Australasian Gannet

Tākapu is a large white seabird that plunge-dives head-first for fish from heights above the sea. Adults are white with a golden head, black flight feathers and a long blue-grey bill; juveniles are speckled dark brown and white.

Colonies include Cape Kidnappers, Muriwai, Farewell Spit and offshore islands, with birds feeding widely around both main islands. Tākapu fold their wings and strike the water at speed for schooling fish; pairs raise one chick on a closely packed ground nest.

Australasian gannet is Not Threatened (NZ Threat Classification). Fishing gear, plastic, disease and disturbance cause local mortality. Cape Kidnappers and Muriwai provide accessible colony viewing, while coastal boats see feeding birds throughout much of New Zealand.