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3 hours 30 minutes
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A unique and exciting exploration to Wellington’s secret coast. With exclusive access through private farmland, we'll take you on a journey to discover Wellington's natural wonders in an area unknown even to many locals. Only 20km from the city, this area will feel like another world.
Travelling in new 4WD Mercedes vehicles, you'll see a working farm with sheep, cows and goats, while enjoying stunning views of the Cook Strait, South Island and Kaikoura Ranges. Once down to sea-level, we’ll meet some much-loved locals – New Zealand Fur Seals. Enjoy morning/afternoon tea while observing these amazing animals as they sunbathe, play, and swim while learning about their history, ecology, and conservation from your friendly and knowledgeable guide. The Seal Coast Safari is a must-do for anyone who loves nature, wildlife, and adventure. Join us and discover one of Wellington’s best-kept secrets!
Route is along rough terrain requiring 4WD. Not suitable for people with neck or back injuries.
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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.
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
Gratuities
Select a pickup point
Pickup included
Pickup included
338 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Darrell B,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
Our tour guide was great! He was very knowledgeable about all the fauna and flora. He had great stories about what we were seeing as well as some fun personal stories. I would recommend this tour as it’s definitely off the beaten track.
Denis D,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
Exciting from the start and knowledgeable guide very accomodating with pick up points and with additional information and if time permits additional sites visited
Tammie A,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
Fantastic! Super comfy ride, small group, fabulous driver/ tour guide. Collected straight from port and option to drop back at ship or city! Absolutely wonderful tour of the countryside, seals in their own habitat and Otari Wilton’s Bush. Tour guide was amazing too! I highly highly recommend this tour!!!
Karen M,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
Hamish was very knowledgeable about Wellington, so we learned quite a bit of history on the way and throughout our specific tour locations. So far, this was the best tour that we have experienced.
Michael C,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
A beautiful day enhanced with gorgeous scenery. We visited New Zealand’s only botanical garden Otari-Wilton’s Bush, dedicated solely to native plants, travelled through Terawhiti Station, and saw sheep, cows and goats, had stunning views across the Cook Strait, Kaikoura Ranges and the South Island. Drove through Project West Wind – a 62 turbine strong wind farm that generates enough electricity to power all the houses in the Wellington region, continued our off road safari to the coast and traversed the rocky, sandy track towards Tongue Point and the colony of native New Zealand Fur Seals and wandered the beach to observe these cute creatures in their natural habitat. A great tour and tour guide!
Kerry M,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
Booked this last minute. Was fantastic. Great stops, great mix of info and stories. The road through the far is quite bumpy…. If you get car sick, take a gravol before hand— well worth it!
Susan R,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
It was a wonderful experience. Graham our driver and guide (exceedingly friendly, professional and knowledgeable) was waiting for us in a nice four wheel drive van (held max of 11 passengers, we had ten) as we exited our cruise ship. We had amazing scenery and views along the way, a short but very pleasant walk through a nature preserve and we visited a beautiful, secluded beach, accessible via a private farm, where we enjoyed fur seals and a cup of tea. So much was packed into the 3.5 hour tour!
Steven S,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
Great tour and guide. The gardens were serene and the windmill farm was amazing to see so close by. The seals are a fantastic site and the views are amazing!
Cynthia A,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
Loved the small group excursion. Binoculars and rain gear provided. We were able to see seals and sea lions up close...great experience! There are some steps and steep inclines, so keep that in mind. Family owned and very good guide.
TROY L,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
The trip, information, scenery and sites were amazing. It was a small intimate group of 3 of us, but our guide Natalie was so informative and gave us a top class experience. Seeing seals in their natural habitat was also stunning. Windy Wellington put on a show with spectacular weather and no clouds or wind at all. I would recommend this tour to anyone wanting private access to see male seals in their own environment.
Operated by Seal Coast Safari