VISITORS TO THE GANNETS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 77, 23 December 1937, Page 7

VISITORS TO THE GANNETS

High Tides Over Holiday Period FACILITIES AVAILABLE For the beuefit of visitors who intend making the delightful trip to Cape Kidnappers (5J miles from Clifton) and the gannets during the Christmas liolidays the t'ollowing time of the high tides may be of interest: — Friday, December 24, 10 a.m.; Saturday (Christmas Day), 10.50 a.m.; Sunday, 11.40 a.m.; Monday (Boxing Day), 12.35 p.ui.; Tuesday, 2.32 P-m. It takes just a little over an hour to reach the Black Reef, which is approximately four miles from Clifton^ and in order lo get round the reef one requires to reach thero at least two liours before high tide. If visitors eo desire thoy can make a start from Clifton, where permits are obtained, at approximately two hours after high tide. The Gannet Board insist that all visitors must have permits, and that tho gannets aro not disturbed at the Black Reef where they are new nesting. nor on the headland v/here there are also quite a narnoer of birds sitting on eggs and with young. There is a trnck leading down, to the main breeding ground, and visitors must keep to this. Tbey can view the birds from the end of this track. Visitors are not allowed to walk among the birds. A rest hut has been erected at the Cape where there is plenty of good fresh water in the tanks, and there is a fireplace wliere one can boil the billy if so desired. The beach near the rest hut is ideal for swimming at low or high tide. and it is free from backwash. Should visitors so desire they can camp at the beach at Clifton, where they will find water and the usnal camping amenities, all of which are free of charge.