Clifton

Travel Guide

Cape Kidnappers which includes hiking or walking and a lake or waterhole
Cape Kidnappers which includes tranquil scenes
Cape Kidnappers showing rocky coastline
Cape Kidnappers which includes general coastal views
Cape Kidnappers showing general coastal views and signage
Use this coastal beach reserve as a good jumping-off point to visit the renowned gannet colonies of Cape Kidnappers, a top attraction in Hawke’s Bay.

To see the famous gannets of Cape Kidnappers, start with a visit to Clifton Station, a quiet beach township on conservation land. The simple setup here has a campground, shop, restaurant and bar, all catering to the many visitors who come to walk or ride to the gannet colonies. Beyond the opportunity to gaze at gannets, the area offers swimming, sailing, surfing, kayaking and boating to keep you busy.

If you plan to take the nearly 5-mile (8-kilometer) walk or bike ride along the coast from Clifton to the Cape, park in the lot at the end of Clifton Road. From here, explore one of the world’s biggest and most accessible mainland gannet colonies, set on the cape’s sheer cliffs. Be sure to check tide times before your walk as the path can only be safely followed at low tide. Depart Clifton at least 3 hours after high tide and leave the cape to head back to Clifton no later than 1.5 hours after low tide. Plan on the walk taking about 4 to 5 hours in total.

Appreciate the rolling hills and verdant beauty of Clifton Station with a stay at one of its glamping sites. This is a sophisticated way to combine outdoor living with modern amenities, ranging from a hot bath under the stars to a local wine tasting on the banks of the Maraetotara River.

After walking or cycling the coastal paths, take time to celebrate one of New Zealand’s oldest winemaking establishments, here in the Hawke’s Bay region. Choose from more than 40 wineries near Clifton, specializing in cabernet sauvignon, riesling, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.

Park in the lot in Clifton before following one of the walking paths around Cape Kidnappers. The best gannet viewing is between September and April. Remember to stay away from the cliffs along the beach, as they may be unstable. Alternatively, choose the traditional, family-friendly campground at the end of Clifton Road, next to a sandy beach that’s great at low tide for swimming, kayaking and fishing.

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers

5 out of 5
446 Clifton Road, Te Awanga, Clifton
$1,189 nightly
The price is $1,367 total per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
$1,367 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury lodge in Clifton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Cape Kidnappers Golf Course and Te Awanga ...
10/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Stunning property with excellent service. Cape Kidnappers golf course was unreal. Everything was 10/10"

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2025

Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
Beach Front Motel Napier

Beach Front Motel Napier

4 out of 5
373 Marine Parade, Napier
$61 nightly
The price is $71 total per night from Aug 23 to Aug 24
$71 total
Aug 23 - Aug 24
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach motel in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Marine Parade and National Aquarium of New ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
"Great property"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Beach Front Motel Napier
Kennedy Park Resort

Kennedy Park Resort

2.5 out of 5
11 Storkey St, Napier, Hawke's Bay
$41 nightly
The price is $47 total per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
$47 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified holiday park in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (268 reviews)
"The staff were very helpful on checkin and checkout."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Kennedy Park Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Napier Serviced Apartment

Quest Napier Serviced Apartment

4.5 out of 5
176 Dickens Street, Napier
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (949 reviews)
"Great quiet and right in the centre of Napier!"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Quest Napier Serviced Apartment
The Nautilus Napier

The Nautilus Napier

4 out of 5
387 Marine Parade, Napier
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,927 reviews)
"Great stay."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

The Nautilus Napier
Anchorage Motor Lodge

Anchorage Motor Lodge

4 out of 5
26 West Quay, Napier
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Napier. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions National Tobacco Company Building ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (284 reviews)
"Easy parking in a good area"

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2025

Anchorage Motor Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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