.

Bird Tour
Guided by an experienced ornithologist, Cape Kidnappers and Ocean Beach Wildlife Preserve offer a fantastic opportunity to discover the curious and beautiful birdlife of New Zealand. See native pigeons, commonly known as keruru, tui, bellbirds, fantails and grey warblers in a coastal and native forest habitat. If you’re lucky you might also come across oystercatchers and the infamous Australasian gannets.

Cape Kidnappers is home to the largest, most accessible mainland colony of gannets in the world. A part of the Booby family, these birds have incredibly distinct markings and a fascinating migration pattern.

Visit the colony and see gannets nesting in rows, hatchlings learning to fly and adult gannets carrying out their daily routines. The birds are usually in residence from September until early May, when the adult birds depart and their newly hatched chicks take flight to Australia for two years before returning to Cape Kidnappers once more. The Can-Am Tour is a great way to see the colonies or if you are feeling adventurous, take a picnic and venture out toward the colony either on foot or mountain bike.