CAPE KIDNAPPERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2287, 4 September 1908, Page 1

CAPE KIDNAPPERS.

To cycle to Cape Kidnappers, says J. A. A. in the “Scindian, . it is necessary to find out tho state of the tide, because, when it is full in, the beach is completely submerged. By leaving Napier at 9 o’clock (supposing high water is about 8 o clock) Clifton Station can easily be reached in two hours. By this time tho tide will he well out, and the five mile beach to the point .will be quite uncovered. This beach consists of hard sand, and presents a fine surface tor cycling. . . .The first object of interest is a large mass of rock with a liolo through the middle, caused, no doubt, by the sea. From its appearance it has been called tlie “Arcli.’ - This is a convenient place to leave the bicycles, and a walk along the sand brings us to a gully, whence, by a stiff climb, the summit of the lull can bo reached. After a short walk along a wellbeaten track, the gannets’ nesting "■round is reached. These birds are very shy, and immediately fly. away when disturbed. It .is interesting to note that they are protected by tho Government, and some time ago, people were prohibited from visiting the Cape, because some persons, were accused of killing the young birds. It must have been very poor sport. From the summit some fine views can be obtained, and the pinnacles seen from liere make an especially good picture. The camera- enthusiast, provided he is very quiet in his movements, can obtain some fine photos of the gannets. The best timo for such a photograph, however, is in November or December, when they arc nesting. Close to the “Arch” which was mentioned above is a reef stretching a long distance out to sea, and known as the “Black Reef.” It presents a somewhat forbidding appearance. Along the beach almost to Clifton are many other objects of interest. The cliffs themselves would no doubt interest geologists, as the strata are very plainly marked, and in some cases, when they are all of different colors, present an exceedingly pretty appearance. The best time to. set out on the homeward journey is about three o’clock, so as to reach town before dark.

Cape Kidnappers is about twenty miles from town, and a cycle ride to the point proves a very enjoyable outing. Provided that tlio weather is fine, the roads good and the tide favorable, the trip should present no difficulty to the average cyclist.