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 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.
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
Pickup points
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Options
Seal Coast Safari alternate
Pickup included
Seal Coast Safari
Pickup included
Reviews
305 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The seals were great to...
Scott Z,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The seals were great to see but the drive to get there and the setting that the seals were in was what made the tour special.
Delightful experience!
883naomig,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sandra was very knowledgeable and an excellent driver on some very difficult roads It was a beautiful tour enhanced by having her as our guide
An adventure awaits - beauty west of Wellington- seals; country; coast.
Helen M,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour for those looking for something that is 'off the beaten track'. Not having been to NZ before we were interested in seeing the countryside. This tour certainly gave us that and a bit more! We were driven to across windy narrow mountain roads, with great views. Be prepared for bumps along the way as this tour takes you into the countryside on upgraded gravel roads Highly enjoyable. A great adventure! Sandra, our guide, provided good commentary on the history of Wellington and NZ.
Great tour with awesome views and information
Christine M,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our Guide James was awesome. He took us to the Otari Native Botanic Garden's and Wilton's Bush Preserve. He was very knowledgeable with regards to the plants, trees and animals in the area. He kept giving us information about New Zealand on the drive out to the Seal Colony at the Taputeranga Marine Preserve. All in All it was a very good tour and would highly recommend it to anyone who asked about it.
Absolutely amazing excursion. Soooo many seals & such a great guide.
Lyndon L,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely amazing excursion. Saw so many seals & spent a lot of time viewing them. James, our guide, was also spectacular. Tons of extra info about the area, seals, etc.
Great time!
FarAway28480301121,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marc was our guide and he was great! He was an encyclopedia of information about New Zealand. And his delivery was so interesting and fun to hear. We enjoyed our entire day.
Splendid
Vladislav B,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely beautiful and totally worth it, also Sara is a cool guide. Not only the destination, but the road itself is worth seeing
Lovely Day Trip
Victoria R,,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Chewy (my guide) was pretty great. Lots of knowledge about the area and the history. The day started off a bit rough (apparently the other drive forgot to come get me), but they more than made up for it—I ended up getting a private tour. The farm land they drive you through is beautiful, and the seals are super cute. The wind got intense (Wellington is known for the wind!) so make sure to bring a jacket.
Worth every bump
Brenda S,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The most gorgeous views. I loved that we could go places that those not on a private tour could go on. Bumpy terrain but worth every bump. Wish we could have stayed longer at the beach with the seals. Our tour guide Grant was awesome. Also loved going to the Botanic Garden with native plants and birds.
Amazing guide and amazing...
Zhanna I,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing guide and amazing views. We learned a lot about Wellington and the New Zealand flora and fauna.
From NZ$195.00
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