Seal Coast Safari - Exclusive access to Wellington's secret coast
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
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.
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
Gratuities
What To Expect
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.
Options
Seal Coast Safari alternate
Pickup included
Seal Coast Safari
Pickup included
Reviews
260 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
Karen B,
Jun 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00Good trip to see the seals guide was excellent and very knowledgeable and very friendly. Would recommend
Don't miss this experience!
Laura S,
Jun 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00This experience was amazing!! Our tour guide Chewy was so accommodating, interesting and enthusiastic. You get so close to seals and see amazing landscapes. It is so worth it!
Leave the driving to them and just enjoy this tour!
John P,
May 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00We decided to book this tour from a recommendation from another family on the LOTD WĒTĀ tour. As the same tour company runs this fur seal tour, we knew it would be good…and it did not disappoint! We even got our same guide, Grant, from the LOTD tour. We started at a botanical garden and he expertly pointed out flora, fauna, trees and all the birds we encountered. He was a wealth of knowledge. We then traveled to a private farm where we experienced the high ridge of the valley above Wellington along side the towering windmills. Then we descended down roads I’m so glad we had a guide driving. We were going to try this ourselves but trust me, leave the driving to these guys!!! It was a 4x4 adventure for sure. Down we went to the shore and were met but tons of seals and awesome views. We pent plenty of time getting pics and videos and were treated to a nice snack on the beach. So many sights of the countryside and just great New Zealand beauty. Our guide, Grant, shared so many neat facts and shared history at every turn. Wanderlust does an amazing job!
See the seals -
Nancy P,
Apr 14, 2025
- Viator
4.00Great experience. Tour guide was very knowledgeable. The only thing I would say is that the tour guide should of had enough water for the 7 of us. He only had pop. Also, I wish he would of helped us find and see the seals
Easy, we were picked up...
Michael M,
Apr 11, 2025
- Viator
5.00Easy, we were picked up at the cruise ship at Wellington, went on a tour through Wellington out to the seals and returned in time
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