Cape Kidnappers

Cape Kidnappers

The promontory sits at the end of an eight kilometre long peninsula which protrudes into the Pacific Ocean. It was named after an attempt by local Maori to abduct the servant of a member of Captain Cook's crew aboard HMS Endeavour, during a landfall at the cape in 1769. The crew member was a Tahitian accompanying Cook's interpreter Tupaia. Cook described the cape as having steep white cliffs on either side, with two large rocks resembling hay stacks near the headland.

The cape is presently the site of a large Australasian Gannet colony and an 18-hole golf course with farmland bordering the cliffs and shoreline.

At the foot of the cape is Clifton Beach, a small community of caravan owner's and residents who enjoy the shelter from the south and views back toward Napier.  Historic Clifton Station, a cafe, and camping ground are at the foot of the cape and its pebbled beach is a great spot for fishermen, boaties and surfers.