Cape Kidnappers

 We anchored under Cape Kidnappers for rest stop before continuing north.  The passage from Wellington had constant winds about 35 knots with gusts up to 45 so we were ready for a break.  The Cape would not normally be a good anchorage but because of the strong southerly winds and ocean swells its orientation and high cliffs provided us good clam shelter.

We took a very good hike along the beach east around the point and then up to the top of the cliffs.  There were great views from the cliff top which was also the site of one of the worlds largest gannet colonies.  The breading season for gannets was almost finished so there were only a few chicks left in the colony.

The start of our hike along the beach below the cliffs

The cliffs looking west

True North anchored behind Cape Kidnappers 

We spotted an octopus in the shallows while walking along the beach

The view towards the cape from the start of our hike

We reached the cape before climbing up to the cliff top

One of the few gannet chicks still at the nesting site

A view of the end of Cape Kidnappers from the cliff top

One of the challenges which came with hiking along the beach was that the beach was completely under water at high tide.  We needed to time our hike so we beat the incoming tide to get back to the dinghy.  Our return walk required us to dodge the waves while going around some rocky points but we arrived safely back at the dinghy while there was still some beach above water.


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