Download - Audley Travel

Gala apples being grown, Hawke’s BayCape Kidnappers golf courseCape Kidnappers, Hawke’s BayTe Mata Peak, Hawke’s BayThe Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s BayThe Farm at Cape Kidnappers,Hawke’s BayPerched on a private 24 square kilometre farmand surrounded by rolling pasturelands, the mainlodge at The Farm enjoys incredible views outacross the mighty Hawke’s Bay. The lodge itselfhas been designed to resemble the buildings of aworking farm, but at the same time has beenexpertly crafted to provide the best in luxury andcomfort. The lounges and library allow guests tohide away and relax, and excellent cuisine can beenjoyed in the large dining room or conservatoryarea. Activities are plentiful at the lodge; there is agym, a spa, a beautiful outdoor pool area and animpressive wine cellar with its own tasting rooms.There are endless trails for walking or mountainbiking throughout the property, or you can take atour of the farm by 4x4 or quad bike. The lodgeitself sits just above the stunning Cape Kidnapperschampionship golf course. Consistently ranked inthe world’s top 40 courses, a round here is amemorable experience.Cape KidnappersGannet ReserveCape Kidnappers is the largest and mostspectacular mainland nesting place of gannetsin the world. The 6,500 pairs here areAustralasian gannets, one of three species ofgannet which belong to the booby family.With distinctive black eye markings and a palegold crown they are easily recognisable andcan be seen by taking a tractor and trailer tripalong the beach or a comfortable 4x4 drivealong the magnificent cliff edges. The gannetsare truly impressive birds with an averagelifespan of between 25 to 40 years. Youngchicks are given something of a baptism offire however as at 16 weeks old their veryfirst flight is across the Tasman Sea, a 2,800A pair of Australasian gannetsGuided tractor tourkilometre trip. The young birds return twoto three years later and spend most of theirlife around the New Zealand coast. From thecliff tops the birds can be seen preening,surfing the wind currents and performingtheir unique ritual dance of recognition.Along the cliffs and sand dunes you may alsobe able to spot the white-fronted tern,variable oystercatcher and reef heron, whilealong the shore and rocks you might noticethe distinctive fringed tubes built by sandmason worms.www.audleytravel.com/newzealand l 01993 838 820 l North Island 29