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
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
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
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
348 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This tour is a MUST when visiting Wellington!
Maree K,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00So grateful to our guide who was friendly, passionate and knowledgeable of the environment, seals and NZ. You are taken to exclusive and spectacular areas of south Wellington Coastline, not accessible to the public. Thank you, the tour was the highlight of my Wellington trip!
unique experience
Melanie t,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00if you’re keen for an experience away from touristy crowds and to see seals in their natural habitat - highly recommend this tour. not rushed, plenty of time to enjoy and some of the most amazing scenery on private land.
Kids loved the seals
Karmen S,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Plenty of driving but the transportation is awesome. Guide was very knowledgeable and informative. Natalie was great.
It was a fun filled...
Sally A,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a fun filled afternoon with Andy. The drive out to the beach was quite amazing, from the hill top to the beach we enjoyed beautiful scenery. The goats were good fun to watch as we traveled out to the beach. The seals were quite enjoyable as they rested on the beach. It was a beautiful day to be out in nature!!
Rock Sausages
477tym,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour guide was very knowledgeable and showed us alot of sights and scenes that aren't common knowledge. If you have the time, allow for 4 hours incase you go over. It's well worth it! Thanks so much for the experience, scenery and of course the lovely rock sausages.
It is TOP. Do not miss...
Alexandra Q,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is TOP. Do not miss this experience. Great guide, beautiful views and a very different experience to see the seals.
Fun, informative and...
Clair J,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun, informative and glorious views of the countryside. Great first stop off at Otari Wilton’s native bush, followed by a picturesque drive up through the Wind Turbines on the Terawhiti farm - keep a look out for all the animals hanging out on the mountains and in the sky - and then down to the seals ❤️ Bus is comfy but bring a jacket to keep out the cool wind for looking at the seals.
Sketchy
Philip M,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Late driver, driver was not exactly safe and the 4 wheel drive van had bald tires on the rear axle. Driver was nice and knowledgeable. Would not use this tour company again because of safety concerns of mine.
Great, successful excursion!!!
Laurie S,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Hamish was very knowledgeable, personable, and good driver. He communicated well and made sure we saw and understood what we were seeing. He was great!
Fun in the rain and sun
Ceilings,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience, picked up from hotel and then an easy drive to the farm (station). When entering you start realizing how large an area it is and the further you go the wind turbines start appearing, not to mention the cows and sheep in the middle of the track (very entertaining) When you start descending you start seeing the beach and the home of the fur seals. Yes, there are many of them and as you are in there habitat you must keep a safe distance! You get plenty of time to view them and we even had a coffee and biscuit, what more can you ask for? Highly recommend this trip if you want to do something different.
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