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Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast

Offered by Seal Coast Safari

From

$195.00 per person

4.9 (331 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Small group 4WD tour from Wellington to Otari-Wilton’s Bush, Terawhiti Station and Tongue Point, with native forest, farm views and fur seals.

Tour Overview

This small group 4WD tour heads just 20km from the city to Wellington’s south coast, combining native forest, working farmland and coastal wildlife in one route. Travel is in a Mercedes 4WD and follows rough terrain, so it is not suitable for people with neck or back injuries.

The journey begins at Otari-Wilton’s Bush, a 100-hectare area of ancient and regenerating forest, and New Zealand’s only botanical garden dedicated solely to native plants. From the skybridge, you look out across the canopy while your guide introduces some of the native flora and fauna found here, including birds such as tui, kaka, kakariki and kereru.

From there, the tour continues through private access at Terawhiti Station, one of New Zealand’s oldest and largest stations. The drive passes sheep, cows and goats before climbing to broad views across Cook Strait, the Kaikoura Ranges and the South Island. You also follow the ridgeline road built for Project West Wind, a 62-turbine wind farm.

On the descent to the coast, you may spot Karori Rock Lighthouse, known as the leaning lighthouse. The final stop is Tongue Point, where New Zealand fur seals rest, play and swim along the rocky shoreline. With light refreshments provided, there is time to watch the seals from a safe distance and hear about their history, ecology and conservation.

What's Included

  • Proud partner of the Capital Kiwi conservation project
  • Exclusive access to private farmland with stunning views
  • See Wellington's hidden gems that even most locals don't know about
  • Pick up and drop off available direct from cruise ships - we've never missed a drop off
  • Travel in style and comfort with our new fleet of 4WD Mercedes
  • NZ Fur Seals in their stunning natural environment
  • Owned and operated by passionate nature lovers

Not Included:

  • Gratuities

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Otari-Wilton's Bush Native Botanic Garden

    We begin our journey at Otari-Wilton’s Bush - one hundred hectares of ancient and regenerating forest and New Zealand’s only botanical garden dedicated solely to native plants. Designated a six-star Garden of International Significance by the New Zealand’s Gardens Trust of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, Otari-Wilton’s Bush allows us to introduce you to what the landscape of New Zealand was like for early Maori and European settlers. Walking across the skybridge, you will be treated to views across the canopy while your friendly and knowledgeable guide introduces you to some of the unique flora and fauna endemic to this country and the challenges they have faced to survive. We regularly see beautiful native bird species like Tui, Kaka, Kakariki, Kereru and, occasionally, Karearea, all of which were extinct or endangered in the Wellington region only 25 years ago.

    30 minutes

    Admission: Included

  2. 2

    Terawhiti Station

    Next, we carry on through the suburbs and towards the south coast. Turning off the main road, we utilise our private access through Terawhiti Station, one of the oldest and largest stations in New Zealand. We’ll likely see sheep, cows and goats on the drive up the hill, before being treated to stunning views across the Cook Strait, Kaikoura Ranges and the South Island once we reach the top. We then follow the ridgeline road that was created for the imposing Project West Wind – a 62 turbine strong wind farm that generates enough electricity to power all the houses in the Wellington region. This city is known as Windy Welly for a reason! Your guide will explain how this collaboration was essential in keeping the farming operation going in what are challenging and harsh conditions and added another chapter to the long, storied history of Terawhiti.

    1 hour 30 minutes

    Admission: Included

  3. 3

    Cape Terawhiti

    Once we begin the descent towards sea-level, appearing in the distance will be the Karori rock lighthouse, which is more commonly known as the ‘leaning lighthouse’. Built in 1915 following the sinking of the SS Penguin, the decommissioned 19m tall tower was one of New Zealand's first automated lighthouses and, yes, it does lean! You’ll see this for yourself once we reach the coast and traverse the rocky, sandy track towards Tongue Point and the colony of native New Zealand Fur Seals. Upon arrival, we’ll exit the vehicle and wander the beach to observe these cute creatures in their natural habitat as they sunbathe, play and swim. Staying at a safe distance [for their safety and ours], your guide will talk about the history, ecology and conservation which has allowed their numbers to flourish once again. We’ll also treat you to some light refreshments as you take photos and watch the ferries crossing between New Zealand’s main two islands.

    1 hour

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

Please select your preferred pickup location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

Be aware that pick up may be arranged up to 15mins before the scheduled departure time. This will be communicated to you 24-48 hours before your tour. Please be ready at the main entrance of your hotel unless otherwise informed - some hotel pick ups will involve meeting a few meters away so we can stop safely. ...

Important Information

Thanks for booking with Seal Coast Safari. We're excited to take you on tour! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at bookings@wtgl.nz

Additional Info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Not recommended for travelers with neck problems

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.