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

Overview

Available languages

English

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 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.

30 minutes • Admission Included

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

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

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